==============================================================================

======= === =======   ===   ===   ===  ======= ===  === ======= ======= =======
¦     ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦     ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦  \  ¦ ¦  ¦     ¦ ¦ ¦  ¦ ¦ ¦     ¦ ¦     ¦ ¦     ¦
==   == ¦ ¦ ==   ==  ¦   ¦  ¦ ¦ \ ¦ ¦  ¦ === ¦ ¦ ¦  ¦ ¦ ¦  ==== ¦  ==== ==   ==
 ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦    ¦   ¦  ¦ ¦\ \¦ ¦  ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦  ¦ ¦ ¦  ¦    ¦  ¦      ¦ ¦
 ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦  =  ¦ ¦ ¦     ¦  ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦  ¦ ¦ ¦  ==   ¦  ====   ¦ ¦
 ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ \   ¦  ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦  ¦ ¦ ¦   ¦   ¦     ¦   ¦ ¦
 ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦  =  ¦ ¦ ¦     ¦  ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦  ¦ ¦ ¦  ==   ====  ¦   ¦ ¦
 ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦  \  ¦  ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦  ==  ¦ ¦  ¦       ¦  ¦   ¦ ¦
 ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦     ¦  ¦ === ¦ ¦      ¦ ¦  ==== ====  ¦   ¦ ¦
 ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦   \ ¦  ¦     ¦ ¦      ¦ ¦     ¦ ¦     ¦   ¦ ¦
 ===   ===   ===   === === ===    ==  =====\ \ ======  ======= =======   ===
                                            ==

                  -   I.M.M.O.R.T.A.L   T.H.R.O.N.E   -

==============================================================================
                                              Copyright Mister Sinister, 2007
==============================================================================
          This guide is dedicated to my beloved partner, Martyn "Shelfy" Owen
==============================================================================

  CHAPTER 1   - Introduction to the Game
  CHAPTER 2   - Choosing your Character
  CHAPTER 3   - Basic Controls
  CHAPTER 4   - Schools of Training
  CHAPTER 5   - Main Walkthrough

  ================
  ACT ONE - GREECE
  ================

  SECTION 1.0 - Road to Helos
  SECTION 1.1 - A Troubled Village
  SECTION 1.2 - Spartans At War
  SECTION 1.3 - The Words of an Oracle
  SECTION 1.4 - The Source of the Monsters
  SECTION 1.5 - The Battle for Athens
  SECTION 1.6 - The Order of Prometheus
  SECTION 1.7 - Under the Labyrinth
  SECTION 1.8 - The Blindness of the Gods
  GREEK EPILOGUE

  ===============
  ACT TWO - EGYPT
  ===============

  SECTION 2.8 - The Blindness of the Gods
  SECTION 2.9 - The Invocation
  SECTION 2.10 - A Telkine in Egypt
  SECTION 2.11 - The Sickle of Kronos
  EGYPTIAN EPILOGUE

  ======================
  ACT THREE - THE ORIENT
  ======================

  SECTION 3.11 - The Sickle of Kronos
  SECTION 3.12 - Hunt for the Sickle
  SECTION 3.13 - Journey to the Jade Palace
  SECTION 3.14 - Under Wusao Mountain
  ORIENTAL EPILOGUE

  =========================
  ACT THREE - MOUNT OLYMPUS
  =========================

  SECTION 3.15 - Olympus
  MOUNT OLYMPUS EPILOGUE

  ================
  ACT FOUR - HADES
  ================

  SECTION 4.16 - A Mysterious Message
  SECTION 4.17 - Medea's Price
  SECTION 4.18 - The Road to Hades
  SECTION 4.19 - Judgment of the Living
  SECTION 4.20 - The Battle for Elysium
  SECTION 4.21 - The Immortal Throne
  HADES EPILOGUE

  CHAPTER 6   - Skills of the Schools
  CHAPTER 7   - Relics
  CHAPTER 8   - Monster Charms
  CHAPTER 9   - Arcane Formulae
  CHAPTER 10  - Shrines
  CHAPTER 11  - Hero Monsters
  CHAPTER 12  - Side Quests
  CHAPTER 13  - Tips and Tricks
  CHAPTER 14  - Playing on Epic and/or Legendary
  CHAPTER 15  - Acknowledgments

==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   O N E                                                CHAPTER 1
==============================================================================
I N T R O D U C T I O N   T O   T H E   G A M E
==============================================================================

Hello and welcome to my Titan Quest: Immortal Throne FAQ and beginning-to-end
walkthrough.  I hope that you're able to glean some helpful information from
this guide, as I certainly enjoyed writing it.  If you do have any helpful
comments or suggestions, please feel free to get in touch with me by
e-mailing me at [email protected].  Please note, however, that I DO
MEAN "helpful" - if you have nothing nice or productive to say then my advice
is to say nothing at all - it'll save BOTH of us a lot of hassle, cheers.

So then my cheeky monkeys, let's get stared shall we ??  First, a brief
overview of the game ...

Titan Quest (and its Immortal Throne Expansion Pack) are simple-interface,
third-person perspective hack 'n slash game, which could best (without wanting
to sound like it is a clone or similar) be alikened to any of the Diablo
games, but with better levels of animation throughout.  If you like Diablo
or the Diablo series, I'd bet my bottom dollar you'll love this game.

The focus of the game is on arcade-style hack 'n slash fun, with you being
thrown IMMEDIATELY into the fray, so if you're expecting something even
REMOTELY similar to Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion ?  STAY AWAY !!  If you're into
simple interfaces and hours of guttural laughter from slaying troops en masse ?
GO GET A COPY NOW !!!!!! :)

You begin by customising your character from a limited number of options, or
importing a previously saved character if you have already played through
Titan Quest, and just installed the Immortal Throne Expansion Pack, and
set off on the road to fame, fortune and glory, travelling the ancient world
and stopping off at the holiday hotspots such as Delphi, Athens, the Nile,
Giza, and the Great Wall of China.

Naturally you will be meeting all manner of beasts and characters from the
myths of the ancient world along the way, and one of the most refreshing
things about Titan Quest is the fact that anybody that's read up on any of a
number of myths of the ancient world, will find something they find familiar
in this game AND, it must be said, something which has been given an
appropriate level of attention by the game's developers.  EVERYTHING in this
game is graphically beautiful.

So !  Without further ado, let's get crackin' !!

==============================================================================
M A I N   M E N U
==============================================================================

The main menu of Titan Quest (and Immortal Throne, although from this point
on I am going to make life easier and just refer to it as "Titan Quest")
provides you with the following options :-

  * Play Titan Quest
    Begins a Titan Quest "Main" Game (i.e. the game's main storyline)

  * Play Custom Quest
    Starts a Titan Quest "Custom" Game (e.g. a map created by a third party)

  * Options
    Tweak a number of graphics, sound and gameplay options amongst others

  * Credits
    Plays the game's credits (but you get cooler music if you beat the game)

  * Updates
    Checks for (and downloads) any updates/patches etc.

  * Exit
    Returns to Windows

I am going to take it as read that you are going to be pressing the Play Titan
Quest button ... as that's what I'm about to do.

==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   T W O                                                CHAPTER 2
==============================================================================
C H O O S I N G   Y O U R   C H A R A C T E R
==============================================================================

So !  We're ready to begin a Titan Quest "Main" Game eh ?  Fair play !

Whilst it would only be natural to draw comparisons between this game and its
peers (mainly the Diablo series), I am going to avoid doing so, on the basis
that you as a reader might not have played any of the Diablo games - therefore
the Diablo commends stop NOW, ok ?  I mean it now - no more ... :)

If you click on the "Create" button, you will be taken to the character
creation screen.

The options for customising your character are initially really quite limited,
which you may find to be a bit stifling, but stick with it - it does get MUCH
much better.

To start with, you get a choice of :-

  1)  What you want your character's name to be (up to 14 characters);
  2)  Whether you want a male or female character; and
  3)  What colour you want your character's tunic to be.  You can pick from
      either:- White, Tan, Teal, Grey or Rose

You can also see on the right-hand side of the screen that you have a couple
of options for the TYPE of game you'd like to play ... you can play a Single
Player game (which is what we are going to do together ... if you want of
course ...), or you can either join, or host, a multi-player game.

==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   T H R E E                                            CHAPTER 3
==============================================================================
B A S I C   C O N T R O L S
==============================================================================

So !  Once you've started the game you will very very quickly realise just how
simple it is to play your character in the game.  Very simply put, the control
method is as follows :-

==============================================================================
M O U S E   C O N T R O L S
==============================================================================

Nb "left-attack" and "right-attack" are whatever attacks or commands have
been mapped to the corresponding buttons on the mouse, and you WILL wind up
changing these periodically as you play - however, to begin with they are :-

Left-click    - Move/Attack target with left-attack/Pick up item
Right-click   - Use right-attack at given location

==============================================================================
K E Y B O A R D   S H O R T C U T S
==============================================================================

Alt           - Highlights all undamaged items on the ground
C             - Calls up the Character Screen
D (with item) - With an item raised, D drops the item on the ground
Q             - Calls up your quests screen with details of all current quests
S             - Calls up your skills screen
W             - Changes your active weapon from 1 to 2 (and back if hit again)
Z             - Highlights all damaged items on the ground

==============================================================================
D I R E C T I O N S
==============================================================================

I have given directions throughout this guide in accordance with the way that
was prevalent when I was a child - i.e. go north-west of this, or south-east
of that ...

Therefore I am going to draw you a little compass, just to make sure that we
are all familiar with which way I consider north on the screen to be.  This
may sound childish, but as the game is angled, it will make your life a lot
easier, believe me ;)

                                NORTH
                NORTH-WEST        ^        NORTH-EAST
                      .          /¦\          .
                         .        ¦        .
                            .     ¦     .
                               .  ¦  .
           WEST <--------------- YOU ----------------> EAST
                               .     .
                            .     ¦     .
                         .        ¦        .
                      .          \¦/          .
                SOUTH-WEST        V        SOUTH-EAST
                                SOUTH


==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   F O U R                                              CHAPTER 4
==============================================================================
S C H O O L S   O F   T R A I N I N G
==============================================================================

Once you reach level 2, you can choose a school of training.  Consider this a
character class for your player.  There are NINE schools of training to pick
from - eight in regular Titan Quest, and nine in Immortal Throne.

Once you have chosen a school, however, you CANNOT undo it (without cheating).

You can pick a SECOND school of training at level 8, and it is your choice of
training schools which determines your ultimate character class, as you can
either stick with the one school, or pick up a second one at level 8 or any
point thereafter.

There are MANY classes to choose from, and a full list follows.  To begin with
however, here are the nine schools of training :-

    1) STORM
       The Storm School handles two main elements - air and water.  Its skills
       include the ability to slow or freeze enemies, call lightning, summon
       a wisp, fire shards of ice, interrupt other spellcasters and so on.

    2) EARTH
       The Earth School handles two main elements - fire and earth.  Its
       skills include the ability to burn and surround yourself in rock for
       better defence, fire blasts and bombs of fire, create volcanoes under
       your enemies, summon a golem to aid you, and so on.

    3) WARFARE
       The Warfare school represents absolute mastery in hand-to-hand combat.
       Its students learn how to wield two weapons at the same time, as well
       as how to channel their rage into their attacks, augmenting their
       strength, accuracy, power and so on.

    4) SPIRIT
       Necromancy, plain and simple - the Spirit-master's powers focus on
       causing pain and sorrow, attacking the minds and souls of their foes.
       They can summon the powerful Liche King, as well as a Spirit-creature
       of sorts, called the Outlander.

    5) DEFENCE
       Defence students are taught the most effective use of armour and
       shields.  They have a couple of skills that are similar to those of
       the warfare school, including how to funnel their rage into their
       strikes, but their dominant focus is on safety and defence, rather
       than offensive power.

    6) NATURE
       Those that walk the path of nature are skilled in healing, and
       communing with nature's beasts.  They can summon wolves and the fierce
       and reliable nymph to their aid, and can augment their power in combat
       through auras.

    7) HUNTING
       Hunting focuses almost exclusively on the effective use of a bow and
       arrows to target and eliminate enemies.  Skills include augmenting
       the character's arrows so that they penetrate enemies and strike those
       behind them, or shatter upon impact to do burst damage.

    8) ROGUE; and
       The rogue is a master of stealth and cunning, relying on powders,
       poisons, traps and assassin-style attacks for their strikes.  Their
       ability to coat their weapons with venom enables them to do more
       damage, and their lethal strike power lets them HUGELY increase the
       power of a single attack ... fire it up and watch for yourself !!

    9) DREAM
       Whilst this may sound rather biff, being able to control dreams DOES
       have a number of advantages.  You could dream kinky dreams, or dream
       you win the lottery every night !!  Ok sorry I know ... the Dream
       school enables you to dominate the minds of your enemies, so it gives
       you powers like sending your enemies to sleep (no joke), bending time
       to increase your reflex-speeds, creating auras to augment your power,
       summoning a nightmare to aid you, teleporting to strike your enemies,
       and so on.

Here is a short list of the possible character classes that you can create, by
mixing different spheres of training :-

===============================================================================
Sphere 1 + Sphere 2 = Character Class .¦. Sphere 1 + Sphere 2 = Character Class
=======================================¦=======================================
                                      ¦
STORM        -       STORMCALLER      ¦   DEFENCE       -      DEFENDER
STORM     DEFENCE    PALADIN          ¦   DEFENCE   NATURE     GUARDIAN
STORM     NATURE     DRUID            ¦   DEFENCE   HUNTING    WARDEN
STORM     HUNTING    SAGE             ¦   DEFENCE   ROGUE      CORSAIR
STORM     ROGUE      SORCERER         ¦   DEFENCE   DREAM      TEMPLAR
STORM     DREAM      PROPHET          ¦   DEFENCE   SPIRIT     SPELLBINDER
STORM     SPIRIT     ORACLE           ¦   DEFENCE   WARFARE    CONQUEROR
STORM     WARFARE    THANE            ¦   DEFENCE   EARTH      JUGGERNAUT
STORM     EARTH      ELEMENTALIST     ¦   DEFENCE   STORM      PALADIN
                                      ¦
=======================================¦=======================================
Sphere 1 + Sphere 2 = Character Class .¦. Sphere 1 + Sphere 2 = Character Class
=======================================¦=======================================
                                      ¦
EARTH        -       PYROMANCER       ¦   NATURE       -       WANDERER
EARTH     STORM      ELEMENTALIST     ¦   NATURE    HUNTING    RANGER
EARTH     DEFENCE    JUGGERNAUT       ¦   NATURE    ROGUE      ILLUSIONIST
EARTH     NATURE     SUMMONER         ¦   NATURE    DREAM      RITUALIST
EARTH     HUNTING    AVENGER          ¦   NATURE    SPIRIT     SOOTHSAYER
EARTH     ROGUE      MAGICIAN         ¦   NATURE    WARFARE    CHAMPION
EARTH     DREAM      EVOKER           ¦   NATURE    EARTH      SUMMONER
EARTH     SPIRIT     CONJURER         ¦   NATURE    STORM      DRUID
EARTH     WARFARE    BATTLEMAGE       ¦   NATURE    DEFENCE    GUARDIAN
                                      ¦
=======================================¦=======================================
Sphere 1 + Sphere 2 = Character Class .¦. Sphere 1 + Sphere 2 = Character Class
=======================================¦=======================================
                                      ¦
WARFARE      -       WARRIOR          ¦   HUNTING      -       HUNTER
WARFARE   EARTH      BATTLEMAGE       ¦   HUNTING   ROGUE      BRIGAND
WARFARE   STORM      THANE            ¦   HUNTING   DREAM      HARUSPEX
WARFARE   DEFENCE    CONQUEROR        ¦   HUNTING   SPIRITBONE CHARMER
WARFARE   NATURE     CHAMPION         ¦   HUNTING   WARFARE    SLAYER
WARFARE   HUNTING    SLAYER           ¦   HUNTING   EARTH      AVENGER
WARFARE   ROGUE      ASSASSIN         ¦   HUNTING   STORM      SAGE
WARFARE   DREAM      HARBINGER        ¦   HUNTING   DEFENCE    WARDEN
WARFARE   SPIRIT     SPELLBREAKER     ¦   HUNTING   NATURE     RANGER
                                      ¦
=======================================¦=======================================
Sphere 1 + Sphere 2 = Character Class .¦. Sphere 1 + Sphere 2 = Character Class
=======================================¦=======================================
                                      ¦
SPIRIT       -       THEURGIST        ¦   ROGUE        -       ROGUE
SPIRIT    WARFARE    SPELLBREAKER     ¦   ROGUE     DREAM      DREAMKILLER
SPIRIT    EARTH      CONJURER         ¦   ROGUE     SPIRIT     WARLOCK
SPIRIT    STORM      ORACLE           ¦   ROGUE     WARFARE    ASSASSIN
SPIRIT    DEFENCE    SPELLBINDER      ¦   ROGUE     EARTH      MAGICIAN
SPIRIT    NATURE     SOOTHSAYER       ¦   ROGUE     STORM      SORCERER
SPIRIT    HUNTING    BONE CHARMER     ¦   ROGUE     DEFENCE    CORSAIR
SPIRIT    ROGUE      WARLOCK          ¦   ROGUE     NATURE     ILLUSIONIST
SPIRIT    DREAM      DIVINER          ¦   ROGUE     HUNTING    BRIGAND
                                      ¦
===============================================================================
                 ¦ Sphere 1 + Sphere 2 = Character Class ¦
                 =========================================

                    DREAM        -       SEER
                    DREAM     SPIRIT     DIVINER
                    DREAM     WARFARE    HARBINGER
                    DREAM     EARTH      EVOKER
                    DREAM     STORM      PROPHET
                    DREAM     DEFENCE    TEMPLAR
                    DREAM     NATURE     RITUALIST
                    DREAM     HUNTING    HARUSPEX
                    DREAM     ROGUE      DREAMKILLER

I shall go into considerably more detail on each school when you get to
Chapter Six: Skills of the Schools.

==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   F I V E                                              CHAPTER 5
==============================================================================
M A I N   W A L K T H R O U G H
==============================================================================

  ================
  ACT ONE - GREECE
  ================

  ===========================
  SECTION 1.0 - ROAD TO HELOS
  ===========================

  We begin the game on the road to Helos.  Where is Helos you might ask ?
  Buggered if I know I might answer ...

  The first time you do any of a given number of actions in Titan Quest, a
  very helpful little side panel will swing onto your screen from the right-
  hand side, to tell you a little bit about what you need to do.  The first
  thing that will happen if you move towards Corythus the Boat-hand, who is
  standing beside you, is the game will tell you about :-

  =======================
  INTERACTING WITH PEOPLE
  =======================

  Whilst diplomacy is not a hugely important factor in wielding a sword and
  cutting the heads off monsters, there are a number of times when it is
  both appropriate AND wise to speak to people.  To help you discern the
  worthwhile from the chav, you can see which characters you are able to
  interact with, by looking for either a golden exclamation mark, or a golden
  rhombus above their heads.  The exclamation mark denotes a quest character,
  i.e. somebody that will either have information for you relating to the
  ongoing MAIN quests of the game, or who may have a side-quest to give you,
  or update you on.  ALWAYS TALK TO THE PEOPLE WITH THE EXCLAMATION MARKS.

  The people with the rhombuses are just going to talk a lot of plop to be
  honest, but it's nice to speak to one or two of them from time to time, as
  they do have the odd story to tell.

  Once you have exhausted the dialogue opportunities with any of the peeples
  you meet in the game, the respective icon above their heads will go grey.

  Continue down the road aways, and you will meet Timaeus, the Poor Farmer.
  As you will see, Timaeus has an exclamation mark over his head, as would I
  if I was wearing clothes like THAT, but hey !  Who cares.

  If you speak to Timaeus you will get your first quest.  This is the start
  of the main quest in the game, and it goes a little something like this ...

  ================================
  SECTION 1.1 - A TROUBLED VILLAGE
  ================================

  Timaeus (a poor farmer) says that his village, Helos, is having trouble
  dealing with a group of monsters that assail it.  First and foremost
  however, he appears to be having trouble with his horse, which a group of
  monsters are about to slay.  The plough-horse is his only possession, and
  without it he cannot make a living.  OK OK !  I get the picture !!  We'll
  save your bloody horse.

  Head into the adjacent field and kill the ravenous boar and two satyrs
  that are trying to kill the horse.  They won't attack you (just to make
  sure your first few kills are easy enough) ;)

  ================
  PICKING UP ITEMS
  ================

  Once you're done with the monsters, hold the ALT key on your keyboard and
  you will see that they've dropped some items.  Pick up whatever they've
  left and, if it's a weapon, call up your character screen by pressing the
  C button, and click on the little green "II" above, and to the right, of
  your current weapon.  This will activate your second set of weapons.  Just
  drop whatever weapon you've picked up (if any) into this second weapon
  slot, and then you can chop-and-change between your two different sets of
  weapons by pressing the W key on your keyboard.

  ====================
  ROAD TO HELOS CONT'D
  ====================

  Once Timaeus has been reunited with his plough-horse, you can continue
  on down the road to Helos.  Once you arrive, dispose of the five satyrs
  that are assaulting the town's militia at the entrance to Helos, and then
  head on in.

  Incidentally, five is a very significant number in Titan Quest, as five is
  generally-speaking the number of monsters that form what I shall be
  referring-to from this point on as a "group" of monsters.

  ====================
  THE VILLAGE OF HELOS
  ====================

  Once you enter the village of Helos you will encounter your first
  rebirth fountain.

  ================
  REBIRTH FOUNTAIN
  ================

  Rebirth fountains are REALLY cool - all you need to do is walk NEAR
  one - not even right up to it, and it will activate itself.  A rebirth
  fountain is effectively a marker which serves to respawn your character
  in the ... hopefully unlikely but possible event of their death.

  If you find another rebirth fountain in the wilderness or another city,
  and you will I assure you, then just walk up to it, and it will replace
  the previous fountain (or marker) as your latest respawn point.

  Just remember AT ALL TIMES that revisiting areas you have already been
  to CAN be a bit of a pain in the arse, ESPECIALLY if you have already
  activated a rebirth fountain further on in the game, as if you have
  missed a rebirth fountain in an earlier part of the game, you stand a
  chance of activating it if you come close to it, and this would see
  your *later* rebirth fountain overwritten by this earlier one ...

  ... and that would suck ...
                                           ... a lot ...

  That being said, once a rebirth fountain has been overwritten by another
  one, it can only be REactivated by clicking on it with the left-mouse
  button.

  One other thing I should mention about dying and being respawned, is
  that you WILL lose some experience points if you die and come back.
  The higher your level, the more XP you will lose when you are brought
  back to a rebirth fountain after death.  HOWEVER, when you die (in
  Immortal Throne at least - this doesn't happen in plain old Titan Quest),
  a gravestone will appear at the site of your death.  If you click on the
  gravestone, it will sink into the ground and you will regain SOME of the
  experience points you lost when you died.  HOWEVER, if you are really
  quick you can click on the gravestone AS IT IS SINKING, to gain 2, 3 or
  even sometimes FOUR times the experience you might have lost ... this
  is a glitch in the game, and one I expect you to exploit to the MAX, ok ??

  In the village of Helos you will find :-

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  MIDIAS - a villager who explains the function of rebirth fountains for
           your benefit ... if you HAVEN'T been paying attention that is.
  AESON  - Guard Captain - distressed that the Shaman leading the tribe
           of monsters that dwell nearby is overrunning the defences of
           the town and destroying its farmlands.
  IOLAUS - Storyteller, who recounts the tale of Herakles and many of his
           twelve labours.
  EUMOLPUS - Old Farmer, whom you cannot speak with at the outset.  He does
           congratulate you for saving Helos' farms and the livelihoods of
           its citizens, once you have completed Diomedes' quest, however.
  HESIONE - a villager who is, to be honest, a bit of a pessimist.  She
           is upset about the wholesale destruction of the town's crops
           and begs you to speak with Diomedes.
  LACHES - a villager who explains the function of portal shrines, which
           we will get onto in a few moments.
  LYERSES - Lookout, who will allow you to leave the town, but urges you
           to speak with Diomedes (if you have not already done so) to
           sort out the problems in Helos, before moving onwards.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  DIOMEDES - Elder of Helos.  Diomedes is the head honcho in the little
             village of Helos, and proud of it.  Unfortunately, however,
             he has a problem.  His village is being overrun by monsters
             led by a satyr shaman.  He says they have nobody to defend
             them against the monsters, and he implores you to help him.
             Diomedes updates your main quest with a call for you to
             "find and defeat the satyr shaman".

             For the sake of consistency, I'm going to finish exploring
             the town of Helos before helping Diomedes in his quest.

             Incidentally, as soon as you have spoken with Diomedes, a group
             of satyr's rushes the bridge to his north, so you should help
             the villagers fend them off before exploring further.

  ==================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, MYSTICS AND CARAVAN DRIVERS
  ==================================================

  A quick word or two about merchants.  They come in three fruity flavours
  First off we have Blacksmiths, who specialise in weapons and armour.
  Then come Arcanists, who focus on selling items that are of use to the
  mages amongst you, and then you find Traders, who are quite happy to sell
  whatever they can get their hands on.

  When you are dealing with a merchant, you can move the mouse over any
  item he or she is selling.  If the mouse cursor changes to a red no go
  sign over a purse, it means you cannot afford to purchase the item with
  the amount of gold you currently possess.  If the item is depicted on a
  red background, you cannot use it for one of a number of possible
  reasons, including :-

     Your character is not of a high enough level;
     Your character is not strong enough to wield the item;
     Your character is too stupid to understand HOW to use the item; or
     Your character is a clutz, and wouldn't be able to wield it anyhow.

  Helpfully, when wanded, the game will automatically provide you with a
  description of the item you are interested in, and how it compares with
  any item/s you are currently carrying that might be replaced by it.  E.g.
  If you wand a necklace, the stats for that necklace are brought up on
  screen, as are the stats for any necklace that you are currently wearing.

  Another REALLY cool thing about merchants is that you can buy and sell
  from them at the same price during a given transaction, MEANING if you
  inadvertently sell them something and think "Sh!t !!  I didn't mean to
  sell that - I NEED IT BACK oh PLEASE sell it to me PLEASE", then rather
  than turning around to you and saying "Sure !!  AT THREE THOUSAND TIMES
  ITS PURCHASE COST MUAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAR", the merchants in Titan Quest
  will just turn around and say "hokay", and will sell you whatever, at
  the same price it was when the original transaction took place.

  Similarly, items which you sell are placed in a separate screen, meaning
  that you can easily see what you've sold the merchant, and can buy it
  back from them quickly and easily ...

  If you quit the merchant screen and come back, however, you will have to
  pay full-whack for whatever you have parted with.

  Problems arise where you're selling HEAPS of stuff to a merchant (which
  will happen later on in the game), as the amount of space they have to
  store the stuff YOU sell them will wind up being less than the amount
  of space you have to sell them items from, and so items in their "what you
  have sold me" screen will be overwritten.

  ... confused ?  I have more !!  STICK AROUND ;)

  ENCHANTERS are another additional type of character that are only present
  in Immortal Throne and not Titan Quest, but as there are none in Helos,
  we shall come to them in due course.

  MYSTICS are a further type of character that are only present in Immortal
  Throne and not Titan Quest.  As with Enchanters, there are none in Helos,
  so I shall discuss them at an appropriate time.

  CARAVAN DRIVERS are KICKASS.  They will hold items for you, so that you
  don't have to carry them around with you all the time, and so that you
  don't run the risk of losing them by leaving them on the ground.  You can
  purchase additional space from caravan drivers in two blocks.  First block
  you get for free - the first ADDITIONAL block you buy will cost you 10,000
  GP, and the SECOND additional block of space you buy will cost you 500,000
  GP.

  Caravan Drivers also give you access to what is called a "Transfer Area".
  You can use the transfer area to transfer items between ANY character in
  Titan Quest, and your character.  So if you pick something up and think
  "I can't really use this, but character (x) can", then put it in the
  transfer area, load up character (x), go to the nearest caravan driver and
  voila !!

  Caravan Drivers are only present in Immortal Throne, not Titan Quest.

  In the village of Helos you will find the following merchants and caravan
  drivers :-

  CARCINUS - Trader
  ERATODES - Caravan Driver

  If you venture to the south of Carcinus and Eratodes, you will find the
  villager Laches, standing beside a set of steps leading up to a circular
  platform, encircled by statues.  This is what is called a

  =============
  PORTAL SHRINE
  =============

  Portal Shrines are designed to enable you to quickly travel to areas that
  you have been to previously.  Similar to rebirth fountains (and Sharon
  Stone), all you need to do to turn one on is walk up to it, and the rest
  will happen for you.  Once activated, Portal Shrines can never be turned
  off, and you will be able to teleport back to this location whenever you
  wish.

  ======================
  PERSONAL TELEPORTATION
  ======================

  Once you have activated your first portal shrine, you may press the L key
  on your keyboard AT ANY TIME during play to call up a personal teleport
  gate, which you can use to travel to any of the portal shrines you have
  activated in the entire game.

  Once you are done in whatever town/s you travel to, you may teleport back
  to the exact location you created the teleport gate in.  HOWEVER, if you
  are slain, your teleport gate is automatically closed, which is a REAL
  bugger, but nevermind.

  So !  Now that we have explored Helos, let's go and sort out Diomedes'
  problem, shall we ?

  Head from Diomedes northwards, over the bridge, taking note that the two
  torches on either side of the bridge light up as you pass by them.  This is
  another significant thing in Titan Quest, as torches like this, which light
  up when you pass them ?  Are a sure sign that you are going the right way.
  Always remember that, as otherwise there are times when you might get a
  tad lost exploring, and not know which way to go - it's happened to me
  before I must admit !!

  So, back to the plot.  Once over the bridge, keep heading to the north,
  through the Helos Farmlands and into the Helos Woods, slaying the satyr's,
  crows and boar that you encounter en route.  Left-click on any chests you
  may find on the way and pilfer their contents, and REMEMBER to keep using
  the ALT key to pick up those items that your enemies drop.

  If (and it is very unlikely this will happen, but if) you fill your whole
  inventory during this mission, press the L key and teleport back to Helos.
  Sell your unwanted items to Carcinus, and then use the portal shrine in
  Helos to teleport back to where you were and carry on.

  If you encounter any obelisks in the wilderness - they may take a number of
  forms, from crumbling blocks of stone to warped sculptured pieces of marble,
  (but all of them will have a glowing light above them), these are called

  =======
  SHRINES
  =======

  Shrines give temporary benefits to the player once they are activated.  A
  full list of shrines can be found in Chapter Ten: Shrines.  For now all you
  need to know is that some shrines give immediate bonuses, such as full
  health recharge, and others give duration-based bonuses, such as better xp
  gains from kills for a given period of time, or the ability to slow down
  your enemies with frost, giving you substantial benefits in combat.

  Simply left-click on a shrine to use it.  Some shrines recharge themselves
  over time, but there is no point in waiting around for one to do so, trust
  me ;)

  Once you find the Shaman you will see that he immediately begins to bombard
  you with magic spells from afar.  He has two main types of attack :-

  A) A fiery blast which he unleashes from his staff - it looks like a little
     red flaming arrow; and
  B) A flaming bomb which he lobs at you.

  Stick and move - avoid his attacks whilst despatching his followers, who
  are a combination of satyr archers and regular satyr's, and then close in
  for the kill once those have been despatched.

  Ordinarily there are two shrines in the area occupied by the Shaman - one
  to the west, and one to the south - use those if you need to.

  Once he has fallen to your might, open the chest behind him, grab the loot,
  and either portal back to the town if you cannot carry it all in one go, or
  walk back to town if you can.

  Speak with Diomedes to earn your reward - 1000 GP, and 150 XP (on normal
  difficulty), and a further plea for you to go and plead with General
  Leonidas of Sparta to despatch a small platoon of soldiers to help protect
  Helos against further assault.

  I AM NOT YOUR ERRAND BOY !!!!!  *Sinister pouts when he realises that he
  cannot cleave Diomedes' arms from his body for the IMPUDENCE of his request*

  =============================
  SECTION 1.2 - SPARTANS AT WAR
  =============================

  And so we're off !  Helos having been spared a sure thrashing at the hands
  of the satyr shaman and his horde, we can carry on in search of Sparta.

  The Main Quests screen tells us that we will need to travel through Laconia
  in order to get to Sparta, so what are we waiting for ??

  As you leave Helos a shepherd named Nicostratus will come running towards
  you and pause for breath, the weight of the exclamation mark on his head
  obviously too much to bear.  Speak with Nicostratus, and he will tell you
  that his friend Tellis has been kidnapped by monsters whilst the two of them
  were leading their flocks home, and that he now resides in a cave by the
  road.  You have just picked up the Monstrous Brigands Quest (your first
  side quest).

  Side quests are incidental quests that are not necessary in order for you
  to continue through the main quest.  They do, however, very often lead to
  your receiving MASSIVE bonuses for completing them, so I shall guide you
  through each of the side quests in the game, and show you how to complete
  each one in the most expedient manner possible.  Please note that, as with
  the main quest, I shall detail what you get as a reward for completing
  the quest on normal difficulty.  For details of your rewards on Epic and
  Legendary difficulties, please see Chapter Twelve: Side Quests.

  ==================
  MONSTROUS BRIGANDS
  ==================

  To find tellis, simply follow the road from Helos aways, and you will come
  to a cave with two Satyr Trappers standing outside it.  As you approach,
  they will leg it inside.  Follow them, slay ALL in the cave, and at the
  back you will find tellis, huddled in a corner poor lad.  He's the one
  with his knees knocking together, just in case you WEREN'T sure ;)

  Speak with tellis to gain your reward - a piece of magical jewellery, and
  300 XP.

  If you wish, you may go back to Helos (I would suggest teleporting there),
  to speak with Nicostratus - however all he has for you is a thank you.

  ======================
  SPARTANS AT WAR CONT'D
  ======================

  Leave the cave where tellis is, and head further down the road.  You will
  pass a rebirth fountain and a set of torches as you go.

  You are now entering the Laconia Woods.  Stay on the road, and follow it
  to the north-east.  You will find that you walk past a battered cart and
  by a rudimentary gate that leads into a clearing with a load of sawn trees
  piled up high.  Go in there, and slay the satyrs there.  You will find
  they are attacking a man who stands alone, cowering under their assault.

  Once you have freed the man, speak with him.  His name is Lycus, the
  Labourer, and he is most grateful to have been freed.

  ================
  THE CORNERED MAN
  ================

  Having saved Lycus, you have earned yourself 300 XP, and 1500 GP.  Well
  done !!  You'll be saving up for that pension in NO time.

  ======================
  SPARTANS AT WAR CONT'D
  ======================

  Return to the main road, and keep following it to the north.  Keep going
  all the way to the north, past another set of torches and to the next
  rebirth fountain.

  Just past that rebirth fountain you will see a traveller named Euphadimus,
  who is standing scratching his head, next to his two oxen.  Speak with him.

  =================
  MEDICINES WAYLAID
  =================

  Euphadimus is trying to get precious medicines to his hometown of Tegea, to
  help combat a strange illness that afflicts the people there.  However, his
  path north is blocked by a satyr brute, and his entourage who are attacking
  any who pass.

  Head to the north and despatch this group of ruffians, taking special care
  with the satyr brute, as he has considerably more health than his lower-
  ranking satyr counterparts.

  Once you have slain them and raided their bodies, return to Euphadimus for
  your reward, being 350 XP, three lesser health potions and the full
  restoration of your health and energy.

  ======================
  SPARTANS AT WAR CONT'D
  ======================

  Follow the road to the north again, and keep following it as it turns 90
  degrees to the east.  You will come upon Theages - a Spartan Peasant, who
  appears to have something important to say.  Speak with him.

  ==============
  THE LOST DOWRY
  ==============

  It turns out that Theages' daughter's wedding dowry has been stolen by a
  group of monsters who trashed his cart and pegged it.  A hit and run !!!
  Travel to the north-east of Theages and into the Natural Cave that you
  can see on your compass - it's a black hole in a red circle ?

  Once inside, explore and retrieve the dowry necklace from the monster
  that is holding it.

  Return the necklace to Theages and you will earn, not only his gratitude,
  but also 400 XP, and a random essence.

  =========================
  RELICS AND MONSTER CHARMS
  =========================

  You have just been given, quite possibly your first relic.  Relics are
  shards of a God's power, which you will only ever encounter in pieces.
  Three pieces make one complete relic.  On normal difficulty these
  pieces are called "essences", such as the Essence of the Valour of
  Achilles, or the Essence of Zeus' Thunderbolt.

  Each relic can be used, even if you only wield 1/3 or 2/3 of a completed
  one, by infusing its power with whatever type of weapon or armour the
  relic purports to work with, so for example the Essence of Archimedes'
  Mirror will only work on shields, whereas the Essence of Artemis' Bowstring
  will work on bows only.

  To use a relic, and PLEASE bear in mind that once used it can only be
  retrieved by visiting an Enchanter (and Enchanters are only available in
  Immortal Throne - NOT regular Titan Quest), simply right-click on it, and
  then left-click on the item you wish to attach the relic to.

  If you have attached, say, 1/3 of a relic to an item, and you them come
  upon another 1/3 of the same relic, you can add that to the same item, to
  make the relic in the item 2/3 of the completed relic, and so on.

  The more pieces of a relic you combine, the stronger the relic becomes.
  Three pieces of a relic make it a completed relic, giving you an ADDITIONAL
  bonus (woohoo !!)

  Monster Charms function exactly the same as relics, but they have to be
  assembled in groups of FIVE rather than THREE.

  You can either keep the relic you have just received, or use it to
  augment the power of something you are carrying.

  For a complete list of relics and their powers, see Chapters Seven: Relics
  and Eight: Monster Charms.

  ======================
  SPARTANS AT WAR CONT'D
  ======================

  Continue north, and follow the road as it curves north-west, until you
  reach the next rebirth fountain and set of torches.  The wayfarer
  Parmenides is standing by the roadside, and if you talk to him, he will
  tell you that you are on the right road to get to the Spartan War Camp,
  which is just a bit further on.

  Cheers mate !!

  Cross the bridge and you come to "Spartan Road", which you should follow
  to the north until you get to the Spartan Camp.   Be warned that straying
  from the road will get you attacked by skeletons, who are buried near
  the Spartan Road.

  As you approach the Spartan War Camp you will see a small army of Satyrs
  and Satyr Brutes set upon the Spartans.

  Have you watched 300 ?  These monkeys don't stand a CHANCE, but I'm sure
  it might endear you to the Spartans to help them out a bit if you fancy
  it.

  ============
  HELPFUL HINT
  ============

  Situations like this are generally very useful ones, as your enemies are,
  for the most part, more interested in what they are doing (i.e. attacking
  the Spartans at this time) than fighting you, making them easy pickings
  for bows and magic-users.  Easy XP ;)

  Once you have helped fend off the attack on the camp, go in.

  ====================
  THE SPARTAN WAR-CAMP
  ====================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the Spartan War-Camp
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the Spartan War-Camp

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  PARALUS - Spartan Soldier who tells you that Leonidas is in the camp, but
           that he doesn't speak with those who are not invited.  Hmmmmm.
  CLEIPPIDES - Spartan Veteran who says that the monsters you are facing are
           arguably more fearsome than the Macedonians and the Persians the
           Spartans have faced before, as they yield only to death.
  CEPHISUS - Young soldier who only joined the Spartan Army today, bless
           him.  He seems eager for combat.
  AGATHON - Spartan Watch.  You cannot speak with him at the present time.
           You WILL, however, be able to speak with him once Leonidas and
           Brasidas have moved off for Athens in a lil while, and he will
           direct you to Athens if you wish to speak with them again.
  DASCYLUS - Spartan Soldier who has the utmost faith in General Leonidas,
           but who worries that the Spartans may not be able to defeat their
           beastly enemies.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  BRASIDAS - Leonidas' Guard.  Brasidas has a task for you to complete
           before he will let you speak with his master Leonidas.  You
           must find and slay the Centaur Nessus, to demonstrate your
           worth.
  LEONIDAS - Spartan General.  Much like his portrayal in the OH so cool
           300, Leonidas doesn't have time to waste with those people that
           are not worthy of his audience.
  EUTHYCLES - Melancholic Spartan who is concerned for his friend and great
           idol Hippias.  Hippias has wandered off and not returned since
           morning, and Euthycles is worried that something may have
           happened to him.  He asks you to go in search of him.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  TERES - BLACKSMITH
  PHALIUS - ARCANIST
  NICANOR - ENCHANTER

  ==========
  ENCHANTERS
  ==========

  Enchanters are the first new type of businessmen that I referred to earlier
  on in this guide.  They are only available for treating with in the
  Immortal Throne Expansion Pack, and serve TWO very useful functions.

  Firstly, Enchanters are the only people that can craft Artifacts for you.
  You see on your character portrait screen the inventory slot in the bottom
  left-hand side ?  That is for an Artifact - an item of great power that
  you can only wield one of at a time, but which will give you BIG bonuses.
  For full details of Artifacts and artifact creation, see Chapter Nine:
  Arcane Formulae.

  Secondly, Enchanters can separate items and relics, so if you have put a
  relic in an item and later decide that you want it, or the item, back,
  you can ask an Enchanter (upon payment of usually a RATHER large sum of
  money) to separate them.  HOWEVER there is a catch, as you can only
  retain either the item, or the relic, so choose very carefully ;)

  ================================
  QUESTS FROM THE SPARTAN WAR-CAMP
  ================================

  ==================</pre><pre id="faqspan-2">
  THE ANCIENT OF WAR
  ==================

  This is the quest you get from Euthycles, and it is deceptively simple.
  All you have to do is to leave the Spartan War-Camp by heading due east
  of Euthycles, and keep heading east until you reach an impassable mountain
  face.  Head north (through a satyr encampment) and follow the mountain
  around to the east and you will find Hippias, who is resting, sitting
  on a rock, surrounded by dead bodies (don't forget to loot them - just
  because you didn't kill them doesn't mean you can't benefit from their
  slaughter - muahahahahahaaaaaar).

  Once you have spoken with Hippias you will need to return to the Spartan
  War-Camp to let Euthycles know that he is alright - however I personally
  always take out Nessus first, so that I can return to the War-Camp and
  kill two birds with one stone, so-to-speak.  However, once you DO go and
  speak with Euthycles, you will be rewarded 2000 GP, and 500 XP.

  ===============
  SPARTANS AT WAR
  ===============

  Brasidas asks you to despatch the Centaur Nessus, as the Spartans do not
  have the resources to send after him at the present time.  He says that
  Nessus runs wild in the Pellana Valley, and that slaying him is the only
  way you will be able to gain an audience with General Leonidas.

  Nessus isn't running wild at all - he's actually staying put to the north-
  west of Hippias.  If you have found Hippias before going to find Nessus,
  you will actually see a marker directing you to Nessus on your compass
  from where Hippias is.  Nessus is identified at the yellow circle with the
  black exclamation mark in it ;)

  Nessus is NOT an easy boss to fight - however I am going to teach you a

  ============
  HELPFUL HINT
  ============

  ALL bosses in Titan Quest and the Immortal Throne Expansion Pack are
  limited insofar as how far from their starting point they are able to
  move.  If you are finding any boss particularly difficult to slay, simply
  (I hate to say retreat so I'll say) fall back until they stop, turn around
  and go back towards their starting point.

  You can then walk towards them again, and they will turn around and move
  towards you again.  Step back again and they will turn around and move
  away again.  You can use this dizzying tactic to easily despatch most of
  the bosses in the game.  Yes, it may be BIFF, but trust me when you're
  fighting Cerberus on Legendary Difficulty, you WILL thank me ;)

  So !  Nessus is difficult for three reasons :-

  1)  He's a centaur, so he can run like he's in the Grand National;
  2)  He's got a small contingent of centaurs to help him out, so he has
      safety in numbers; and
  3)  As a boss, he's really quite tough !!

  Once Nessus has been slain (and please do remember my dizzying tactic, as
  it will save you no end of desk-slamming and monitor-headbutting in the
  long-run), investigate the rest of his encampment before returning to the
  Spartan War-Camp to speak with Brasidas (and, hopefully now, Leonidas).

  There is a Majestic Chest behind where Nessus was standing, which will
  be FILLED with goodies.  There are also three further chests to the north
  of where the Majestic Chest lies.

  ============
  HELPFUL HINT
  ============

  Sometimes if you come back after completing the game to battle old bosses
  like Nessus, you will find that the programmers have put in (I do not know
  whether this is intentionally or by mistake) duplicate Majestic Chests,
  so you get DOUBLE the goodies - all random of course, but double the
  goodies nonetheless !! :)

  Once you have done raiding the Centaur Camp, TELEPORT (don't walk) to the
  Spartan War-Camp and speak with Brasidas who, true to his word, will now
  allow you through to speak with General Leonidas.

  Leonidas praises your skill in battle, and agrees to send a few of his
  warriors to defend Helos.  He says that he is not impressed that it is
  those people that once mocked his army that now cry for their help.

  He suggests that you venture to Delphi to consult the Oracle there, to
  learn where the monsters are coming from.  He tells you to stop at
  Megara and speak with his friend Timon, who will help you locate a proper
  offering to give to the Oracle, in order to secure an audience.

  =====================================
  SECTION 1.3 - THE WORDS OF THE ORACLE
  =====================================

  It would appear our business with the noble Spartans is done for now.

  If you teleport back to the Centaur Camp, and head, not back into the
  camp, but north outside the camp if that makes sense - i.e. north of the
  entrance gate, but outside the camp, then you will pass between two rocks.
  Continue north, and you will see a pair of torches, and the Spartan Sentry
  Aeacus standing by them.  Speak with him to learn that you are now on the
  right road to reach (ultimately) Delphi.  He says you must pass through
  Megara, and head up the coast to reach Delphi.  Result !! :)

  Follow the road to the north and, when you run out of road, head north-
  west towards the rebirth fountain that you will see on your compass.

  From the rebirth fountain, keep heading north until you reach a set of
  satyr encampments, and then head from there, see that rebirth fountain
  on your compass ?  The one in the north-east ?  Well you're actually
  going to have to go SOUTH-east to get to it, so follow the rudimentary
  path around and to the south-east of the satyr encampments, and you will
  enter the Mycenean Ruins.  You do not need to explore the Mycenean Ruins,
  you need merely to get through them, which you can do by hugging the
  mountain wall that leads to the north - however if you DO choose to
  explore the Mycenean Ruins, then I would ask you to please BEWARE, as
  it is a burial ground, and it is CHOCK-FULL of undead bad guys.

  Since they are almost all buried, you won't see them until you get close
  enough for them to try and ambush you.  Sinister says try and avoid
  running into the ruins - take things step-by-step, and take out your
  enemies wave-by-wave if you wish to explore the area.

  At the back of the Mycenean Ruins (through the horde of undead warriors)
  is a single-level ancient tomb for you to explore.

  ================================
  OPENING SEPULCHRES INSIDE A TOMB
  ================================

  This sound REALLY specific, but it applies to any type of tomb that you
  may encounter inside a burial chamber.

  When you open a tomb, sepulchre, or whatever it is called in the burial
  chamber you are exploring, you will hear one of TWO noises.  The first
  is a noise which sounds like a stone slab being slid off the top of a
  burial casket.  This noise means the sepulchre is not trapped, and you
  may take whatever is inside it.

  If, however, you hear a noise which sounds like a clicking noise ?  Like
  a switch being depressed ?  RUN AWAY.  You have activated a trap, and
  should stand well clear of the sepulchre until the trap has gone off.

  There are four types of trap you can activate in Titan Quest :-

  A)  Gas Trap (longest duration - stay WELL back or be poisoned)
  B)  Frost Trap (does frost damage - stand back)
  C)  Fire Trap (does burning damage - stand back)
  D)  Lightning Trap (does lightning damage - stand back)

  Sorry for the rather imaginative descriptions of those traps, but they
  ARE pretty self-explanatory (!!).

  Once you have either circumvented or explored the Mycenean Ruins, head
  north to the rebirth fountain, and torches, and past them into the
  Spartan Woods.

  From entering the woods, head west-north-west and keep going up until you
  reach the entrance to the Village of Tegea.

  ====================
  THE VILLAGE OF TEGEA
  ====================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the Village of Tegea

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  HAGNON - Storyteller who regales you with the details of the tale of
           the Goddess Artemis and the mortal Actaeon.  He tells you of how
           Actaeon, a great hunter, chased his quarry to a stream where
           Artemis was about to take a bath.  P!ssed off that a mere mortal
           had seen her in the buff, she turned him into a Stag, and he
           was chased away by his own prey.
  CLINIAS - Aging Farmhand who speaks to you of how news from Greece
           confirms that the monsters are rampaging over all the lands.  He
           is worried that the Spartans may not be able to protect all the
           Greeks (and he's right to worry).

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  OLORUS - Young Tegean.  Olorus gives you the task of finding the source
           of pollution of the town's water supply, and the Poisoned Spring
           quest.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  PIRRO  - Trader

  ================================
  QUESTS FROM THE VILLAGE OF TEGEA
  ================================

  ===================
  THE POISONED SPRING
  ===================

  Head west of Olorus, out of Tegea and into the Tegea Forest.  From here,
  head immediately due west and follow the shoreline to the north-west until
  you find the Water Nymph (aka Naiad) Pegaea.   She will tell you that she
  knows why the water has become tainted - it's because of all these
  bleedin' spiders that have moved into her cave !!

  Head into the cave to the north of Pegaea, and clear it of spiders.  You
  needn't kill them all - only the ones with the glow around their legs,
  which is quite a few of them.  I would suggest slaying them all for the XP
  personally.

  Once you have cleansed the cave, return to Pegaea for your reward: a
  permanent +75 Health, 1500 XP and your health and energy fully restored !

  Well worth it that one eh !! :)

  From the Naiad, head back to the Village of Tegea, and this time leave
  via the north, into Arcadia.

  From entering Arcadia, follow the path as it winds north, and then when
  the path ends, head north-west until it recommences.  From there, follow
  it up and into the hills (it will wind a bit), until you see a rebirth
  fountain off in the distance on your compass.

  Head north and into the Megara Bluff, and keep to the path as this will
  lead you to the rebirth fountain.

  From there, head north and wipe out the Maenad Encampment.

  ======
  MAENAD
  ======

  Maenad are quite dangerous, and you are reasonably likely to die at least
  once until you work out how best to tackle them.  They are cat-like women
  with high dexterity and speed who attack with bow and arrow, poisoned
  spear and needle traps, and who's spellcasters are storm-adepts, so watch
  out for poison, blade and lightning attacks from this little lot.

  The best way to deal with the Maenad (unless your character is just a
  walking wall of muscle) is to take them on, as I suggested with the
  undead in the Mycenean Ruins, in waves, step-by-step.  If you get
  overwhelmed, just fall back and try again once you've healed up.  Heading
  face-first into a conflict with the Maenad is folly.

  Once you have slain the Maenad, head north and out through the two
  torches onto the Megara Coast.

  Once you get onto the Coast (ah, the beach at last), you should follow it
  west, where you will encounter a set of new villains, the most significant
  of which are the Coastal Ichthians.

  Ichthians in ANY form are dangerous lizard-men - however their most
  dangerous units are their spellcasters - their Shamen.  Ichthian Shamen
  can cast spells at quite a speed, and should be the first units you
  attack in any Ichthian group.  Later on you will encounter the Lords of
  the Deep, who should ALSO be the first Ichthians you attack in any group.

  Keep following the coast as it bends round ... as coasts do ... past two
  torches and into the City of Megara.

  ==================
  THE CITY OF MEGARA
  ===================

  * There are two rebirth fountains in the City of Megara
  * There is cool music in the City of Megara
  * There is a portal shrine in the City of Megara

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  EURYSTHEUS - Market Gossip who tells of how afraid he is of having to
           raise his family in hiding should the monsters ultimately win.
  XENOCLIDES - Storyteller who has a tale of the battle between the Gods
           and the Titans.  He tells of how the Titans ultimately lost to
           the Gods, and all but one were banished to the pit of Tartarus.
           The one Titan that was not banished to Tartarus was shackled to
           the base of a mountain as a gesture of revenge by the Gods.
  IPHITUS - Aged Fisherman who claims to be as comfy on the sea as you are
           on land.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  NIREUS - Citizen of Megara, who gives you the Skeleton Raiders quest - a
           quest to help free Megara from the undead hordes that ravage its
           gates on a daily ... or rather NIGHTLY ... basis.
  ANTOR  - Sailor who tells you of the cargo (treasure chests and so on) of
           a mighty warship bound for Athens itself has washed ashore in the
           area.  Apparently siren song drove the crew mad, and they ran
           aground.  He gives you the News of a Shipwreck quest.
  AUTOLYCUS - Master Artisan who gives you an update on the Skeleton Raiders
           quest.  He tells you that he knows that they are pouring forth
           from the ancient city of Old Eleusis.  You should also speak with
           Meikiades for more information.
  MEIKIADES - Young Artisan whom you cannot speak until you have spoken to
           Autolycus, but who confirms that Old Eleusis (the spawning place
           of the undead hordes assailing Megara) is the resting place of
           three undead brothers - Princes who were cursed by the God Apollo
           to never enter the afterlife, but to remain in this world as the
           waking dead.
  TIMON  - Oligarch of Megara.  Timon tells you that the Oracle requires an
           offering (which we knew already).  He recommends you take the
           Oracle a branch from the sacred olive tree which lies in a grove
           on the road to Delphi (north of Megara), above the Helicos Pass.
           Timon updates your main quest, gives you the A Proper Offering
           side quest, AND gives you your first INVENTORY BAG.

  =============
  INVENTORY BAG
  =============

  Timon has just given you the ability to carry additional goods on your
  person.  If you call up your character screen you will see additional
  inventory slots have appeared on the right-hand side of the screen for
  you.  Isn't that sweet ?  As you progress through the game you will pick
  up a second, and ultimately a THIRD inventory bag as well, meaning you
  will ultimately be able to carry THE WORLD on your shoulders !!  Hahaha.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  PELLICHAS - BLACKSMITH
  TIMANOR   - ARCANIST
  PIANKH    - CARAVAN DRIVER
  DADACES   - ENCHANTER

  ==============================
  QUESTS FROM THE CITY OF MEGARA
  ==============================

  ================
  SKELETON RAIDERS
  ================

  Skeletal armies are assailing Megara in waves !  The source of this
  scourge is the ancient and now dilapidated city of Old Eleusis, wherein
  reside three Prince-Brothers - accursed enemies of the God Apollo.

  Leaving Megara by the north, follow the road through the two torches and
  into the Megara Outskirts.  Continue north and through the ramshackle
  town that remains (wholly inhabited by undead creatures I might add), and
  leave via the two torches to the north, into Kerata Forest.

  Head north through the trees and you will come to Old Eleusis.  Be
  forewarned, however, that as with the Mycenean Ruins, Old Eleusis is
  REPLETE with undead warriors, and more than likely a Hero Monster or
  two, so be careful.

  =============
  HERO MONSTERS
  =============

  Hero Monsters are monsters of special note, who you will see on-screen
  as having golden stars above their heads.  They ALL display powers over
  and above their usual brethren, and I have tried to make notes as best
  I can as to where you are likely to find them and what their powers are,
  in Chapter Eleven - Hero Monsters.

  Once you have reached the entrance to Old Eleusis (a smashed marble path
  leading north-east), follow it and enter the Ancient Ruins of the once
  great City.

  There is a smashed wooden door leading into the floor which you should
  enter, to gain access to the labyrinth that houses the three Prince-
  brothers.

  ============
  HELPFUL HINT
  ============

  The three Prince-brothers are ALWAYS in exactly the same locations, so
  I shall point them out as we go around if you like.

  For your information, the three Prince-brothers are :-

  1)  Polypas, Prince of the Blade
  2)  Aristeus, Prince of the Storm; and
  3)  Menon, Prince of the Bow.

  From where you enter their labyrinth, take a left and head north-west.
  Polypas, Prince of the Blade, is in the first room on your left.

  Polypas is surrounded by weak enemies, and is, in my humble opinion, the
  weakest of the three brothers.  He should fall pretty easily to you to be
  quite honest.

  Leave Polypas' room after you have slain him, and head north-west again,
  following the corridor as it turns 90 degrees to the north-east, and then
  again 90 degrees to the south-east.

  In the north-eastern end of this great room is Aristeus, Prince of the
  Storm.  He is, in my opinion, DEFINITELY the most powerful of the three
  Prince-brothers, as he is a mage with expertise in Storm Magic.

  Best way to despatch him is to take out the traps and lesser monsters in
  the area, and only to focus on him when he is the last enemy left.  Avoid
  AT ALL COSTS the aura which he will attempt to create at your feet as its
  icy damage will kill you in mere seconds, guaranteed.

  Once he has fallen to your skills, do a 180 and head south-west, and then
  follow the room as it turns 90 degrees to the south-east.

  Enter the room to your north-east, and then follow the corridor that runs
  south-east.  Menon, Prince of the Bow, is in the room to your south-west
  as you are heading south-east.

  Menon is quick with his bow, and he gives an aura-bonus to those enemies
  who are with him (who are also mainly bow-wielders), so he is a challenge
  to be sure - however he is no way NEAR as powerful as Aristeus.

  Once Menon has been disposed of, head through the door to the south-west
  of his room, and then through the next room, and back into the main hall
  where you started.  It's just a quick 90 degree turn to your north-west,
  and then the exit back to the outside world is to your south-west.

  You will not complete this quest until you return to Megara and speak with
  Autolycus, who will reward you with 2500 XP.

  ===================
  NEWS OF A SHIPWRECK
  ===================

  If you leave Old Eleusis and head north-west, you will pass through two
  torches and over a bridge, whereupon you will see a small contingent of
  Spartan soldiers (who are about to be DECIMATED), rushing north-west
  to attack the Cyclops Polyphemus.

  FIGHT !! *rolls up his sleeves*

  Polyphemus is a VERY powerful adversary, and will be able to destroy you
  easily, unfortunately.  He, like all cyclops, has three primary attacks,
  only two of which you need to concern yourself with :-

  1)  Club Swipe (you can all but disregard this one - it's easy to avoid);
  2)  Bellow (a cone-shaped noise attack that will daze you and make you
              very easy for him to splat into the ground); and
  3)  Earthquake (he bashes his club to the ground, and a wall of energy
                  rips up the earth in a straight line - AVOID AT ALL COSTS)

  Polyphemus is best dealt with at range, but just for your information,
  whilst he can cross the bridge that leads back towards Old Eleusis, he
  cannot travel much beyond it, so remember my dizzying tactic here ;)

  You can use the Spartans as cannon fodder (which isn't very nice, but
  they are next to useless in this fight), which will buy you a few seconds
  but not much more unfortunately =./

  Once Polyphemus has fallen, investigate the Majestic Chest behind him, and
  the small cave behind that for loot.

  West and then north of the cave where Polyphemus was residing will lead
  you to another set of two torches that take you onto the beach of the
  Halcyon Coast.

  From where you set foot on the beach, head due west and then south-west
  to uncover the loot that Antor was telling you about.  Take care though,
  as it is well-guarded by a contingent of Wraiths.  You gain 1000 XP and
  complete the quest once the last wraith has fallen.

  ==============================
  THE WORDS OF THE ORACLE CONT'D
  ==============================

  Once you are done with those two quests, follow the beach of the Halcyon
  Coast to the north-west and up the hill until you reach the rebirth
  fountain, and two torches that take you into Boetia.  Boetia is a forest-
  area filled with satyr's, centaur and the like - nothing you haven't seen
  already really.

  Follow the path as it snakes in an S-shape northwards, and when you exit
  the Dark Satyr encampment, head north-north-west until you reach a bridge
  that crosses the river to the north.

  Cross that bridge and you enter the Ambrossos Farmlands, whereupon you
  should continue heading due north until you reach a field of wheat.

  At the northern edge of that field you will find the Centaur Chiron, who
  is doing a really weird "I could really do with a backscratcher" kinda
  motion, with a big exclamation mark over his head.  Perhaps he's realised
  that it is going to very difficult for him to scratch his back when he
  has the hindquarters of a horse behind him - WHO KNOWS.

  ================
  THE GOOD CENTAUR
  ================

  Speak with Chiron and he will explain that whilst his centaur brethren
  have become pain freaks, he himself has remained quite normal, and that
  Ino, a Maenad Priestess, has stolen his bow and run into the caves to his
  north, and he feels unable to retrieve it.

  Head north (over the bridge) and enter the cave, to retrieve Chiron's Bow
  from the FREAKB!ATCH Ino - IDEALLY over her dead body ;)  Be advised,
  however, that if you do not kill her outright, Ino will continually
  retreat from one room to another in the cave that is her lair, leading
  you into progressively harder sessions of combat.  Not that a seasoned
  warrior like yourself has THAT much to fear from her but still, 'tis a
  bit of an annoyance all the same.

  With Ino fallen and Chiron's Bow safely in your possession, return to him
  and return the bow to him.  He will reward you with 2 Attribute Points, and
  3000 XP - WICKED !! :)

  From where Chiron stands, head due west through the field of wheat, and
  up to the bridge leading north-west into the Village of Ambrossos

  ========================
  THE VILLAGE OF AMBROSSOS
  ========================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the Village of Ambrossos.

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  MELESIPPUS - Brooding Man who mourns for the losses Greece has suffered to
           its harvests and families
  ELACATAS - Loitering Villager who tells you that the olive grove lies just
           down the road aways.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  ADMETUS - Simple Villager who gives you the a Master Blacksmith quest.  He
           tells of how, apparently, rumour has it that Termerus the
           Blacksmith was taught by the God Hephaestus himself !!
  ASIMIDES - Merchant Trader who tells you that he had to abandon his goods
           whilst en route to Delphi to trade as he had inadvertently set up
           his camp near a Skeleton hideout !!  He is happy for whoever finds
           his goods (which is going to be us ;)) to have them.  Woohoo !!

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  LAOMEDON - Trader.

  ====================================
  QUESTS FROM THE VILLAGE OF AMBROSSOS
  ====================================

  =================
  A PROPER OFFERING
  =================

  Strictly-speaking, this is a quest you pick up in Sparta, but which looks
  like it's for Delphi (because that is where you complete it) - however you
  cannot do so without picking something up from the Olive Grove just outside
  the Village of Ambrossos.  Can you remember what that was ??

  THAT'S RIGHT !!  Well done !!  An olive branch from the sacred tree in the
  grove.

  This will be the first mission we undertake upon leaving Ambrossos, so I
  have put it here for good measure.

  So !  Here we go.  From the Village of Ambrossos, leave by the north-west,
  and rid the two fleeing villagers of the harpy in pursuit.  From there, head
  north north-west, passing through a Satyr Encampment, and you will come to a
  bridge that leads north-west across a valley below.

  This takes you to the Helicos Pass, where you will see Eurytimus, the Olive
  Farmer, standing by the roadside bowing his head in shame.  Speak with him
  to learn that his grove (where you need to go to get the olive branch) is
  ON FIRE !!!!!  He tells you that you might get to the tree you seek to find
  it is unharmed, but that you will have to fight your way there.

  OUR SPECIALITY !! ;)

  However we're not STUPID are we ... we're going to activate that rebirth
  fountain to the left of where Eurytimus is standing BEFORE we go up the hill
  into the grove AREN'T we ... yeeeeeeeeeeeeees, that's right :)

  So, now head up the hill slaying the spiders as you go, and you will
  ultimately get to the top.  Now, when you see the yellow circles with the
  black exclamation marks in them I want you to STOP.  Kill any enemies in
  the immediate vicinity and MAKE SURE that you are at full health and ready
  for a tough battle.  The Olive Grove's sacred olive tree is being guarded
  rather jealously by Arachne, the Spider Queen, who is a MASTER of poison
  damage let me tell you.

  Her primary attacks are :-

  1)  Spit venom which poisons an area of the ground for a few seconds;
  2)  Sword strike;
  3)  Summon Web Crawlers; and
  4)  Lob Venom, which does poison damage direct to you for a few seconds.

  Don't forget to keep healing during combat, as you can actually - it sounds
  stupid but it isn't - keep health points temporarily in reserve ?  For
  example, if your character has, say, 150 health points, and you consume a
  potion that restores 200 health points when you were at 50 health points ?
  Then you would have 200 + 50 = 250 health points.  Obviously your maximum
  health is 150, so the game very kindly allows you to continually regenerate
  up to 150 for a few seconds until the potion wears off, or the 100 surplus
  points you had from drinking the potion are spent.

  Fortunately if she DOES kill you, you will rematerialise at the bottom of
  the olive grove rather than back at the Village of Ambrossos, because you
  took my advice and activated that rebirth fountain, didn't you ;)

  Once Arachne has died her WELL-EARNED death, open the chests (three
  Primitive and one Majestic) and take their contents, together with the
  Sacred Olive Branch which you will need to present to the Oracle in Delphi
  upon your arrival there.

  ===============
  GOODS ABANDONED
  ===============

  Head back down the path from the top of the olive grove to where Eurytimus
  is standing, and then follow the path down to the south-west.

  Keep following the path as it turns 90 degrees to the south-east, and then
  as it turns north-east, head south-west and keep going south-west until you
  reach a small army of skeletons, zombies and other nastiness.  Slaughter the
  LOT of them, and the treasure that Asimides was telling you about is all
  yours for the taking !!

  ===================
  A MASTER BLACKSMITH
  ===================

  You pick up this quest either by speaking with Admetus (a name you will
  become rather familiar with by the time the game is ultimately over) in the
  Village of Ambrossos, or by simply finding him yourself.  To get to Termerus
  you will need to head north-east of the abandoned goods in the Helicos Pass
  until you reach the rebirth fountain adjacent to the Phocian Swamps.

  Head east, and every so slightly south of the rebirth fountain and you will
  find two pre-lit small torches leading you across a marshy path, and from
  there head north-east until you find another such path heading north.

  Take that path, and then follow the path to the east north-east into Lower
  Delphi.  When the path turns 90 degrees to the south-east and crosses a
  bridge, keep heading north-east and you will find Termerus (and a small
  group of centaurs and satyrs) in a woodland clearing just off the road.

  Finding Termerus completes the mission, and earns you 1500 XP.

  Termerus lives up to his reputation, and sells (generally-speaking) some
  very decent clobber, not to mention the OH so cool BLACK DYE for your tunic
  should you choose to avail yourself of it.  At 15000 GP it's not cheap, but
  you know fashion !!!!! ;)

  ==============================
  THE WORDS OF THE ORACLE CONT'D
  ==============================

  Once you are done with Termerus, head south-west and then cross the bridge
  to the south-east and follow the path as it winds eastwards through the
  Crisaeos Falls and up to the rebirth fountain on the roadside.

  Once you have gotten there, head east and then south-east into the Delphi
  Highlands, and follow the path as it ultimately turns to the north, and then
  leads north-west and winds into the City of Delphi.  Beware the Maenad
  contingent that assail the city, however - some of them are quite hard to
  spot - ESPECIALLY the Maenad Rogues !!

  ==================
  THE CITY OF DELPHI
  ==================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the City of Delphi
  * There is a portal shrine in the City of Delphi

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  EUMACHUS - Guard Captain who complains that their God, Apollo, has done
           nothing to protect them from the onslaught of the monsters at the
           city's gates.
  EURYNOME - Wealthy Citizen who speaks of the refugees in the city, and of
           the Oracle.
  PELIAS - Storyteller who goes through the tale of the War of Troy.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  IODAME - Grieving Widow who mourns the loss of her late husband - one of the
           original defenders of Delphi who fell to a great boar/man.  She
           gives you the Grieving Widow quest.
  ASTYOCHE - Temple Attendant who takes the Olive Branch from you and bids
           you enter to speak with the Oracle of Delphi.  For giving her the
           branch you complete the a Proper Offering quest, and earn a
           permanent +5% cold resistance for your character.
  DELPHIC ORACLE OF APOLLO - Speak with her to have a prophesy given to you,
           and the main quest updated to "The Source of the Monsters" (and
           2000 XP)

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  ARISTONUS - Blacksmith
  DEON      - Caravan Driver
  IPHITOS   - Enchanter
  LYCON     - Arcanist
  PAUSANIAS - Mystic

  =======
  MYSTICS
  =======

  FINALLY we get to introduce those elusive Mystics !!  Mystics are the final
  type of businessmen that you will encounter in Titan Quest.

  Mystics only serve one function, but it is a very, VERY useful one.  You
  can visit a mystic to buy back any skill points you want to re-allocate.
  Doing this is a costly exercise, as the points become ever-increasingly more
  expensive to buy back (until they reach a ceiling of 45000 GP per point).

  To give you an idea of how much of a mark-up that is, the first point you buy
  back costs you a paltry 250 GP !!

  You cannot use a mystic to drain all your points in a school and to pick a
  new school unfortunately, as you cannot decrease your mastery points in a
  given school - however for individual skills this is a GREAT function -
  provided you have the cash of course.

  ==============================
  QUESTS FROM THE CITY OF DELPHI
  ==============================

  ==================
  THE GRIEVING WIDOW
  ==================

  This quest is actually completed as part of going through the main quest,
  so I shall not speak of it for now, but I will bring it up at the right time,
  have no fear.

  ========================================
  SECTION 1.4 - THE SOURCE OF THE MONSTERS
  ========================================

  Now that we have been directed further, we can leave Delphi through its
  eastern gate (just travel south-east of Pausanias the Mystic and you will
  find it no problem).

  Continue heading up the hill (south-east), and you will come to two torches
  which you should go straight through and carry on south-eastwards until you
  get to the entrance to the Parnassus Caves.

  In the Parnassus Caves, head down the set of steps at the back-end of the
  first chamber you come to, and activate the rebirth fountain at the foot of
  the stairs.

  From the rebirth fountain, head east-south-east and you will find a way out
  of this main chamber and into another area of the caves.

  As you enter this new area, you will walk past two pre-lit torches (just
  flaming sticks in the ground really), and from here you should head due
  north (and a tiny bit east) to find

  ==================
  THE GRIEVING WIDOW
  ==================

  Cepharis - Master of the Flame.  You remember him ?  He is the nasty
  boarman that slew the husband of Iodame - the Grieving Widow in Delphi.
  Take care when you face him, as he has some mastery of earth (and fire)
  magic.  He is, however, quite a clumsy enemy, and should not pose a MAJOR
  problem for you to defeat.

  Once he has fallen, search the three chests (one of which is ornate) in his
  cave for goodies, and create a portal to take you back to Delphi to deliver
  the news of his downfall to Iodame, and she will reward you with 3000 XP.

  =================================
  THE SOURCE OF THE MONSTERS CONT'D
  =================================

  Hokay so, back on the road to Parnassus :)  Leave the tiny chamber where
  Cepharis was holed up by the south, and then head due east until you find
  another corridor that leads you out and into the next chamber.

  Once you are in THIS chamber, follow its northern wall as it travels south-
  east, then east, and then take the corridor on the northern wall that leads
  to the north-east.

  At the end of this corridor, on the eastern wall, is the way out of these
  dank and nasty caves.  Hurrah !

  You come straight out into the Parnassus Hinterlands, right beside a
  rebirth fountain which you should activate immediately.

  The path you need to take to get to the next main point - the Parnassus
  Portal Shrine - is a bit weird, but here goes.  Head south-east of the
  rebirth fountain, and then follow the track as it curves to go north-east.

  A fair way off it may be, but you will come (after a fair few encounters
  with those pesky Maenad-fweeks) to a stone bridge that leads you to a
  rebirth fountain, the Parnassus Portal Shrine, and Pelanis - a Satyr
  Trader !

  Once you are done dealing with Pelanis (who doesn't really say a whole
  hell of a lot, but who is kinda sweet), you need to head due east of the
  rebirth fountain, through a whole hell of a lot of Mountain Satyr's in
  camps, to get to the next bridge that will lead across a span of water and
  into the

  ==============
  LOWER WAR-CAMP
  ==============

  Yes friends, it appears we have pretty much found the source of the monsters.
  There is an entire bloody WAR-CAMP of them !!!!!  Time to get our hands
  dirty !! :)

  There are a number of different routes you can take to get through this
  area of the war-camp (as I'm sure you must have guessed that, this being the
  LOWER war-camp there must logically be an UPPER war-camp as well ??  *raises
  his eyebrow knowingly*), but the easiest is probably to just batter your
  way directly east until you come to a large set of stone steps and two
  VERY widely-spaced torches.

  As you enter this area you come across a small contingent of exhumed skeletal
  soldiers, all with a glow around their feet.  As I'm sure you will have no
  doubt noticed by now, you must destroy anything that has such a glow, as it
  more often than not signifies that the creature/s in question have some plot-
  driven significance.

  Once these boys have been taken care of, Hylas - a cowering vagabond - crawls
  out from under some rocks nearby and proudly shows his exclamation mark for
  all to see.

  Speak with him, and he will babble on almost incoherently about an army of
  centaurs, harpies, satyrs and other monsters marching off from here to who-
  knows-where.  He says a few of them have remained here, and that the WORST
  of those that remain can ... wait for it ... yes, that's right ... *clears
  his throat* ... TURN YOU TO STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE !!!!!

  Pop question.  Which Greek Mythological Monsters had the ability to turn
  men to stone ?  Answers after the break !!

  Just to the north-east of Hylas is another rebirth fountain, which is a good
  thing as this battle is only going to get harder ... and harder ... and
  more harder ... heh.

  Continue down the steps to the north-east, and take note that you are now in
  the Upper War-Camp, but please be prepared for me to give you some VERY
  specific directions as to which way to go - the upper war-camp is a large
  area, and it is easy to wind up doubling-back on yourself if you aren't
  careful.

  From this first set of steps (the ones by the rebirth fountain), head due
  north.  This will take you up, and then almost immediately back down, a
  set of steps that is very near to the rebirth fountain.

  Keep heading due north of this position, and you will come upon a further
  set of steps, which curve up and to the north-east.  Take those steps and
  you will see a large bonfire alight in front of you.

  From here head to the north-east, and then follow the steps as they lead
  down, and curve to the south-east before ending on a large expanse of
  dark earth with isolated weeds here and there.

  Head north-east of this set of steps, and you will see a petrified Cyclops
  followed by ... a petrified set of humans ... followed by a pair of pre-lit
  torches.

  Yes, we're about to fight a boss ... *cracks his knuckles*

  Enter the building ahead of you and you will step into the Pythian Caves.
  Oddly the first enemies you encounter in these caves are the toughest for,
  straight out of Greek Mythology I am proud to present you with ...

                          ... THE GORGON SISTERS ...

  YES friends these beauties might look like Miss World Contenders, but rest
  assured their minds are NOT on winning beauty pageants this time around.

  They're more interested in your ... ass ...

  ============
  HELPFUL HINT
  ============

  Whenever you enter a boss fight that requires you to go through a bigass
  door to get into it ?  The door WILL lock itself behind you once you are
  inside.  You CAN, however, stand just inside the threshold of the door, and
  be quite safe from it locking.  This obviously means that you can, in many
  of the room-based boss fights on Titan Quest and Immortal Throne, avoid a
  total asswhuppin' by using THIS technique which I shall dub the "doorstep"
  technique, to maintain an escape route should you need it ;)

  The THREE Gorgons you must fight in this boss fight are, true to Greek
  myth :-

     1)  Sstheno
     2)  Medusa; and
     3)  Euryale.

  All three have different attacks.

  Sstheno is armed with a spear, and consequently likes to attack you up
  close and personal.

  Medusa is armed with a bow and arrows, and has the ability to petrify
  you from afar (that's the large purple blast she fires at you from time
  to time, WHICH YOU SHOULD AVOID in case that bit isn't obvious) ;)
  She fires flaming arrows at you as well.

  Euryale is also armed with a bow and arrows, and she is able to charge her
  strikes with cold and lightning energy.

  ============
  HELPFUL HINT
  ============

  NONE of the gorgons is able to leave their cave, which is a good thing as
  you cannot open the door to get back out once you are inside.  If you are
  a master of the Storm school, and have chosen the lightning and chain
  lightning skills, you may be able to draw the gorgon sisters to you by
  launching a lightning bolt so that it strikes the ground in the uppermost
  corner of the screen near them.  If they take damage from the strike - even
  if it is just the tiniest sliver of damage - they WILL come to find out who
  threw the lightning bolt at them, and you can use this in conjunction with
  my dizzying attack to sort them out proper.

  Once they have all fallen to your might, HEED MY WORDS and take care when
  picking up the items they drop.  Make sure you have enough space in your
  inventory to carry them, as if you do not, and your character drops them
  in disgust ?  They may well just fall into the HUGE BLACK HOLES on either
  side of the narrow bridge you have to cross to get to where the gorgons
  were.

  If this DOES happen, run to the very bottom edge of the room and you might
  find that you are able to select the items from there - it's kooky logic,
  but the game seems to work on a number of different planes to gauge where
  you are in relation to objects in-game.

  After you have raided their bodies, crack open the Majestic Chest and three
  Primitive Chests that they were guarding, and then speak with the (now de-
  petrified) Feiyan, who expresses her incredulation at how the gorgons got
  the better of her.  She then goes on to recount the tale of the Telkine.

  It transpires that a Telkine is a "great sorcerer who can summon beasts and
  monsters to raid and destroy" ... hmmmmmmmm ... sounds like another BOSS to
  me ... anyhow, this "Telkine" of which she speaks attacked Feiyan's village,
  slaying everybody there but her.  Feiyan is pursuing the Telkine and is
  sure that he is on his way to attack Athens itself.

  WICKED !!  This should be fun !! :)  Err ... I mean ... OH NO !  How AWFUL !

  ===================================
  SECTION 1.5 - THE BATTLE FOR ATHENS
  ===================================

  With those B!ATCH gorgons taken care of, we can now leave through the north-
  western door that Feiyan very kindly opened for us, and enter the Pythian
  Caves proper ... and ... ooh what's this !?!?!  MORE gorgons ???

  Yup, the Pythian Caves are a veritable BREEDING GROUND for gorgons it seems.
  There are FIVE main types of gorgon that you will encounter in these caves,
  being :-

  1)  Gorgon Guards (armed with spears - a-typically Hastas)
  2)  Gorgon Archers (shockingly, armed with bow and arrows)
  3)  Gorgon Slayers (who can best be though of as more accurate and more
      powerful Gorgon Archers - they are usually light blue in colour)
  4)  Gorgon Profaners (who are flame-red in colour and can attack you with
      flaming arrows, and more annoyingly cause the ground underneath your
      feet to burst into flames for a period of time, doing you HUGE amounts
      of damage); and
  5)  Gorgon Geomancers (who are not QUITE as annoying as the Profaners, but
      who are not far off it to be honest.  The Geomancers have the ability to
      strike you with poisoned arrows, and to cause the ground beneath your
      feet to erupt in a noxious poisonous cloud doing poison damage for a few
      seconds (and a lot of it, at that !!)).

  Head north-west until you reach the rebirth fountain, and activate it.
  From here, head north-east and when you enter the next main chamber (right
  through the archway basically), head south-east and then follow the southern
  wall around, and to the south-west to find the exit.  If you're getting
  stuck check out your compass - the exit is shown on that as a black hole
  in a red circle.

  As soon as you get outside the Pythian Caves, you enter the Athenian
  Passage.  Activate the rebirth fountain by the cave's exit, and trade your
  surplus goods with the Trader Damaskenos, who has a cart and two horses
  nearby.

  Fortunately there really is only one way to go to get through the Athenian
  Passage, and that is east, then south-east, then north-east of Damaskenos'
  position.  However, be warned that both this Passage, and the Valley beyond,
  are VERY well inhabited by Centaurs and their Elders, so tread carefully.

  Once you reach the next rebirth fountain, cross the bridge that it stands
  beside, to enter Kephisos Valley.  As with the Athenean Passage, there are
  many Centaur (and Boar) here, so be wary.

  From where you enter the Kephisos Valley, follow the shoreline to the north
  until you find Pausanias the Spartan Captain, and Isarchus the Spartan
  Soldier.  Both have quests for you.

  ====================
  TRAPPED IN THE RUINS
  ====================

  Pausanias and his contingent of Spartan Warriors have managed to trap a
  Giant Limos (a Life-Eater) in the ruins to your immediate north-west.  They
  have suffered losses at the hands of the Limos, however, as three of their
  warrior have already been injured by the beast.

  Gather your weapons, muster your arms, it's time to kick some ass.

  The Giant Limos IS a tough enemy if you are not prepared for him.  You will
  undoubtedly have already crushed many of his lesser brethren in your quest
  this far into the game, but he is much more dangerous.

  The Giant Limos has THREE primary attacks :-

     1)  Clawed hand-strike;
     2)  Life-steal (where he replenishes his own life at the cost of yours);
     3)  Poison Gas Bomb (with Shrapnel add-on).

  In case you're curious, this places him at about a level 24 Rogue in terms
  of his mastery of the Rogue School of Training.  NOT BAD EH - so BE ...
  CAREFUL !!

  Once he has fallen to you, return to Pausanias and earn your reward :-
  3000 XP and a random magic weapon (tasty !!).

  =============
  SPARTANS LOST
  =============

  Isarchus - the Spartan Soldier who stands just to the east of Pausanias - is
  looking for somebody to seek out a scouting party who were recently sent up
  into the swamps nearby, but who have not reported back to the main group in
  some time.  He wants you to go and check up to make sure they are alright.

  To do this, follow the shoreline as it leads east of Isarchus' position,
  until you reach a bridge leading north-west.  Cross the bridge to get into
  the Monster Encampment, and then head north (and a TINY bit west), to get
  into the Athens Marsh.

  From here, hug the western wall and follow it north-east, until you reach
  Eryx, the Spartan Scout and his scouting party.

  Eryx says that he and his party are all fine, but they are just a little
  lost, and so it would be COOL if you could please tell the rest of their
  troop that they are safe and sound.

  Head back to Isarchus and deliver this message, to complete the quest and
  earn yourself 4000 XP.

  ===========================
  NOTE ABOUT THE ATHENS MARSH
  ===========================

  Be VERY careful when wandering through the Athens Marsh on the Legendary
  difficulty setting, as there is a seven-headed Hydra - the Lernean Hydra -
  camped on the eastern side of the marsh.  This Hydra is one TOUGH mutha,
  with the ability to bite using its multiple heads, as well as being able
  to spit fire, frost and poison breath attacks at you.  The Lernean </pre><pre id="faqspan-3">
  Hydra is guarding four Primitive Chests, and one Majestic Chest.

  Many thanks to Michael Kier for pointing this out to me !!

  ============================
  THE BATTLE FOR ATHENS CONT'D
  ============================

  Once you are done with Isarchus and the wayward Spartan Scouting Party,
  head back across the bridge that leads you into the Monster Encampment,
  and from there head north-west until you reach a really quite large ...
  wait for iiiiiiiiiiiiiit ... MONSTER ENCAMPMENT !!  Shocking isn't it.
  Follow the path as it winds through the Monster Encampment - it will go
  north-west, then north-east, north and then north-east again, and you will
  (upon clearing the encampment) find a rebirth fountain which you should,
  of course, activate immediately.

  Once activated, head east-north-east aways, and you will enter the
  Athenian Battleground.  What is happening, in case you haven't noticed,
  is that the monsters (led by the Telkine) ARE mounting an offensive
  against the legendary great city of Athens, and WE ... yes my friends
  you, and I, are going to stop them.

  Oh yes, we are.

  So !  From your starting point I would like you to head north-west and into
  the town.  Just follow the road as it curves to the north-east, and then
  back to the south-east.  However, as it draws level with a field of wheat
  to the north, turn and head due north-east, through the field, across a
  path, through another field (just keep heading north-east), and then carry
  on heading north-east until you reach a brick wall.  THAT is the wall of
  Athens, and you will find General Leonidas standing at the gate to Athens.

  ==================
  THE CITY OF ATHENS
  ==================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the City of Athens.
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the City of Athens.

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  BRASIDAS - Leonidas' Guard who has made the journey with him from the
           Spartan War-Camp all the way to Athens to help defend it from the
           hordes of monsters preparing to bring it down.  En route they were
           joined by the Tegeans and the Corinthians, with the Thebans already
           there ahead of them.
  ANAXOGORAS - Storyteller who regales you with the tale of the Mountain
           Nymph Maia, and how she gave birth to Hermes by the God Zeus.  He
           goes on to tell of how Hermes created the first Lyre, which he used
           to pacify the God Apollo (he actually NEEDED to, as Apollo was on
           the warpath to avenge the theft of some of his cattle BY Hermes !!).
  MELETUS - Angry Citizen who just wants to know WHY the monsters have chosen
           to attack Athens.
  CLEANTHES - Philosopher who quite rightly comments that it is most often
           when united by a common threat that old enemies become each others
           protectors ... of course for how long ... who knows ??
  EVANDER - Athenian Guard that can backup what Kyros tells you, and who also
           confirms that the Athenian Guard are in the process of fighting
           their way up to the Acropolis as you speak.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  LEONIDAS - Spartan General (as always).  Leonidas recounts how in the
           Spartans hubris, they refused aid from their Greek counterparts -
           a decision they bitterly regretted later on, as they suffered
           many losses to the hordes of monsters they had to face on their
           own.

           Sparta marched to join forces with the other Greek factions,
           united in the common defence of the great city of Athens.

           He tells you that the Telkine of which you speak disappeared during
           the battle in Athens, which gave the other factions the chance to
           drive the monsters back, and has led them to their present
           situation.  Finally, he says that he has heard tales of battles
           already going on within the city, but that he cannot spare a runner
           to go and see what is going on.  He wants to know if you could go
           and see what is going on (and gives you 2500 XP and restores all
           your health and mana as a gesture of his goodwill).
  KYROS - Panicked Man who says that his leader is trapped by monsters in the
           heart of the catacombs under the Acropolis, and who begs you to
           save him by venturing beneath the Parthenon.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  ANTIPHON  - Mystic
  DEMODOCUS - Blacksmith
  NICIAS    - Arcanist
  ENDIOS    - Enchanter
  KONON     - Caravan Driver

  ==============================
  QUESTS FROM THE CITY OF ATHENS
  ==============================

  No specific ones - just a continuation of the main quest really.

  =====================================
  SECTION 1.6 - THE ORDER OF PROMETHEUS
  =====================================

  Kyros has let slip (totally intentionally) that the leader of their Sect -
  the Order of Prometheus - is trapped in the Athenian Catacombs, and that he
  needs your help otherwise he will surely perish.

  Time to rip off your shirt and reveal that Superman undershirt you've got
  on.  C'mon I know you do ... eeeeeeeeeeeeverybody does  ;)

  If you would care to head up the MASSIVE flight of stairs due north-east of
  where Kyros is cowering (and to help the Athenian Guard slay the large
  number of ratmen that are coming DOWN at the same time), then you will find
  the Acropolis at the top.

  From where you enter the Acropolis, please head to the north-easternmost
  corner, and up the flight of steps, through the archway.  Then north-east
  and up two more flights of stairs to get an update to the Order of
  Prometheus quest, and access to the Parthenon.

  At the backend of the Parthenon you will find a smashed wooden door, with
  steps leading down into the Athens Catacombs.

  ================
  ATHENS CATACOMBS
  ================

  This is a FIVE-LEVEL Dungeon basically, with your objective being to get
  down to the fifth level.  There are rebirth fountains strategically-placed
  throughout, and a HORDE of undead monsters and gorgons lurking on each
  level, so please take things slow, and steady.  We wouldn't want you to poke
  an eye out with whatever weapon you're holding now WOULD we !!

  First off, activate the rebirth fountain on the first level.  I am going
  to very (almost insultingly) simplistically write out in shorthand the
  quickest way to get through each level, so here we go :-

  ----------------------------
  ATHENS CATACOMBS - LEVEL ONE
  ----------------------------

  > North-east through the archway between the two blue Athenian Standards
  > North-west into the next room
  > North-west into the next room
  > North-west into the next room
  > North-east into the next room
  > Descend the steps on the south-eastern wall to get to

  ----------------------------
  ATHENS CATACOMBS - LEVEL TWO
  ----------------------------

  > North-east into the next room
  > North-west into the next room
  > North-west into the next room
  > South-west into the next room (a VERY long room)
  > South-east into the next room
  > North-east into the next room
  > South-east into the next room
  > South-east into the next room
  > South-west into the next room
  > Descend the steps on the north-western wall to get to

  ------------------------------
  ATHENS CATACOMBS - LEVEL THREE
  ------------------------------

  > Activate the rebirth fountain
  > North-west into the next room
  > North-west into the next room
  > North-east into the next room
  > Descend the steps on the south-eastern wall to get to

  -----------------------------
  ATHENS CATACOMBS - LEVEL FOUR
  -----------------------------

  > South-west into the next room
  > North-west into the next room (a very small one)
  > North-west into the next room
  > South-west down the narrow corridor, into the next room
  > Descend the steps on the south-eastern wall to get to

  -----------------------------
  ATHENS CATACOMBS - LEVEL FIVE
  -----------------------------

  > South-west into the next room
  > In the south-eastern portion of this room, open the EIGHT sepulchres,
    but beware of traps ;)
  > South-east into the next room

  Once you are in this room, see that door on the north-eastern wall ?  The
  beautifully ornate one inbetween the two lions ?  Behind THAT door is a
  boss, so GET READY.

  ============================
  ALASTOR - SCOURGE OF ACHERON
  ============================

  Alastor is a powerful wraith who has the ability to command up to six
  desecrated dead warriors at a time, so you should do your best NOT to
  get locked into the room with him, or your battle will become considerably
  more difficult.

  Here are Alastor's attacks :-

     - Flaming arrow
     - Poison arrow
     - Summon three Desecrated Dead Soldiers
     - Summon three Desecrated Dead Frost Liches

  Once three of his Desecrated Dead followers have fallen in battle, he will
  summon another three, which gives rise to the following tactics :-

  1)  Kill TWO of his Desecrated Dead Soldiers, and TWO of his Desecrated
      Dead Frost Liches, and then focus ALL your attacks on him, and avoid
      hitting the remaining soldier and frost liche, as this will prevent
      Alastor from respawning them.
  2)  WEAVE.  Strike and dodge, strike and dodge.
  3)  If you CAN avoid getting into the room with him, DO SO.  Since the
      complexity of this boss-fight depends largely on whether you have the
      room to manoeuvre, or whether you are trapped in the same room AS him,
      being able to move about freely can make all the difference.

  Once you are done with Alastor and his lackies, open the Majestic Chest,
  Ornate Chest, and two Quality Chests, before speaking with the recently
  liberated Phaedrus (the Aged Philosopher).

  Phaedrus identifies himself as the head of the Athens Chapters of the Order
  of Prometheus - a secret society charged with the safe-keeping of the
  mortal realm - arch-nemesis of the Telkine (Lesser Titans).

  It transpires that mortal legend erroneously believed that the Telkine
  were banished with the rest of the Titans when the Gods won the great war
  between themselves and the Titans.  This is obviously NOT the case, as the
  Telkine that was up until recently in Athens, has now moved off towards
  Knossos on the isle of Crete.

  The Order of Prometheus is afraid that it is his intention to destroy a
  sacred artifact they use to keep in contact with the realm of the Gods,
  and they have no way of knowing what would happen if he were to succeed.

  Phaedrus asks you to travel to Knossos and to put a stop to the Telkine's
  evil plot at all costs.  He says that there is an agent of the Order of
  Prometheus who is waiting for you at the Athens Docks, to arrange your
  safe passage to Knossos.

  With that, you earn a magical item (I earned a random green necklace),
  together with 5000 XP, and an update of the main quest to ...

  =================================
  SECTION 1.7 - UNDER THE LABYRINTH
  =================================

  Once you are done speaking with Phaedrus, leave through the door in the
  north-eastern wall of the room, and keep heading north-east, until you are
  able to leave the corridor via a small set of steps to the south-east.

  As soon as you leave the corridor, you enter the Athens Docks, and should
  (of course) immediately activate the rebirth fountain by the steps.

  From there, head to the south-west and slay all the gorgons you find en
  route, and keep going south-west until you find the familiar face of Feiyan
  whom, it NOW appears, is your contact with the Order of the Prometheus !!
  So THAT was the "business" she just HAD to attend to.  Did a bang-up job of
  sorting THAT one out didn't you love !?!?!

  Speak with Feiyan and she will express EQUAL shock that YOU are the hero
  Phaedrus has elected to send to Knossos to do battle with the Telkine.  To
  her defence, all she wants is a crack at the monster that slew her family
  and friends, but for reasons best known to himself, Phaedrus has seen fit
  to despatch her to the Far East on another mission.

  Once you have spoken with her, and the main quest has been updated, speak
  with Isarchidas - the Ship Captain who stands beside her, and elect to
  travel to Knossos.

  Do not worry - you can come back here if you REALLY feel the need ;)

  =============
  KNOSSOS BEACH
  =============

  Ah here we are at last.  RIGHT.  You go find a windbreaker whilst I go
  grab us a couple of ice-creams and some suntan lotion ok ??  Synchronise
  your watches aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand GOGOGOGOGOGO !!

  Ok ok I'll get on with it.

  Head south-west of your starting location, leaving Isarchidas behind (he
  never says much - just takes you back and forth between Knossos and the
  Athens Docks should you ever want to go back there), and keep going up the
  beach until you reach the Village of Herakleion

  =====================
  VILLAGE OF HERAKLEION
  =====================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the Village of Herakleion
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the Village of Herakleion

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  DIACRITUS - Storyteller who tells you the tale of the great builder Daedalus.
           He tells of how Daedalus built the Labyrinth of Crete at the behest
           of King Minos of Crete, to contain the fearsome Minotaur.  He goes
           on to detail Daedalus' waxen wings - how he made two sets of such
           wings for himself and his son Icarus, and how Icarus couldn't read
           the manual properly, and melted his by the heat of the sun.
  ALCMENE - Hearty Matron who warns you of the existence of the Minotaur under
           the Palace ... like you didn't know that already !!  *Slaps her
           silly*
  ANTIOPE - Shepherdess who confirms that something very powerful AND evil
           entered Knossos last night ... and nope, it wasn't looking for
           a bed and breakfast.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  HIPPOCOON - Brooding Villager who gives you the Xanthippus the Healer quest.
           Basically he tells you that Xanthippus is up taking a break (and
           perhaps an olde worlde kit-kat) in the hills, and they really need
           him back here to help combat the sickness that has been left as a
           result of the Telkine passing through.
  DIOTIMUS - Peasant who tells you about the Tyrant Leucus - a former usurper
           of the throne of Knossos who's reign of terror came to an end when
           he was poisoned by one of his own servants.  It appears, however,
           that he has risen from the dead and is now holed up in Tritons
           Ridge.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  POLYMEDES   - Blacksmith
  MENO        - Arcanist
  PARAEBATES  - Enchanter
  PHILOCTEDES - Caravan Driver

  =====================================
  QUESTS FROM THE VILLAGE OF HERAKLEION
  =====================================

  =====================
  XANTHIPPUS THE HEALER
  =====================

  Xanthippus, the resident healer of the Village of Herakleion, has been up
  in the hills since the vicious Telkine passed through the Village, and they
  desperately need him to return and cure the survivors of the sickness that
  has beset them.

  Xanthippus, like Leucus, is on Tritons Ridge, and that is a fair way away,
  so I am going to proceed with the main quest walkthrough, and come back
  to this quest when the time is right.

  =================
  THE UNDEAD TYRANT
  =================

  Rumour has it that the long-fallen spirit of the evil tyrant Leucus has
  arisen again, and made a lair for itself on Tritons Ridge.  Leucus was a
  former usurper of the Throne of Knossos, who took it by force, and was later
  poisoned to death by a servant there.

  As with the Xanthippus the Healer quest, I shall disregard it for now, as
  Tritons Ridge is a fair way off, but we shall come back to it when the time
  is right.

  ========================================
  SECTION 1.7 - UNDER THE LABYRINTH CONT'D
  ========================================

  So !  From the Village of Herakleion, leave via the eastern path, making
  sure to activate both the rebirth fountain AND the portal shrine to its
  north-west before going.

  Once you are in the Herakleion Highlands, head due north until you reach,
  and go through, the two torches.

  Once through the torches, hug the edge of the cliff to your west, and
  follow it north until you reach the stone bridge that least westwards.

  Cross that bridge and you enter the Omphalion, where you should activate
  the rebirth fountain in front of you IMMEDIATELY - there is a pronounced
  Maenad presence here - most of whom are archers, and they ARE going to
  rain on your parade if you aren't very careful.

  It is also possible that you may encounter your first Minotaur here.  As
  with the Gorgons in the later part of the Pythian Caves, there are many -
  however, UNLIKE the Gorgons, you will encounter the weaker Minotaurs BEFORE
  you reach their Master, so that at least gives you some time to prepare
  yourself, to learn how they attack and so on.

  You must walk to your south-west to get into the thick of Omphalion, and as
  soon as you are able (i.e. after you have passed the first barracade to
  your north), head due north into another Maenad Encampment, and then from
  there (you will know exactly where "there" is because you will be standing
  before a VERY large Maenad War-Banner, on a tattered brown sheet), head
  north-east until you reach two torches and a bridge that will lead you out
  of Omphalion and onto Tritons Ridge.

  AT LAST !!

  Tritons Ridge is a bit of a weird shape, and as you already know you must
  go to TWO different locations to complete the two side quests you picked
  up in the Village of Herakleion.

  No sense in wasting time - let's get cracking !!

  =====================
  XANTHIPPUS THE HEALER
  =====================

  Since this is the first quest I picked up, I figure it's not unreasonable
  to make it the first quest we solve here.

  From entering Tritons Ridge, head south-east, and keep an eye on your
  compass to gauge where Xanthippus is.  He is essentially DUE south-east
  of your starting position.  Avoid going due south, as that leads into a
  small but powerful Maenad Encampment.  There is a clump of rocks that
  blocks you going DIRECTLY south-east to him in one straight line, so you
  must move around those, but he is to your south-east, trust me.

  Once you find Xanthippus you may take his kit-kat and eat it for yourself.
  After this, you may speak with him, and he opens up to you and says that
  whilst he was picking medicinal mushrooms (shyeah RIGHT monghead - he was
  picking magic mushrooms !!) in the nearby cave, when a monster snuck up on
  him.  Alarmed, he dropped his magical staff and fled to the safety (!!!) of
  Tritons Ridge.  He says without his staff he will be unable to do anything
  for the villagers in Herakleion, and so you are going to have to go in and
  get the staff back for him.

  Sounds to ME like he was drugged up to the eyeballs, tripped out his skull,
  and saw a VISION of this monster ... *spits on his hands and rubs them
  together* let's go kick some BUTT guys !!

  Be forewarned that the cave contains all manner of spidery beasties ;)

  Enter the cave beside where Xanthippus is standing, and head east-north-
  east, circumventing a small hole in the ground.  You will find an Ornate
  Chest (which is locked), being guarded by Runelord K'kin'zir - an Arachnos
  Hero who will not let you take its contents until he has fallen to you.

  K'kin'zir is not an overly tough opponent, who's attacks are mainly close-
  quarters sword strikes.  He should pose no serious problem to you, but he
  is quite quick on his feet (it helps him having EIGHT of them I guess), so
  he might be able to score a couple of quick strikes against you if you do
  decide to fall back, so keep that in mind.

  Once Runelord K'kin'zir has died, the chest can be opened and its contents -
  the Staff of Xanthippus - retrieved.  Give the Staff back to Xanthippus, and
  he will reward you with :- 5 Greater Energy Potions, 5 Greater Healing
  Potions, the full restoration of your health and energy bars, and 5000 XP !

  NOT BAD !!!!!

  =================
  THE UNDEAD TYRANT
  =================

  Well that's 1 down, 1 to go by my count !  From the now elated Xanthippus,
  head north-north-west, and then follow the path to the north-west aaaaaall
  the way up until you find a set of steps descending into the ground.

  Go down these steps to enter an Ancient Tomb, which is shaped like a big,
  symmetrical, rectangular doughnut, so it doesn't matter whether you go
  east or west when you get in here, you will wind up following the path
  around to the final room all the same.

  This Ancient Tomb contains a horde of undead warriors, PLUS a fair few
  gorgons to keep you occupied.

  Leucus has bated a trap for you in the room he occupies, which is the north-
  westernmost room in the structure.  You will see it as being two rooms
  due north-west of the room you start in.

  DO NOT GO IN THERE unless you want a SERIOUSLY difficult fight.

  These easiest way to handle this combat is to fire an arrow or something
  at Leucus, to lure him out into the adjacent room, and deal with him there.
  The trap he has set (which is a set of EIGHT skeletons - a combination of
  archers and regular soldiers - that will spring forth from the ground once
  you get sufficiently close to the treasure they are protecting) will still
  be activated when you go into the room, but at least by THAT stage you might
  have been able to defeat Leucus.

  ==========================
  LEUCUS I - TYRANT OF CRETE
  ==========================

  Leucus is, I believe, a Defence (and possibly Warfare) Master.  He has
  access to the Shield Charge and Onslaught Skills, and uses both to great
  effect during combat.  He can RAPIDLY close the gap between you and he,
  and his sword strikes are both strong and unrelenting.

  You might well fall a couple of times in your battle with him, which is
  VERY annoying considering the distance to the last rebirth fountain, so I
  would suggest taking PLENTY of health potions into your battle with him
  if your finances allow.

  However you destroy him, once he has fallen, the reward is truly worth it.
  You will gain 6000 XP for his death, plus access to the treasure he and his
  cronies (whom you may or may not have yet despatched ?) were protecting -
  Three sepulchres and a Majestic Chest.

  ========================================
  SECTION 1.7 - UNDER THE LABYRINTH CONT'D
  ========================================

  Once you have SMOTE the Tyrant of Crete, leave his ancient tomb by the same
  way you came in - the stairs - and then head to a bridge due south of you.
  In order to get to this bridge, you will have to go south, and follow the
  path as it forces you to go east, and then arc back on yourself to the west
  by going through the dead trees, and then walking just a few steps (truth be
  told it's only a few steps from the ancient tomb to this bridge ANYWAY) to
  the south-west to get to the bridge.

  Crossing the bridge takes you to the Kairatos Bluff, and you should activate
  the rebirth fountain as soon as you cross the bridge, as is by now I am sure
  a reflex anyway.

  Head due west into the Maenad Encampment, and then leave to the north of the
  Maenads, and cross the bridge there.  This will lead you to another rebirth
  fountain, and Oles the Trader, with whom you can do business should you
  wish.  Yes, I'll allow it ... go on ... *shoos you off*

  All done ?  Okey DOKEY !! :)  So from Oles, head north-east, up through the
  two torches, and you will find a set of steps to your north leading into
  the Knossos Palace.

  The Palace is quite heavily guarded - on the OUTSIDE by skeletons, plague
  birds and various automatons (animated suits of armour that you will not,
  as yet, have come across, but which are not OVERLY powerful with one
  exception that we shall come to in due course).  Obviously, according to the
  legends, a BIG Minotaur lives underneath Knossos Palace, held within a
  labyrinth constructed by the great Greek builder Daedalus.

  There are a couple of ways of getting through the Palace Grounds, and I am
  going to give you a very quick run-through of how I do it ...

  ======================
  KNOSSOS PALACE GROUNDS
  ======================

  > From where you get the words "Knossos Palace" appear, head north-west,
    and keep going north-west until you reach a large L-shaped courtyard.
  > Follow the courtyard around to the left, and keep heading south-west now
    until you reach a set of stairs leading down to the north-west.
  > Take these stairs, and then in the next courtyard (where you start to
    battle the Automatons), head north-east, and then up another flight of
    steps.
  > Turn and head north-west, and then take the flight of stairs directly
    ahead of you, to the north-east.
  > Continue heading north-east, and take the flight of stairs directly in
    front of you.
  > Turn and head south-east, but hug the northern wall of this area (the
    wall with the columns, the roof over which is covered with leaves) and
    keep heading south-east until you find a small crack of a passage that
    leads to the north-east.  Take it, but be EXTREMELY cautious and keep
    your ears open if you are playing on either Epic or Legendary difficulty,
    as you will have to do battle with an EXTREMELY powerful Automaton who
    is hellbent on preventing you gaining access to the Court of King Minos.
    His name, in case you are curious, is Talos.  You might have heard of him
    before - he's been in a famous movie ;)

    For more information about THIS creature, see the

  In the north-western wall of this courtyard, inbetween the two pre-lit
  torches, is the entrance to

  =======================
  THE COURT OF KING MINOS
  =======================

  Simply head down the steps at the north-western end of the Court of King
  Minos to gain access to

  ====================
  THE MINOAN LABYRINTH
  ====================

  Tempting though it is to simply say "it's a labyrinth, work it out yourself"
  that WOULDN'T be very friendly of me now would it ... noooooooooooooo kids.

  I experimented with no less than FOUR different ways of detailing the
  labyrinth for you.  I drew each room out, I mapped each room out in squares,
  I wrote a lengthy guide as to "go north-east until you hit a wall, then
  turn south-east and continue", but none of them did the Labyrinth justice,
  as you would have wound up having to follow them step-by-step, and to be
  honest whilst the Labyrinth is ... well ... labyrinthine and winding and
  confusing in places ?  If you were to follow a "now take three steps
  forward" guide, you would go BANANAS.

  No my friends, you deserve only the finest.  Therefore, in what is sure to
  go down in history as one of THE most shameless plugs for my own web-site
  combined with a bid to help you out, I have combined the graphics for each
  of the rooms into one single image that you can view here :-

  http://www.share-the-knowledge.com/david/tqit-minoan-labyrinth.jpg

  THAT should see you through the Labyrinth no problem at all, but if it
  DOESN'T for any reason ?  Then I have done another one where I have even
  drawn out the path to follow to get there quickly !!  That one is here :-

  http://www.share-the-knowledge.com/david/tqit-minoan-labyrinth-path.jpg

  ============
  HELPFUL HINT
  ============

  Make sure you kill ALL the enemies in far-right room, as there is a boss
  fight immediately afterwards, and if you lure the boss INTO that room ?  And
  you HAVEN'T cleared it of enemies ?  You're just going to make your life a
  WHOOOOOOOOOOLE lot harder than it needs to be, trust me ;)

  Once you have FINALLY made it all the way through the Minoan Labyrinth you
  will, at last, come to a beautiful golden door with a familiar sign
  embossed upon it.  Yup - it's a boss door, and will lead you straight into
  a fight with the Minotaur Lord, and FOUR (yep, 4) Frost Traps.

  Therefore before entering this fight, I would strongly recommend teleporting
  back to one of the towns in Greece and visiting either a Trader or an
  Arcanist to obtain whatever magic scroll you believe may help you (you will
  only have enough time to use one during the coming combat), as well as
  ensuring you have an AMPLE supply of health and energy potions, and are
  prepped with your finest equipment and skills at the ready.

  Once you believe yourself adequately armed, go back to the Minoan Labyrinth
  and enter the gate, but do not step too far inside just yet.

  If you are able to, I would suggest drawing the Minotaur Lord to you with
  a ranged attack, as if you can get him to fight you outside the room he is
  in, so much the better.  I say this because the Minotaur Lord is both
  extremely strong AND very quick, and the Frost Traps have OBVIOUSLY been
  placed in the room with him so as to slow YOU down, to make you easier
  pickings for him.  Wrong-foot him by bringing him back into Room Six ;)

  If you are either unwilling or unable to do this for any reason, I would
  suggest making the Frost Traps your first victims, so that you are freer to
  move around.

  Consider using whatever scroll you have here and now, but be forewarned
  there is another big combat session coming up after this one is over and
  done with, so if you are strapped for cash, make sure you are happy that the
  time is right before firing it off ;)

  So !  Onto ...

  =================
  THE MINOTAUR LORD
  =================

  The Minotaur Lord is a Master of Warfare.  He has onslaught available to
  him, and strikes with twin axes doing HUGE amounts of damage to lower-level
  characters (and a damned good thwack to higher-level ones too !!).

  He does also have access to an earthquake power which he uses periodically
  during the combat - however he is more likely to use this at range (he
  prefers to get in up close and personal ASAP bless him).

  Stick and move and HEAL repeatedly (obviously).

  Once he has fallen to your power, open up the two Primitive Chests, and the
  Majestic Chest he was looking after, teleport to the town and trade with
  whomever takes your fancy.

  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, however, make sure you stock up JUST as well as you
  did for your fight with the Minotaur Lord, as he was just a sub-boss,
  guarding the REAL boss fight which is about to come ...

  YES my friends - it is time for us to fight ...

  =====================
  THE TELKINE OF GREECE
  =====================

  FINALLY we get a crack at this MUTHA.  We've been high-tailing it all over
  Greece, and it's come down to this.  You and him ... and boy is he UGLY !!

  The Telkine fight takes place in a number of phases :-

  Phase One - The Room of the Conduit
  ===================================

     You must begin the fight sequence by going down the stairs on the north-
     western wall of the room the Minotaur Lord was in.  Go all the way to the
     north-west, and you will see the Telkine attacking the artifact that
     Phaedrus asked you to protect at all costs.  However when you draw near
     to the Telkine he raises a protective shield to prevent you from getting
     at him, and simultaneously launches four balls of energy which creep
     across the floor, heading towards the four statues on the walls - two
     on your left, two on your right.

  Phase Two - The Inhabited Statues
  =================================

     As all four balls of energy reach the four statues at the same time, all
     four statues become "inhabited statues", and immediately move to attack
     you whilst the Telkine continues his assault on the artifact.

     The Inhabited Statues are reasonably quick, but have one fatal flaw which
     I outlined right up at the top of the guide ... what's that please ??

     That's right !!  They have an upper-limit on their range of movement !!

     Since they have good damage with the spears they carry, I would try and
     fall back to the entrance to the Room of the Conduit, and you will find
     they reach a point that they cannot pass, and turn and head back towards
     their starting point.  Use the dizzying tactic I taught you earlier to
     bring them down in short order.

  Phase Three - The Telkine of Greece
  ===================================

     Once all four of the inhabited statues have been destroyed, the Telkine
     realises he is on his own, drops the shield, and joins the party in
     person !

     Megalesios - the Telkine of Greece - has (as you would expect) a large
     number of attacks at his disposal, namely :-

        A)  Swirling pinky/red energy bolt (AVOID !!)
        B)  Potion to summon two Limos
        C)  Storm Surge
        D)  Life Drain
        E)  Thunderball

     Like the other bosses, there is a limit to Megalesios' movement as well,
     however in order to try and make the game a BIT more challenging for you,
     he can summon two Limos who can pretty much chase you anywhere :(

     A word of warning - Megalesios has the power to turn your summons
     against you, so if you think it's a good idea to summon ... say ... your
     Ancestral Warriors as a Warfare Master ? I would think very carefully
     before so doing if I were you ;)

  ============================
  TIP FOR DEFEATING MEGALESIOS
  ============================

  Dragon Peter has been in touch to confirm that, if you have a bow with energy
  leech damage, you can fire shots through Megalesios' Energy Barrier and,
  whilst the shots won't do any health or physical damage, you can still use
  them to leech all his energy before he casts the spell to animate the
  statues !  This will mean the statues don't come to life at all !!

  He says that this trick only works with a bow though, NOT with a staff ;)

  However you slay him, once Megalesios falls, he drops his Telkine's Veil
  and his Telkine's Seal, and disappears leaving his life essence in a nice
  little blue ball called a "Mystic Orb", which you can open like a regular
  chest.

  Kyros has entered the chamber from the door to the north-west so you should
  go and speak with him - however on your way to doing so, take note that the
  Telkine was actually successful in destroying the sacred artifact DAMN him !
  *GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR*.

  Nevermind.  Perhaps we can buy them a replacement before they notice ??

  Nope - no mas.  Kyros has spotted it ... bummer !!  He says that you should
  travel to Egypt, to seek out a man named Imhotep - a Sage of the Order of
  Prometheus, who will be able to give you advice concerning the Conduit which
  was just shattered.  He says Imhotep can be found in the City of Rhakotis,
  and that you can take his ship to get there.

  Your reward for besting the Telkine is a random essence, together with an
  update of the main quest, 7500 XP, a SECOND Inventory Bag *GRINS*, and the
  neverending gratitude of Kyros and the Order of Prometheus.

  =======================================
  SECTION 1.8 - THE BLINDNESS OF THE GODS
  =======================================

  Leave the Room of the Conduit by the passageway that Kyros took to come IN,
  and you will come out at the Knossos Landing.  Activate the rebirth fountain
  as you enter this area, and then head to the dock to the north, and speak
  with Apollodorus the Ship Captain, to secure passage to Rhakotis, and Egypt.

  ==============
  GREEK EPILOGUE
  ==============

  Well we tracked our enemy (Megalesios) the Telkine across all of Greece,
  piecing together his plan as we went.  Although it is not clear to us WHY
  Megalesios would want to destroy the Conduit that acted as a communications
  device between the Gods and the Mortal Realm, we do know that it was a
  deliberate and calculated act, and so must (we assume) form part of some
  greater scheme that we are yet to uncover.

  Kyros has directed us now to Egypt, and to the Sage Imhotep (a fellow
  member of the Order of Prometheus) whom, we hope, might have some answers
  for us.

  Congratulations !!  You have completed Act One.  NOW it's on to Act Two ;)

  ===============
  ACT TWO - EGYPT
  ===============

  =======================================
  SECTION 2.9 - THE BLINDNESS OF THE GODS
  =======================================

  You arrive in the City of Rhakotis at the dockside beside Apollodorus, the
  Ship Captain who brought you here from Knossos.  Walk north-west of him to
  enter ...

  ====================
  THE CITY OF RHAKOTIS
  ====================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the City of Rhakotis
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the City of Rhakotis

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  APOLLODORUS - Ship Captain who can take you back to the Knossos Landing
           should you wish to go back there.
  HAMUT - Refugee who remarks with surprise that monsters are in Greece TOO ?
           He says that surely it isn't possible that things could be worse
           there than they are here in Egypt ?  (Great !!)
  KHERHEB - Vagabond who tells you that a TELKINE was seen heading from the
           City of Rhakotis up the Nile.  Wait a minute ... ANOTHER one ??
           Didn't we just KILL one of those little sh!ts ?  *sigh*
  AMENI-AMEN-A - Storyteller who recounts the tale of Atum-Ra, God of the Sun,
           and Apep, the Giant Serpent that has existed since time immemorial.
           He tells of Atum-Ra's daily travels (the path of the Sun), and how
           Apep tries to devour him on a daily basis - greedy SOD !!

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  IMHOTEP - Order of Prometheus Sage who greets you upon your arrival in
           Rhakotis.  Imhotep tells you of how Egypt is also being besieged
           by monsters and other weird creatures.  The Pharaoh has fled his
           Palace and now cowers in hiding ... but all is not lost, as he
           (Imhotep, not the Pharaoh) has a plan to enable you to contact the
           Gods even WITHOUT the conduit.  He tells you that you must seek out
           the Great Library of Rhakotis and find the Scroll of Invocation.
           He says that once you are in possession of the Scroll you are to
           take it to him in Sais, as he has pressing business that draws him
           there.  More pressing than THIS !?!?!  Why doesn't he just wait here
           for us - we'll only be a minute I'm sure !!
           He says he's now off to the Temple of Ptah.  Yeah.  Ptah to you as
           well mate !!
  ANHERRU - Noble Warrior who is WELL unhappy that he has lost his family's
           sacred sword.  He stands with his exclamation mark VERY well hidden
           by the torch behind him, so you might have to look quite carefully
           to find him ... unless of course you're using the map or your
           compass ;)

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  HENKU    - Enchanter
  AHMOSE   - Blacksmith
  XUTHUS   - Caravan Driver
  ANKHTIFI - Mystic
  AY       - Arcanist

  ================================
  QUESTS FROM THE CITY OF RHAKOTIS
  ================================

  ================================
  THE BLINDNESS OF THE GODS CONT'D
  ================================

  Speak with Imhotep as he stands on the Rhakotis Docks, and he will tell you
  (as I have detailed above) that the whole of Egypt is plagued with monsters,
  and that things have gotten so bad that the Pharaoh himself has fled his own
  Palace and is now in hiding, fearing for his life.  Not to worry though, as
  trusty old Imhotep (who is NOTHING like his portrayal in the Mummy before you
  even GO there) has a plan ... a very CUNNING plan to be precise.

  Imhotep believes he has come up with a way for you to re-enter communication
  with the Gods, even without the conduit that you so carelessly allowed to
  get destroyed by Megalesios back in Knossos (I know it wasn't your fault, but
  DAMN !!).

  To put his plan into action, you must enter the Great Library of the City of
  Rhakotis and find the Scroll of Invocation somewhere within.  Imhotep would
  stop off and wait, but he is late for a tea-party that's taking place at the
  Temple of Ptah in Sais - it's one of those "movers and shakers" things, and
  he just can't get out of it, so you are going to have to deliver the scroll
  to him there.

  We will proceed with this quest, but first of all we should help out poor
  Anherru to retrieve that lost sword methinks.

  ===================
  THE FAMILY HEIRLOOM
  ===================

  From where you speak with Anherru, head north-west and exit the main part
  of the City, taking just a second to make sure that you have activated the
  rebirth fountain before you go.

  The City is largely overrun by scorpions and jackalmen, none of which are
  INSANELY hard to tackle.  Head north-east and through the wooden doors (the
  only way out of this courtyard without going back into Rhakotis proper).
  This will take you into the Rhakotis Slums.  Laugh gleefully as you watch
  the jackalmen chasing the poor inhabitants of this area around, and slay a
  few of the former to thin out their numbers.

  MY house ;)

  Once you reach the end of this street you must choose to either go north-
  west, or south-east.  It matters not which way you go, as both come back
  on each other behind the building in front of you, and the path onward lies
  north-east of that, so just move around the building in front of you, and
  take the north-eastern exit behind it.

  Activate the rebirth fountain, and take the doorway leading to the north-
  west, through another doorway, and into the sandy courtyard.  Slay the
  Scorpions, ESPECIALLY THE Colossal one/s, and take out the Sandwings for
  good measure.  B!tches.

  Take the western exit and head due west until you see a small exit leading
  northwards.  Head in here and clear out the area - more often than not, this
  is where you will find a Jackalman Elite Berzerker with a glow around his
  feet.  Once HE has fallen (whether he be here or in the Great Library of
  Rhakotis which is his other favourite haunt), he will drop the Family Sword
  of Anherru, which you should immediately return to Anherru, by teleporting
  back to Rhakotis.

  He will be most grateful, and will reward you with 6000 XP, and a random
  Essence.

  ================================
  THE BLINDNESS OF THE GODS CONT'D
  ================================

  ASSUMING you find the Family Sword of Anherru where I have just described,
  head back to that main thoroughfare you just left to enter the alley, and
  then head south-west.

  If you did NOT find the Family Sword of Anherru there, we will get to it in
  a bit ;)

  Keep following this alleyway as it head north-west, and then south-west
  again, and keep heading south-west until you reach the area where the sand
  on the ground dissipates in favour of tiles.  This denotes that you are
  getting near - VERY near - to the Great Library of Rhakotis, and the Scroll
  of Invocation.  Yay !! :)

  Once you can pretty much not go any further south-west, head north-west and
  up the stairs nearby, and into

  ================
  RHAKOTIS LIBRARY
  ================

  If you failed to find the Family Sword of Anherru elsewhere in Rhakotis,
  then this is where it should be.  If you fail to find it here, then assume
  that the Elite Berzerker has gone walkies, and hunt him down - he IS in
  Rhakotis, and this and where I described previously ARE his two main haunts.

  If all else fails and you cannot find him, you can always save, exit and
  then reload your game as this will put him back (somewhere) in Rhakotis.

  Once inside the Rhakotis Library, head due north-west, and keep going until
  you find Neb-ka-n-ra - the Head Librarian who is cowering like the WIMP he
  is.  Speak with him, and he will praise you for saving him, and confirm that
  the monsters have started to turn the library upside down, burning and
  destroying everything they come across.  He implores you to kick a little
  tail and sort them out.

  Sure !  I think we can do that, right guys ??

  *The monsters are kicking up a fuss in the library, dog-earing pages, not
  putting books back in the right place ... all of a sudden the doors FLY
  open and Sinister spirals into the room, decapitating three Jackalmen as
  he enters.  The monsters growl in anticipation of the combat to come, as
  Sinister puts a finger to his lips and goes "Shhhhhhhhhh.  This is a
  LIBRARY" !!*

  Head through the door in the north-western wall, and head down the steps
  and into the Library Archives.

  Whilst it is no way NEAR as complex as the Minoan Labyrinth, the Great
  Library of Rhakotis is a bit of a maze in itself.

  Therefore, in order to try and help you get through it as quickly as
  possible, I am going to give you some simple step-by-step instructions as
  to how to move through it quickly.  Here we go !!

  > Down the steps and into the Rhakotis Library (just in case you forgot !!)
  > Activate the rebirth fountain and go through the north-western door
  > North-west
  > North-west
  > North-east
  > North-east
  > North-west
  > North-east
  > South-east
  > South-east
  > South-east
  > North-east
  > South-east
  > South-east
  > South-west
  > South-west
  > Descend the steps to get to the Library Vault

  Once you are in the Library Vault you will encounter some new types of enemy
  that may be new to you (they won't if you thoroughly explored Rhakotis, but
  they WILL if you followed my guide and went the most direct way) -
  specifically Scarabs, and Worms.  Scarabs are VERY difficult to see in most
  of the areas they inhabit - arguably the best camouflaged creatures in the
  whole of the game in fact.  They are quick, do good damage and attack in
  force.  BEWARE the Scarabs.  They flutter their wings to gain lift, and then
  strike with their mandibles.  At least these ones do - there are other
  varieties which we shall come across later.

  Worms are very slow - some are huge and gob gloop that slows you down -
  others are small and spit poisonous gunk at you.  They deal high damage,
  especially the large ones if they get close-enough to you - and have good
  health, so watch out for BOTH of these enemies.

  From where you enter the Library Vault (which is the lowest floor of the
  Library you may or may not be pleased to hear), head through the door in the
  north-western wall, and take out the Crypt Worms (the acid-spitters).

  See that "Mysterious Door" in the north-eastern wall ?  Well what do you
  think lies behind that ?  THAT'S RIGHT !!  ANOTHER Boss Fight.  You are, no
  doubt, getting quite used to those by now, yes ?  Well this one is with a
  giant scarab that is a MASTER of poisons, so be warned, this is NOT going to
  be easy !!!!!

  ==========================
  SCARABAEUS THE DESERT KING
  ==========================

  Scarabaeus is a VERY powerful Scarab who is able to generate followers to
  aid him in his fights, and who has an EXTREMELY powerful poison attack to
  back him up.

  In addition to this, he is quick and has plenty of health, so if I were
  you I would try and draw him as near to the door as possible.  I am not
  sure whether he can fit through the door - I have my doubts - and I do know</pre><pre id="faqspan-4">
  that his bone scarabs can rush through the door to do battle with you in
  the other parts of the library vault, but it can make the battle easier
  if you are able to dominate the terrain ;)

  Scarabaeus can :-

  > Create groups of four bone scarabs at a time - he is NOT limited to
    creating one group and waiting for it to die - he can summon multiple
    groups !!
  > Spit Poison
  > Mandible Bite
  > Pincer Strike

  Once Scarabaeus has fallen, open up the two coffers, the large coffer, and
  the Majestic Chest, and take their spoils, and then head through the door
  in the north-eastern wall to grab the Scroll of Invocation from the statue
  that holds it, and reveal a secret door in the north-eastern wall.

  Follow the stairs up and out into the Hathor Basin, which lies due west of
  the Rhakotis Library.

  Activate the rebirth fountain, and then head due north and pass between
  two large piles of rocks, and keep going north until you reach a pile of
  rocks that lies directly in front of you.  From here turn and head north-
  west, and keep heading in that direction until you pass between two torches
  that lead into the Wadjet Canyons.

  Here you should definitely speak with Seba - the Desert Trader - who gives
  you the Beast of Legend quest.  His comrades Metjen the Old Camel-hand and
  Astennu the Desert Trader simply whinge about the state of things, and pass
  comment as to the likelihood of this "Beast" of which people speak being
  truth ... or falsehood ...

  ===================
  THE BEAST OF LEGEND
  ===================

  From this rabble, head due north and keep going inbetween two piles of
  rock, and then to the left of a third pile of rock.  Once you reach the
  remnants of a former structure - might have been a temple - there are
  broken pillars for sure - head north-west and once you are down the very
  short slope, head north-east (around the pile of rocks), and keep going
  north-east until you reach, and enter, the cave there.

  Remember your brief encounter with the Scarabs back in the Rhakotis
  Library ?  Well you're about to meet some of their relatives - the Fire
  Beetles.  They are the same as the basic scarabs, but they spit little
  fireballs.  They will flutter their wings to get into attack range, and
  then pelt you with these irritating fireballs, so keep on your toes.

  They also bring with them Magma Beetles which, if you've ever watched
  Starship Troopers, are reminiscent of those HUGE beetles that breathe
  flame, only on a much smaller scale - they spit large flows of lava at
  you, but must get very close to do so.

  In the north-east of this cave is the

  ===============
  BEAST OF LEGEND
  ===============

  The Beast of Legend is the first of an entire RACE of such creatures that
  you will encounter as this Act progresses - they are called the Scorpos, and
  resemble a cross-breed between a man and a scorpion (wouldn't like to have
  been around for THAT !!).  The Beast of Legend is more powerful than most
  of them are, as he is an ANCIENT Scorpos, and is adept at both Nature and
  Defence Schools.

  He has the following attacks :-

  > Tail-strike
  > Mace-strike
  > Plague
  > Heart of Oak (not an attack, but bolsters his life-force, and that of his
    allies)
  > Rally

  He is quick on his feet, and can deal out lots of damage in short-order.
  Best way to defeat him is to get him on his own - i.e. dispose of those
  enemies that he can benefit with his Heart of Oak power before taking him
  on face-to-face.

  Once he has fallen, you complete the Beast of Legend quest, and earn
  yourself the VERY tasty reward of 2 additional Skill Points, and 7500 XP.
  Wasn't that worth it !! :)

  ==================================
  THE BLINDNESS OF THE GODS - CONT'D
  ==================================

  Exit the cave and head south-west, following the northern ridge until you
  find the bridge heading to the north-west.  Cross the bridge (and don't be
  afraid to fall back over the bridge a few times to try and force any enemies
  that rush you into a slight bottleneck), and then keep heading north-west,
  between the two torches, and down in the Nile Floodplain.

  Once you enter this area, activate the rebirth fountain, and head north,
  and then follow the path north-west and past the single torch.

  From here (at the single torch and broken caravans), head north-west, and
  keep going north-west until you can go no further, and JUST to the north
  of this location is another set of two torches, which you should go
  through.

  Now head west, and follow the western rock face as it heads west-north-west
  until finally it too comes to a set of two torches, this time leading
  north.

  Go north through the torches, and you will enter

  ===================
  THE VILLAGE OF SAIS
  ===================

  Take the path that leads to the north-west (NOT the north-east), and follow
  it until you find two humans guarding a gate that leads west.  Go in, and
  you will be in the Village of Sais proper.

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the Village of Sais.
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the Village of Sais.

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  KHETI - Poor Farmer who goes through the rise, and fall, of the Nile - a
           bit of a geography lesson for you perhaps !!  Pity we can't kill
           him really, as payment for being so USELESS !!

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  ANPU - Nile Farmer who explains that things have become REALLY hard for the
           inhabitants of the Village of Sais (who are effectively totally
           defenceless) since the Reptilian Monsters have started to stage
           attacks on their small village, stealing children and livestock.
           He gives you the "Plight of the Nile Farmers" Side Quest.
  NEDJEMIB - Young Farmer who confirms what Anpu has already told you - that
           the Reptilian Monsters have started attacking the Nile Farmers
           farmlands.  He says they came up from the marsh along the river.
  MAKARA - Nile Farmer that you cannot initially speak with, but who will
           give you the reward for completing the Plight of the Nile Farmers
           Side Quest, once you have tamed the Reptilian Horde.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  PETUBASTI - Trader

  ===============================
  QUESTS FROM THE VILLAGE OF SAIS
  ===============================

  ==========================
  PLIGHT OF THE NILE FARMERS
  ==========================

  I didn't have anything against these Reptilians until I heard that they
  ate kids, and that SUCKS so I think they deserve a damned good THRASHING,
  don't you ??

  Head south-west of the Village of Sais, and then follow the marshy coastline
  as it curves south-east.  Kill the 14 Reptilian Warriors of various ranks
  (the 2 you find before you enter the marshland, and the 12 that are there
  for now, and en route to the Village of Sais), and then return to the
  village.  You should speak with Makara - the Nile Farmer who was previously
  unavailable for you to chat to - and she will reward you with a random
  Monster Charm, and 8000 XP (together with the gratitude of all her mates).

  ==================================
  THE BLINDNESS OF THE GODS - CONT'D
  ==================================

  You will have had to activate the rebirth fountain beside Makara in order
  to speak with her, so head north-east through the two torches, and keep on
  heading north-east until you get to Petubasti and the Portal Shrine.

  Activate the Portal Shrine, and trade with Petubasti if you like ... once
  you are done you should head north-west and up to the Temple of Ptah - where
  Imhotep said he would be.

  Carry on north-west until you reach Thuti of the Order of Prometheus, who
  stands beside a smouldering heap of rubble (which I think it's probably safe
  to say is ... or rather WAS ... the Temple of Ptah !!).

  Thuti says that Imhotep asked him to keep a watch out for you, and that the
  Temple of Ptah was fully upright as of yesterday, but then a Telkine came
  by and levelled it to the ground.

  Turns out that Imhotep fled the scene when the Telkine arrived, taking some
  of the village's most sacred texts with him.  He has left a message with
  Thuti for you, which is that he has gone to the City of Memphis up the
  Nile, and is waiting for you there.

  This updates the main quest, and you should now head north-west of Thuti,
  and into the Lower Nile.

  Keep going north-west until you reach the shoreline, and make sure that you
  are FULLY replenished insofar as your health and energy are concerned, as
  you are about to come upon another new type of enemy.

  Once you reach the shoreline head north just a tiny bit and you will find
  a large structure standing ahead of you.  Setting foot on it causes you to
  enter the Old Kingdom Ruins.  You need to get around it to the west, but
  it is not going to be easy to do so without fighting at least SOME of the
  undead enemies that reside there.

  Should you decide (as I am reasonably confident you will) to eradicate ALL
  the enemies that are standing in this ruin, you will encounter some "Dark
  Obelisks" - these are generators for skeletal warriors (both hand-to-hand
  and ranged) called "Hideous Phasma", and they are proximity-sensitive.

  Basically as you draw near to a Dark Obelisk (and they have quite a range
  for detecting you - sometimes they will activate before you even fully
  appreciate they are there !!), they will summon FOUR Hideous Phasma
  skeletons, who will rush forward to attack you.  Once all four of those are
  defeated, four more will be spawned at the Dark Obelisk, and so on, and so
  forth.

  You can keep killing these Hideous Phasma creatures to gain the XP they
  give you when they die, or you can go straight for the source (since they
  will be re-spawned indefinitely until the Dark Obelisk is taken out), and
  strike the Dark Obelisk itself.

  Once the Dark Obelisk has fallen, all the Hideous Phasma it was sustaining
  are automatically destroyed.

  Once you are done with the Old Kingdom Ruins, head around them to the west,
  along the shoreline, and then head due north and hug the eastern wall,
  following it as it curves north-west and going through TWO monster camps -
  one filled with Jackalmen, the other with Dune Raiders and their ilk.  Slay
  ALL these monsters to make sure you are not disturbed, and then speak with
  Inen of the Order of Prometheus, and help her figure out why she has a
  huge exclamation park pinned to her forehead.

  =======================
  A PROMETHEAN SURROUNDED
  =======================

  Inen thanks you for saving her for the tight spot she seemed to have gotten
  herself into, saying that ordinarily she can defend herself, but that in
  this particular instance, she was most grateful for the assist.  For helping
  her out of her little jam, you have earned yourself 7500 XP, and a random
  yellow magic item (mine was a necklace).

  ==================================
  THE BLINDNESS OF THE GODS - CONT'D
  ==================================

  From Inen, head south-east to exit the Dune Raider camp, and then south-west
  until you get to the water again.  From here, turn and head north-west,
  through the two pre-lit torches and then stay on the path as it curves up
  to the north, through a jackalman encampment, and then curves around to the
  west, through another two pre-lit torches, and up to a rebirth fountain.

  Activate the rebirth fountain, and head north-west, through the two torches
  and into the Memphis Outskirts.

  Memphis is a HUGE city - really quite massive - probably as big as Athens -
  and it is going to take us a little longer to get to it ... as with most big
  cities, it is surrounded by outlying areas, and as you FULLY anticipate I
  am sure, these are REPLETE with monsters that are hellbent on making your
  day that little bit worse, and your life that little bit shorter.

  ONWARD !! ;)

  To get to Memphis proper, you need to head in a north-westerly direction.
  I personally just follow the sandy path from north of where you are standing
  right now up until it opens out into a derelict town area, and from there it
  is literally just a few steps further north-west to get into Memphis -
  however you may wish to explore the fields to either side of the sandy path
  of which I speak, as there are plenty of diseased vultures and hyena beasts
  there, some of which may yield precious monster charms for you, and a fair
  few of which are guarding bone piles.

  Your call.

  Whichever you choose, BEFORE you enter Memphis proper, as in as soon as you
  see the steps leading INTO Memphis, please head north-east and into a
  ramshackle area of town called the Beggars Quarter.  It's a real DUMP, and
  can be accessed by a small wooden doorway in the north-eastern wall from
  the previous area.

  Speak with Merab - the Aged Beggar, who will plead with you to venture into
  their dismal little grotto, and rid them of the monsters that have taken
  over their homes.  He gives you the "Lowest of the Low" Side Quest.

  =================
  LOWEST OF THE LOW
  =================

  Before you go any further with this mission let me give you a tiny bit of
  a warning about the enemies you are about to face.  They don't hide IN the
  shadows - they ARE the shadows.  They are patches of dark energy that you
  will see on the floor moving about the place.  They are called
  Shadowstalkers, and as soon as they spot you they will attack you.  It is
  VERY difficult to strike them with a bow-and-arrow or magical staff whilst
  they are in motion, as they are literally no taller than the floor - however
  once they reach striking distance of you, they will materialise from their
  shadowy state, and strike at you.  It is during THIS time that they are
  both strongest AND most vulnerable, and they can be easily skirmished if
  you are playing a ranged character, by allowing them to pop up, and falling
  back whilst they are between states.

  Of course if you are a hack 'n slash character, just chop them to bits !!

  Go north-east of Merab, and wipe out EVERY single Shadowstalker (there are
  16 of them) that resides in the Beggars Quarter.  Once all of them have been
  disposed of, your quest will be updated and you should return to Merab for
  your reward - a Powerful Ring, and 8500 XP.

  ==================================
  THE BLINDNESS OF THE GODS - CONT'D
  ==================================

  Once you have liberated the Beggars Quarter, head south-west of Merab,
  and then north-west, up the steps and into Memphis proper.

  ===================
  THE CITY OF MEMPHIS
  ===================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the City of Memphis
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the City of Memphis

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  SIHATHOR - Storyteller that recounts the tale of Set and Osiris, and how
           Osiris (the first Pharaoh) was betrayed, murdered and his body
           rended into 13 pieces and scattered throughout the lands by his
           jealous and vengeful brother Set.  Isis - Osiris' wife - travelled
           the lands finding pieces of her late husband's body in the hopes
           of restoring him, but ultimately was only able to find 12 of the
           13 fragments.  Therefore she used wax and cast spells to recreate
           the 13th part of his body, and used magic to enable Osiris to
           properly enter the Land of the Dead, where he now reigns.
  BATA - Cleric who muses over what it was like in his old life - as a priest.
  PEN-DUA - Soldier who insultingly suggests you should join the Pharaoh's
           army.  Mate we are a 1-man (or woman) army in ourselves !!  We
           don't NEED an army !!!!!


  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  TATHARI - Young Noble-woman who is looking for her brother Unas.  She gives
           you the "Missing Brother" Side Quest.  Can you guess what she
           would like you to do for her ?
  IMHOTEP - Order of Prometheus Sage.  Once you speak with him (FINALLY), he
           explains that, unfortunately, things have only gone from bad to
           worse since last you two saw each other.  He says that the Order
           of Prometheus was TERRIBLY badly prepared to do battle with this
           SECOND Telkine (shocker, considering what a bang-up job they did
           of combating the FIRST one), and he then goes ON to tell you that,
           in order to actually complete the ceremony of which he has spoken
           to you previously, you will require (IN ADDITION to the Scroll of
           Invocation which you carried all the way here) two further items -
           the Eye of Chaos (which is somewhere beyond the Fayum Oasis), and
           the Hand of Balance (which is in Giza).
  ZAZAMANKH - High Priest of Memphis (second in power only to the Pharaoh
           himself), who gives you the "High Priest's Request" Side Quest.
           Zazamankh fears that the people are losing confidence in the
           leadership of their betters, and is keen to see this restored as
           soon as possible.


  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  PIANKH       - Caravan Driver
  TEFIBI       - Arcanist
  HOREMHEB     - Enchanter
  TEHUTI-NEKHT - Blacksmith

  ===============================
  QUESTS FROM THE CITY OF MEMPHIS
  ===============================

  ===================
  THE MISSING BROTHER
  ===================

  Tathari is searching for her brother Unas.  It turns out that he has gone
  to Giza in the hopes of awakening an ancient family guardian in order to
  have it fight the monsters.  We are to travel to Giza to explain to him
  just WHY that is as commendable as it is foolish.  We will come to Unas as
  part of our travels, so I shall revert to this quest at the appropriate
  time.

  =========================
  THE HIGH PRIEST'S REQUEST
  =========================

  Given to you by the High Priest of Memphis - Zazamankh - we are to travel
  to Giza and recover the Staff of Khufu from the Pharaoh's Sarcophagus
  beneath the Pyramid, and return it to him here in Memphis.  As with the
  Missing Brother quest, we will get to this when we get to Giza, so I shall
  come back to it when the time is right.

  ============================
  SECTION 2.9 - THE INVOCATION
  ============================

  Once you have spoken with Imhotep you complete the "Blindness of the Gods"
  portion of the main quest, and are rewarded 8000 XP and two random magical
  items - mine were a yellow ring and a green ring.

  You must now make a choice - since you have TWO main objectives - the
  recovery of the Eye of Chaos and the Hand of Balance - you must choose which
  one you want to get first.

  If you want to find the Eye of Chaos you must travel to the Fayum Oasis.
  If you want to find the Hand of Balance you must venture to Giza.

  Since we can complete three side quests AND a portion of the main quest by
  hitting Giza, I suggest we go there first, but the choice is entirely up
  to you.

  Head north of Imhotep and you will be given a choice of two gates to go
  through, to get out of Memphis.

  In order to be as consistent as possible, I will do both Giza AND Fayum,
  as if you started in Memphis both times.

  ====
  GIZA
  ====

  The Gate of the Sphinx - the one leading out of Memphis to the north-east -
  is the path that leads to Giza and, consequently, the path we shall take
  first (if you wish it).  Going through the gate takes you straight to a
  rebirth fountain, and into Outer Giza.

  Head north-east of the rebirth fountain, and pass through the two torches
  to enter a large expanse of desert.  The way out of Outer Giza is to travel
  north-east, and then if you hit the northern wall, follow it as it heads
  east, and if you hit the eastern wall, follow it as it heads north.  There
  is a rebirth fountain and two torches to signify that you have reached the
  exit, but beware the two large Temples which stand in Outer Giza, and which
  have become something of a breeding ground for the undead - PARTICULARLY
  their Archers.

  Once you exit Outer Giza to its east, you enter the Giza Plateau, which is
  where you want to be :)

  =============
  !! WARNING !!
  =============

  On the Giza Plateau you will find another new type of enemy - the
  Sandwraith.  Wraiths have always been my personal favourite undead warrior
  class - they have a certain mystery to them which I find appealing from a
  certain perspective.  SANDWRAITHS, however, have all the mystery and appeal
  of getting sand in the crack of your BUTT.  They are EXTREMELY annoying,
  proximity-activated and INSANELY powerful in hand-to-hand combat.  You will
  never see them until they are upon you, as they ALWAYS lie in ambush -
  usually around bone piles and chests - and wait for you to draw near.  They
  have four hands each, and can attack with either a single-claw strike, a
  spinning-claw strike (their most powerful attack BY FAR), or by throwing
  sand at you which causes you to slow down quite considerably.

  They are very quick to move, but stupid.  If you fall back far enough they
  will return to their original location, but they cannot go back into the
  sand so they will just mope around.  Be VERY very careful when attacking
  Sandwraiths.

  My advice is to use the split-second it takes them to materialise to RUN !!

  If you have not already done so, you may very well also encounter another
  new type of enemy in this region - the Ant Lion.  They come in two fruity
  flavours - Burrower and Tunneler, and both are VERY large (compared to you)
  insects that live in the sand, and which materialise when you draw close-
  enough to them.  They attack with their mandibles, and are no way NEAR as
  dangerous as Sandwraiths, although they do do quite a bit of damage it must
  be said.

  Anyhow - my apologies for going off at a bit of a tangent - back to the
  PLOT !!

  Although the Hand of Balance is actually physically the closest item to
  you when you enter the Giza Plateau, I am going to complete both the side
  quests first if that is ok with you, SO !  If you would care to head due
  EAST of the rebirth fountain and two torches you have just activated, you
  will come to a stone obelisk bound tightly to a long block of wood (used to
  carry it no doubt), and a path of stone leading north-east (partially
  covered by the sands).  Follow the pathway north-east, ignoring the branch
  that leads south-east for now.  I would like you to follow the path as it
  winds north-west, and then north-east again, to activate the Giza Portal
  Shrine.  Do not waste any time looking for traders or the like here - Giza
  is a barren and desolate place, and the only thing you will find in the
  immediate vicinity is this Portal Shrine.

  ===================
  THE MISSING BROTHER
  ===================

  From the Portal Shrine, head due east (not towards the cave that you will
  be able to see on your compass as that is the Fayum Passage, and we do not
  need to bother visiting it - it's just a cave that connects Giza and Fayum,
  but I have a better plan).  No - instead just head due east, and then just
  a TINY bit south-east so that you can descend the nearby steps and enter
  the decrepit crypt there.

  As with previous such structures, I am going to give you room-by-room
  guidance, which is as follows :-

  (from coming down the steps)

  > North-east and into the next room
  > South-east and into the next room
  > North-east and into the next room
  > North-west and into the next room
  > North-east and into the next room
  > North-east and into the next room

  This will lead you into a room where Unas - Tathari's brother - is standing
  by a massive stone door, with an exclamation mark over his head.  Speaking
  with him will reveal that he has succeeded in summoning the creature he had
  sought to use but that, shockingly, it isn't obeying him !!  Perhaps he
  forgot to bring treats ?  Time to clean house boys and girls !!

  Beyond the Massive Stone Door (which interestingly DOESN'T close behind you)
  is Hesy-su-neb-ef - an Ancestral Guardian of Unas and Tathari's family.  It
  is a giant undead pooch, draped in bandages - which has presumably been
  mummified in the past.  Interestingly this is a LUDICROUSLY easy fight, as
  he cannot leave the chamber you find him in, and the door remains open the
  whole time, meaning if you want a breather - just step outside the room !!

  Hesy-su-neb-ef has the following attacks :-

  > Immolate self (bursts into flames causing burn damage to you if you are
    too close to him)
  > Bite

  Once he has fallen, he dissipates into nothingness, and you are free to
  take the contents of the Majestic Chest he was protecting.

  Speak with Unas after filling your pockets, and he will recount how the
  beast appeared as if driven to madness by some spell or magic.  I guess we
  have our friend the Telkine to thank for that ??

  Anyhow - teleport from Unas (either back to Memphis to complete the side
  quest NOW or back to the Giza Plateau so that we can complete the second of
  the three things we can do here.  Personally I would only bother going back
  to Tathari now if you are very near levelling-up.  I am going to do the
  other two quests, and then go back to her but it's your call) back to the
  Giza Plateau Portal Shrine.

  =========================
  THE HIGH PRIEST'S REQUEST
  =========================

  From the Giza Portal Shrine, head south-west, and then follow the path
  south-east, and then south-west again, and this time TAKE the branch that
  leads to the south-east.  You will come upon a great many undead warriors,
  archers, shades and sandwraiths who are swarming around a poor man named
  Tekenu the Desert Nomad.  Once you have liberated him from this veritable
  SEA of filth, speak with him, and he will tell you that you should head
  into the pyramid IMMEDIATELY, to stop the monsters that have broken in from
  defiling the Pharaoh's Sarcophagus as if you do not, terrible things will
  happen.  He then gives you the "Khufu's Curse" Side Quest.

  LOOK AROUND YOU MAN !!  TERRIBLE THINGS ARE HAPPENING ALREADY !!!!!!!!!!!!

  =============
  KHUFU'S CURSE
  =============

  It transpires that the Pharaoh's mummy is cursed to spread a plague through
  the lands if it is disturbed.  Tekenu is afraid that in their stupidity,
  the monsters may well inadvertently release the plague.

  Technically since we have to go into the Pyramid of Khufu to complete both
  of these side quests, it is just as easy to roll them in together.

  That being said, head into Pyramid to get access to the Tomb of Khufu.

  I am going to give you some very simple instructions for the completion
  of each quest, so here goes :-

  =========================
  THE HIGH PRIEST'S REQUEST
  =========================

  (From entering the Tomb of Khufu)

  > North-east up the slope (but BEWARE THE SCARABS !!)
  > South-east when you reach the top of the slope
  > North-east through the massive stone door at the end of the corridor
  > Keep heading north-east and go up up up up up until you find a great
    chamber at the end, with Khufu's Sarcophagus contained therein.

  Open the sarcophagus (after destroying the two Dark Obelisks and associated
  monsters of course), to pick up the Staff of Khufu - however be warned that
  doing so will activate an ambush-trap of four GIANT Skeletal Mages who will
  hammer you with their ranged attacks.  They are :-

  1)  Gilded Dead Warlock who attacks with Poison and Fire
  2)  Desecrated Dead Flame Liche who attacks with Lightning and Fire
  3)  Gilded Dead Warlock who attacks with Lightning and Poison; and
  4)  Desecrated Dead Flame Liche who attacks with Ice and Fire

  Once you have the Staff of Khufu, carry it with you - we shall return to
  Memphis and give it to Zazamankh upon our return (or you can, of course,
  do so now if you prefer).

  =============
  KHUFU'S CURSE
  =============

  (From obtaining the Staff of Khufu)

  > South-west and go down down down down down until you reach the main
    corridor running north-west to south-east, that you were in previously.
  > North-west until you reach and passage that leads south-west and back to
    the Giza Plateau.
  > Instead of heading south-west, head north-east and through the ornate
    stone door and head down the ramp.  Keep going until you find

  ==========================
  SADIKI, CHAMPION OF ANUBIS
  ==========================

  Sadiki is the leader of a band of Jackalmen who have staged the raid on the
  Pyramid of Khufu, and who BADLY need to be taught a lesson in humility.

  He is a spellcaster, and master of the Earth School of training.  His
  attacks are :-

  > Flaming Arrow
  > Volcanic Orb

  He isn't INSANELY difficult - little more of a problem than his kin to be
  brutally honest - and once he has fallen to you, the Khufu's Curse quest
  is automatically completed, and you are awarded 12500 XP ... which is nice !

  Just beyond Sadiki is the Pharaonic Sarcophagus he was about to open - the
  poisoned one ?  You can open it if you like, but I would recommend AGAINST
  so doing, as it does unleash a very nasty cloud of poisonous gas which
  does NOT dissipate, and this can hamper the ease with which you get to the
  Majestic Chest on the north-western wall (and I know how much you love
  those !!).

  Once you are done here, teleport back to the Giza Plateau's Portal Shrine.

  =====================
  THE INVOCATION CONT'D
  =====================

  NOW it is time for us to obtain the Hand of Balance, and complete our work
  here in the Giza Plateau.

  So !  From the Giza Plateau's Portal Shrine, head south-west, then south-
  east, and then south-west again to get to the obelisk - the one that's
  strapped to the block of wood ?  From here head north-west - literally just
  a handful of steps, and you will be a) ambushed by some zombies, and b) at
  the entrance to the Lair of the Sphinx.

  Descend into the Great Sphinx, and activate the rebirth fountain in the
  first room you enter.

  Simple directions to reach your destination are as follows :-

  (From the room with the rebirth fountain)

  > North-east into the next room
  > North-west into the next room
  > South-west into the next room and around the gaping hole in the floor
  > North-west into the next room
  > North-east into the next room
  > North-east into the next room
  > North-east into the next room
  > North-east into the next room
  > South-east into the next room, and follow it as it winds southwards
  > South-east into the next room
  > South-east into the next room
  > South-east into the next room, and follow it as it winds north-east, up
    up up up up until you reach a massive stone door.

  Ensure that you are adequately prepared for what awaits you, which is a
  RATHER tough boss fight against potentially four bosses at once, plus a
  regenerating horde of support-monsters.

  Enter the Massive Stone Door (which will close behind you if you venture
  too far in), and you will be presented with a large room, FOUR seated
  statues (called the Pharaoh's Honour Guard) and FOUR Canopic Shrines, which
  look very similar to the Dark Obelisks you have encountered elsewhere
  previously.

  The Canopic Shrines generate (as with their Dark Obelisk variations on a
  proximity-basis) Embalmed Dead Adepts, which throw little balls of lightning
  at you from afar.  Each Canopic Shrine generates two Embalmed Dead Adepts,
  and as soon as one dies, another rises to take its place.  In addition to
  this, two Desecrated Dead Tainted Revenants are generated, and these are
  VERY powerful units in hand-to-hand.

  The four Canopic Shrines should therefore be your primary targets - however
  when one falls, one of the seated Pharaoh's Honour Guard rises to take its
  place.

  The four Canopic Shrines are as follows :-

     1)  Canopic Shrine of Imset
     2)  Canopic Shrine of Daumutef
     3)  Canopic Shrine of Kabechsenef; and
     4)  Canopic Shrine of Hapi

  My advice is therefore to adopt one of the following two strategies :-

  EITHER

  A)  Rush in and destroy all four Canopic Shrines, thus activating all four
      of the Pharaoh's Honour Guard.  You will most likely die, but when you
      come BACK to this area, you should be able to use my enticement trick
      to draw the Honour Guard to you, thus making the fight a whole lot
      easier ...

  OR

  B)  Destroy the Canopic Shrines one at a time, taking out the Honour Guard
      ONE AT A TIME.  This will take a while as you will spend quite a bit of
      time hiding behind pillars and dodging the attacks of the Embalmed Dead,
      but it will most likely be well worth it in the long run.

  The Honour Guard have good health, and can strike by either stomping on
  you, or striking you with one of their hands in a large, excessive slap
  move.  Both give you ample time to plan a response, and a fair chance of
  avoiding them truth be told, so they themselves are not the hardest part
  of the battle by far.

  However you destroy them, once they have fallen, you may exit this chamber
  through the north-eastern doorway, and claim not only the Hand of Balance,
  but also the contents of the Coffer, Large Coffer, Royal Coffer AND Majestic
  Chest that SURROUND the Hand of Balance.

  Cool eh !!

  Once you have had your fill, teleport back to Memphis.

  In Memphis, visit Piankh the Caravan Driver and deposit the Hand of Balance
  with him (as Imhotep will not take it off you without the Eye of Chaos being
  in your possession as well), and then talk to Tathari to complete the
  Missing Brother Side Quest and earn yourself a Powerful Ring and 10000 XP,
  and speak with Zazamankh too, to earn a random essence, and 9000 XP.

  You can speak with Imhotep should you wish, but he will just tell you to
  bugger off and bring him the other item - the Eye of Chaos - as well.

  =====
  FAYUM
  =====

  The Gate of the Palm - that which exits Memphis to its north-west - is the
  gate of choice for those of you looking to visit Fayum.  You cross a small
  wooden bridge and go straight into the Artisan's Quarter, meeting first and
  foremost a rebirth fountain, which you should of course activate
  immediately.

  Go north-east, then north-west and then north-east from the rebirth fountain
  to exit the Artisan's Quarter and enter the Desert Waste - an area replete
  with Scorpos, Scorpions and other nastiness.

  The way through the Desert Waste is north-east of your starting location.
  It is in the north-easternmost corner that the pathway leading out and into
  the Sobek Plateau can be found.  Therefore if you head north-east, and hit
  the northern wall, follow it east, and if you hit the eastern wall, follow
  it north !  Both ways will lead you to a rebirth fountain, and through two
  unlit torches to the Sobek Plateau.

  From where you enter the Sobek Plateau, head north-east - through or
  around (your choice) the Jackalman Encampment, and keep going north-east
  until you reach another two torches which will lead you into the Canyon of
  Isis.

  The exit from the Canyon of Isis is in the north-easternmost corner of the
  zone so, as with the Desert Waste, head north-east and if you hit the
  northern wall, head east, and if you hit the eastern wall, head north !!

  Once you reach the exit to the Canyon of Isis (denoted by a rebirth
  fountain and two torches), you enter the Fayum Desert.

  From just inside the Fayum Desert you will see cart tracks in the sands
  leading northwards.  Follow these, and they will lead you to

  ===============
  THE FAYUM OASIS
  ===============

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the Fayum Oasis
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the Fayum Oasis

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  SENNEMUT - Villager.  Surprisingly useful for a NON-quest inhabitant, as he
           tells you about not only the Temple of Osiris, which he says is
           located just outside the walls of the Fayum Oasis and was attacked
           just last night by monsters - but also that there is ANOTHER
           temple built into a cliff far off in the desert (Note: THIS is the
           location of the Eye of Chaos !!).
  WENI - Villager who is, quite simply, just happy to meet you.
  A'O-PEKHTY - Storyteller who tells you of the former Kingdoms of the Upper
           Nile (ruled by Horus) and the Lower Nile (ruled by Set).  He tells
           of the great battle between the two, and how Set was banished to
           the Desert when he lost (not the Dessert as I had originally typed.
           The thought of being banished to a gigantic banana split doesn't
           sound TOO bad to me !!), and how whilst the Desert is barren and
           infertile (reflecting the wound Set sustained at the hands of Horus)
           the Moon's light is paler than that of the Sun (representing how
           Horus' left eye - the Moon - was gouged by Set during the fight,
           making it weaker than his right eye - the Sun).

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  MENEMNAKHT - Caravan Trader who tells his tale of woe about Dune Raiders
           attacking his caravan just outside the Fayum Oasis - he gives you
           the "Caravan Woes" Side Quest.
  PA-NEB - Village Elder who tells you that the leader of the group who has
           been attacking the caravans in the desert is a Dune Raider named
           Iznu.
  ASRI - Scamp who babbles on about how he once stumbled upon a secret cache
           of treasure deep in the desert - down a flight of stairs.  He says
           that he was chased away by monsters and gives you the "A Hidden
           Treasure" Side Quest for good measure.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  HOREMHEB - Trader

  ===========================
  QUESTS FROM THE FAYUM OASIS
  ===========================

  ============
  CARAVAN WOES
  ============

  Leave the Fayum Oasis by the western door, and follow the cart tracks to the
  north.  Just as they round off FROM heading north TO heading west, head
  north-west, and you will find the ruins of an old building.  Head east of
  this building to find another.  Iznu will be wandering around between the
  two.

  Iznu is a powerful Dune Raider, who has a number of attacks and who is very
  quick to move about, owing to the fact that he rides a Hyena Beast.  There
  are LEGIONS of Dune Raiders about, so try and avoid running away from him
  into areas you have not yet explored, if the going gets tough.

  He has the following attacks :-

  > Flaming Arrows
  > Meteor Strike

  And since he wields a bow-and-arrow, he attacks at range ONLY.  Therefore
  if you rush into hand-to-hand combat with him, he will ride off to try and
  get a better shot at you.

  Focus on ensuring you have a clear field of play within which to manoeuvre,
  and then get up-close-and-personal with this FREAK.

  Once he has fallen, your Caravan Woes Side Quest is updated, and you may
  open the four Coffers that were previously locked (they are scattered
  around where Iznu was originally standing).  Once you have taken all that
  they have to offer, TELEPORT - do NOT walk - back to the Fayum Oasis and
  speak with Pa-neb to get your reward - 12000 XP !! :)

  =================
  A HIDDEN TREASURE
  =================

  Return to where you fought Iznu (as in where the Coffers are - where Iznu
  was originally standing), and head north-west until you find the set of
  steps that Asri was talking about.  Head down and into the compound below.

  There are many ways to get around this compound, but the quickest, and
  easiest way to get to the treasure Asri was describing is to head through
  the massive stone door in the north-western wall, and to deal with the
  TWO ambush parties (one of zombies near the massive stone door as you enter
  and the other composed of TWO Dark Obelisks and a group of Shades (Fallen
  Generals and Fallen Sorcerers) located nearer the set of chests against the
  north-western wall.

  Once you approach the chests, you will complete the A Hidden Treasure Side
  Quest and earn yourself 9000 XP, together with the contents of the chests,
  which are :- two Coffers, one Large Coffer, one Royal Coffer, one Majestic
  Chest.

  Teleport back to the Fayum Oasis as it will save you the walk - we won't be
  coming back this way again.

  =======================
  THE INVOCATION - CONT'D
  =======================

  From the Fayum Oasis, head out the north-eastern gate, and travel due east
  until you find the steps leading down into the Sandswept Cave.  You can
  venture into the cave and clear it out should you wish (although be
  extremely careful on Epic and Legendary Difficulties as a Manticore resides
  on the lowest-level, and it's QUITE a walk to get back to him once he's
  slain you let me assure you), and head due NORTH of those steps, past the
  Jackalman Encampment, and keep going north, hugging the eastern wall as you
  go, until you pass the two torches and gain access to the Temple of Atum.

  The Temple of Atum is that Temple which Sennemut spoke of in the Fayum
  Oasis - it is carved into a cliff-face, and is the residence of the guardian
  of the Eye of Chaos (and the Eye itself !!), so please make sure that you
  take the time to fully heal-up before ascending the steps to do battle with

  ===========================
  NEHEBKAU - THE SCORPOS KING
  ===========================

  Nehebkau is a VERY dangerous adversary if you just wade on in and try and
  take him out hand-to-hand.  He is MASSIVE, with one clawed hand and one
  hand that is a giant pair of pincers.  He is a master of the Rogue school,
  with the following attacks :-

  > Pincer strike
  > Mace strike
  > Tail strike
  > Poison Gas Bomb (with Shrapnel)
  > Summon 3 Stygian Scorpions

  You MIGHT be able to lure him to the gate before going through (my entice
  bosses hint) and this would make the combat easier for you.  I have never
  been able to get him to leave the sanctity of his Temple - not least
  because I do not think he would be able to fit through the gate !!

  Standard rules apply re: the generation of his Stygian Scorpions - kill 2
  and he will not be able to generate another set of 3 until the third has
  died.

  Once he has fallen, raid the 2 Coffers, Large Coffer and 2 Majestic Chests,
  grab the Eye of Chaos and teleport back to Memphis - there is absolutely
  NO need to walk !!

  Once you reach Memphis, visit Piankh to pick up the Hand of Balance, and
  then head north-west to speak with Imhotep who is now standing atop the
  stairs beside Zazamankh.

  Imhotep will tell you that the two artifacts you have brought him combine
  to form the Sceptre of Eternity, and that he is now in a position to
  complete the ceremony.

  He rewards you with a random essence, 10000 XP and 2 Attribute Points =D

  ... he walks up to the statue of the pyramid ...

     ... he holds his hands aloft and the ritual begins ...

        ... there is light ...

           ... there is magic !! ...

              ... there is ... the SH!TTEST end-result I have ever seen !!!

  Standing there scratching his head, Imhotep demonstrates a COMPLETE
  inability to perform the ritual !!

  Speak with him again, and he will express his shock and bewilderment at
  the fact that the ritual failed.  He feels that this is a sure sign that
  the Gods cannot help, and that mortals are on their own.  He ponders
  the Telkine's recent assaults on buildings that are protected by the Order
  of Prometheus, and how this can only be because the Telkine is searching
  for one of the artifacts that the Order has been safeguarding.

  Since there is only one such site that the Telkine has yet to strike,
  it must be that very site which he is bound for now.  Imhotep foolishly
  disregarded it as a potential target because he believed that the Gods
  would intercede and put a stop to the Telkine's madness once and for all.

  It appears he was very, VERY wrong.

  He tells you that you must venture to the Tomb of Ramses (remember that),
  in the Valley of the Kings.  To get there you must head up the Nile to
  Thebes, and from there to the Valley of the Kings (don't worry about
  remembering this - I brought a map with me), and from there into the Tomb
  of Ramses.

  With that, he opens the Gate to Thebes which lies before you, and you may
  proceed on your journey.

  =================================
  SECTION 2.10 - A TELKINE IN EGYPT
  =================================

  Head down the steps to the north-west through the Gate to Thebes, and you
  will enter Dahshur.

  Simply cross the wooden bridge to your north-west, and activate the rebirth
  fountain.  There is only one way out of Dahshur (aside from going back to
  Memphis), and that is via a small gate leading through two torches, to the
  north-west.  Go there and you will exit Dahshur and enter the Upper Nile.

  From there, stay on the path and follow it as it winds north-westwards,
  and keep following it north-west (ignore the branch that leads north-east)
  until you pass through another two torches, and into the Thebes Outskirts.

  Activate the rebirth fountain, and then follow the path as it leads north
  and then north-west and through two pre-lit torches, to enter a crumbled
  building which has become the home of a few groups of jackalmen.  Kill them
  and follow the path that start just north of their encampment, and heads
  west, then north and then finally north-west inbetween two torches and
  two HUGE statues.  Stay on the tiled path, as this will lead you straight
  to a heavy wooden door which is the entrance to the Temple of Seti.  That's
  in Thebes, just in case you were in any doubt ;)

  Activate the rebirth fountain as soon as you enter the Temple.

  ==================
  THE TEMPLE OF SETI
  ==================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the Temple of Seti
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the Temple of Seti

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  MENNA - Citizen of Thebes who confirms that the Telkine has already passed
           through Thebes on his way towards the Valley of the Kings.
  HENEN-NI-SUT - Aging Scholar who says that the Monsters were sent by the
           enemies of the Gods.
  TI - Citizen who says that the "Master of Beasts" was here (he just means
           the Telkine - woo).
  HAPUSENEB - Storyteller who tells you of what happens in Egyptian lore when
           a person dies.  He explains how, after travelling through Duat -
           the land of the Dead, they will encounter Osiris, Lord of the
           Underworld, who will weigh their heart on the scales of justice.
           On one side will be the heart, and on the other the feather of
           truth.  If the heart weighs more than the feather, you get gobbled
           up by Ammut, the Devourer of Souls (this would happen if you were
           BAD in life).  If, however, the heart weighs less than the feather
           (which would obviously happen if you were GOOD in life), then you
           are given a second life in Duat - the Land of the Dead.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  AMEN-NAHTE - Young Priest who explains how, when the Telkine did pass
           through Thebes, all but the Head Priest of their order (Neb-kemi)
           fled in terror.  Neb-kemi stood alone against the Telkine, who
           easily overpowered him with the strength of his magic alone, </pre><pre id="faqspan-5">
           turning the Head Priest's enchantments back upon himself.  As a
           demonstration of his power, the Telkine converted Neb-kemi into
           one of his demonic followers.  He gives you the "Corrupted Priest"
           Side Quest.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  SINON      - Caravan Driver
  MERUITENSA - Enchanter
  ABANA      - Arcanist
  KYSON      - Blacksmith
  MASAHARTA  - Mystic

  ==============================
  QUESTS FROM THE TEMPLE OF SETI
  ==============================

  ====================
  THE CORRUPTED PRIEST
  ====================

  Since the Telkine battered the CR@P out of Neb-kemi, I feel it is only
  right that we release his soul from the torment he must be suffering.
  You may, or may not feel the same way, but there IS a nice reward in it
  for you, so LET'S GO PEEPS :)

  Leave Thebes and the Temple of Seti via the archway to the north-east, just
  past Masaharta the Mystic, and keep going north-east past the two torches
  and the rebirth fountain (which you should activate), and into the Highland
  Pass.

  Head immediately EAST until you find a pathway leading up a hill that takes
  you into the Meretseger Ridge.  From entering this area, head north-east,
  and descend the steps at the top to gain access to the Mysterious Tomb
  where Neb-kemi awaits you.

  To reach Neb-kemi, simply head north-east once you enter the Tomb.  He is
  in the last room, standing against the back wall looking away from you.

  ========
  NEB-KEMI
  ========

  Generally-speaking you can pick him off at range without him ever
  retaliating - however if you feel you MUST entice him into combat, he has
  the following attacks :-

  > Flame Arrow
  > Ternion Attack
  > Life Drain
  > Deathchill Aura

  As you may have guessed, Neb-kemi has become a Master of the Spirit School
  since he was reformed to serve the Telkine.

  He is protected by three Sandstone Guardians, whom I would suggest you
  despatch before you attack him.  They are very slow, and quite easily
  despatched at range, but can make it a bit more awkward to fight him if
  they are not taken care of in advance.

  Once Neb-kemi's soul is released (which is a nice way of saying once you
  have ATOMISED his ass), teleport back to Thebes, and speak with Amen-nahte
  to give him the good news.  He will reward you with (his thanks, and) a
  Magical Weapon and 15000 XP.

  To be truthful with you, it is just as quick for you to walk from Thebes
  back towards the Valley of the Kings as it is for you to teleport back to
  the Mysterious Tomb of Neb-kemi and then walk, so I would walk back out
  of Thebes via the north-east (past Masaharta the Mystic), and this time
  as soon as you get to the two (now lit) torches and rebirth fountain, head
  due north-east, and then through the two torches that lead north and up
  onto a raised plateau from which you can see the roof of a nearby building
  and some Zombies.  Follow the pathway north-east and through the two small
  pre-lit torches, and keep heading north-east, travelling through another
  two small pre-lit torches, and a little way further to the next rebirth
  fountain.  Activate this rebirth fountain, and then keep following the path
  as it goes north-east, and then south-east, and then north-east again
  through two torches.  You will now have entered the Place of Truth.

  =============
  !! WARNING !!
  =============

  PLEASE be careful as there are MANY many sandwraiths in this area !!

  From entering this area, head due north-east (you will find a temple set
  deep into a crevasse that you must move around) and keep heading north-
  east, past the temple I just described, until you reach two torches and
  the Valley of the Kings.

  =======================
  THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS
  =======================

  The Valley of the Kings comprises a Portal Shrine, a rebirth fountain,
  Ilu-iqisha the Trader, and eight Tombs, being the following (I shall
  list the name of the Tomb, together with the colour of the base of the
  serpent statues at its entrance, and the depiction that stands above
  the entryway) :-

     1)  The Tomb of Thutmes (Purple Serpents and a picture of a Scarab)
     2)  The Tomb of Amenhetep I (Grey Serpents and a picture of an Ankh)
     3)  The Tomb of Amenhetep II (Pink Serpents and a picture of an Ankh)
     4)  The Tomb of Amenmeses (Orange Serpents and a picture of a Scarab)
     5)  The Tomb of Merenptah (Green Serpents and a picture of a Scarab)
     6)  The Tomb of Seti I (White Serpents and a picture of an Ankh)
     7)  The Tomb of Thuyu (Yellow Serpents and a picture of a Scarab); and
     8)  The Tomb of Ramses (Light Blue Serpents and a picture of an Ankh)

  In order to get to Ilu-iqisha, the Portal Shrine and the rebirth fountain,
  just head north-west of your starting position.  Nobody should attack you
  until you get past them.

  Since we are only concerned with the Tomb of Ramses, I shall spare you an
  in-depth breakdown of each of the other tombs - however I will tell you
  the following :-

     A)  The Tomb of Thutmes is a dead-ended tomb with a LOT of worms in it
     B)  The Tomb of Amenhetep I is a dead-ended tomb
     C)  The Tomb of Amenhetep II is a dead-ended tomb
     D)  The Tomb of Amenmeses is a dead-ended tomb
     E)  The Tomb of Merenptah is a dead-ended tomb
     F)  The Tombs of Seti I and Thuyu are linked - you can go in one and
         come out the other.

  Once you come at last to the Tomb of Ramses, descend and make sure you
  clear out each and every room on your way through, for reasons which will
  become apparent in a little while.

  At its most simplistic, all you need to do to move through the Temple of
  Ramses is to head in a straight line to the north-west, clearing out the
  rooms to your south-west and north-east each time you find them, and keep
  heading north-west (it goes on quite aways) until you cannot continue in
  that direction.  Once you get to this point, turn and head north-east, and
  keep going that way until you reach an Ornate Stone Door, which is the door
  that will lead you into the Boss Fight with the Telkine

  ====================
  THE TELKINE OF EGYPT
  ====================

  Aktaios, the Telkine of Egypt, is CONSIDERABLY harder than his Grecian
  counterpart was.  For starters I would STRONGLY recommend you do your very
  best to lure him out of the room he stands in, as this will make your life
  considerably easier - and quite possibly LONGER.  I say this because Aktaios
  cannot activate one of his primary attacks unless he is in the room he
  starts in.

  As with Megalesios, Aktaios is a snappy dresser (it's probably quite easy
  to get in and out of clothes if you have no legs, but that's a moot point).

  His primary attacks are as follows :-

  > Volcanic Orb
  > Summon two Tomb Guardians
  > Create two Mirror Images of himself (which can battle you on their own)
  > Sunfire.  This attack is the one which he cannot activate unless he is in
    the room he starts in.  It causes beams of sunlight to stream in from the
    skies above and scorch the ground, doing EXTREMELY huge amounts of damage
    to anybody that is caught in their path.
  > Sandstorm (in his immediate vicinity)

  As you would anticipate, Aktaios is a capable combatant, but he is MUCH much
  easier to defeat if you are able to lure him out of his initial chamber, as
  you can skirmish and dizzy him, and he WON'T be able to burn you to a little
  crispy version of you by using that VERY annoying sunfire attack he has.

  Once Aktaios has fallen, take the Cuneiform Tablet he drops, and crack
  open his Mystical Orb to take his goodies.

  Return to Thebes and speak with Imhotep, who will take the Cuneiform Tablet
  from you, pat you on the head, and open the gate to the north-west - the
  Gate of Hatshepsut - which leads you onwards to the Temple of Hatshepsut.

  He says that the Cuneiform Tablet details the location of the Sickle of
  Kronos, which rests in the Temple of Marduk in the Hanging Gardens of
  Babylon.  Since he is aware that a THIRD Telkine (wtf !!  These guys must
  be breeding somewhere) is already assaulting Babylon, he surmises that
  this third Telkine must be looking for the Sickle, and MUST be stopped
  at ALL costs.

  After he has done babbling, he rewards you with the Sceptre of Eternity,
  12000 XP and 2 Skill Points.

  ===================================
  SECTION 2.11 - THE SICKLE OF KRONOS
  ===================================

  Head north-west and out onto the Hatshepsut Path, making sure to activate
  the rebirth fountain as you go.  Simply follow the path to the north-west,
  and then to the north-east, and keep going through the two torches and
  into the Temple of Hatshepsut.

  Once you reach the Temple of Hatshepsut, follow the path north-east and
  up the first, and then the second set of steps.

  Enter the Temple of Hatshepsut proper, activate the rebirth fountain by
  the entryway, and then keep heading north-east and through the two sets of
  Massive Stone Doors, down the steps and into the Halls of Prometheus.

  Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall the way north-east, down the steps, and through
  the Massive Stone Door at the end.

  Before entering the SECOND Massive Stone Door, however, prepare yourself
  for another Boss Fight.

  =========================================
  SAND WRAITHLORD - NIGHTMARE OF THE DESERT
  =========================================

  The Sand Wraithlord is the Lord of ALL Sandwraiths, and as such he CAN be
  one tough cookie, so be prepared for this fight as best you can.

  The Sand Wraithlord's primary attacks are as follows :-

  > Volcanic Orb
  > Summon 4 Sandwraiths
  > Sandblast - slows you down
  > Sandstorm
  > Four-claw strike
  > Spinning-claw strike

  If you can lure the Sandwraith (as with previous bosses) towards the door,
  then you don't need to enter his chamber which gives you a DEFINITE edge
  during this combat which can mean the difference between kicking the Sand
  Wraithlord's @SS or suffering REPEATED frustration at his hands.

  Once he has been destroyed, check out the contents of the four Coffers and
  Majestic Chest, and then head north-east into the next chamber, and click
  on the Eternity Altar to use the Sceptre of Eternity and open the portal
  to Babylon.

  =================
  EGYPTIAN EPILOGUE
  =================

  Well, we defeated Aktaios and kicked the Sand Wraithlord to the curb, but
  we have learned that a third Telkine is already assaulting the City of
  Babylon in search of the Sickle of Kronos - an artifact of great power that
  they are after for some dark purpose we have not, as yet, been able to
  quite put our finger on - although I'd expect if you take a minute to think
  it through, you'll be able to work it out ;)

  Anyhow - on the plus column, at least we know what the Telkine are AFTER,
  AND we know that we have already destroyed TWO of their number.  We don't
  know how many of them are left, but there can't be THAT many more, surely ?

  ======================
  ACT THREE - THE ORIENT
  ======================

  ===================================
  SECTION 3.11 - THE SICKLE OF KRONOS
  ===================================

  ==============================
  THE HANGING GARDENS OF BABYLON
  ==============================

  * There are MANY rebirth fountains in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================


  NAME   - TEXT

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  ZAKIR - Order of Prometheus Agent who tells you that the Telkine is already
           forcing his way into the sacred chamber of the Temple of Marduk,
           and who urges you to make all haste there, to prevent the Sickle
           from being stolen.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  AZIZI - Trader

  ==========================================
  QUESTS FROM THE HANGING GARDENS OF BABYLON
  ==========================================

  ====================
  THE SICKLE OF KRONOS
  ====================

  Head south-east and follow the Babylonian Guards as they rush over the
  bridge to do battle with a horde of Ichthians.  Take note that these are
  NOT the same Ichthians you did battle with all the way back in Greece - oh
  no - these are their bigger, buffer cousins - the Tidal Ichthians (but they
  fall just the same) ;)

  Keep going south-east over the next two bridges, fighting off the Tidal
  Ichthians as you go, and you will then encounter another type of new enemy
  in this third act - variations of your a-typical spiders - Tropical Spiders
  and Tropical Widows.  Tropical Spiders look like spindlier versions of
  their bulky Grecian counterparts, but make NO mistake they are QUITE
  capable of taking you out if you're not careful.

  The next bridge is actually a set of two, side-by-side.  It doesn't matter
  which one you go over, but when you do you will have to do battle with
  YET ANOTHER type of new enemy - the Mantids.  They are human-sized preying
  mantis, that can run like the CLAPPERS and do SHEDLOADS of damage so watch
  out - think of them as being like the Scorpos in the previous act, but
  much quicker :(

  South-east over the next bridge, and keep going south-east until you have
  to take a turning to your north-east.

  Keep going north-east over two more bridges and then up a flight of stairs
  that turns back on itself to go north-west, and then south-west and onto
  the next level of the Hanging Gardens.

  From here, head south-west to encounter another two new types of enemy -
  the Jungle Creep, and the Quill Vine.  Jungle Creeps are huge lummoxes
  which travel very slowly and look like little hills with plants growing
  out of them.  They can strike you with their earthen claws, or by
  gobbing out large quantities of poison at you (NOT nice).  Quill Vines are
  unable to move, but are not without their defences - they spit out little
  quills (the clue was in the name c'mon), at high speeds to damage you from
  afar.  There is a third enemy that you will encounter with Jungle Creeps
  and Quill Vines later - the Bog Dweller (which is just a STUPID-looking
  monster with really long arms and legs that runs at you like a MUPPET).

  Keep heading south-west and over two bridges and you will then be forced
  to turn north-west and continue onwards.

  Activate the rebirth fountain which you will find very close by, and then
  head north-west, crossing five bridges and then up the flight of stairs
  against the north-easterly wall, and keep going up as it doubles back
  on itself, turning north-east and then south-east.

  Activate the nearby rebirth fountain, and then head south-east, crossing
  three more bridges and then up the set of stairs against the north-eastern
  wall, keeping going as they turn to the north-east, and then the north-west.

  From here, head up the flight of steps that you can see just to your north,
  and you will FINALLY have reached the Temple of Marduk.

  The entrance to the Temple proper is just to your north, and you will have
  to slay the various Tidal Ichthians that block your path before you will
  be able to get in.

  ================
  TEMPLE OF MARDUK
  ================

  Enter the Temple between the two statues, and then head north-east and
  go through the broken seal in the floor to access the Temple of Marduk -
  Level 1.

  I shall give you some quick directions to help you move through the Temple
  of Marduk, but I must forewarn you that you are going to encounter some
  old enemies (Ratman *spit spit spit* and others), together with some
  more new ones (fire sprites (but fortunately they are weak and look really
  cute as they run towards you - just DON'T be tempted to cuddle them OK ??)
  and others).

  TEMPLE OF MARDUK - LEVEL 1
  ==========================

  (From entering via the staircase leading down from the broken seal)

  > Activate the rebirth fountain and then head north-west into the next
    chamber.
  > Take out the creeping slime and watch out for their ranged attacks - they
    spit portions of their own goop at you which will poison you AND slow you
    down at the same time - NICE !!  Then north-east into the next chamber.
  > Turn and follow the corridor north-west and into the next chamber.
  > South-east and into the next chamber.
  > Descend the steps on the north-western wall to get to

  TEMPLE OF MARDUK - LEVEL 2
  ==========================

  > Activate the rebirth fountain and then head south-west and into the next
    chamber.
  > Head south-east and into the next chamber.
  > Head south-east and into the next chamber.
  > Head south-east and into the next chamber.
  > Head south-east and into the next chamber.
  > Head north-east and into the next chamber.
  > Descend the steps on the south-eastern wall to get to

  TEMPLE OF MARDUK - LEVEL 3
  ==========================

  > Activate the rebirth fountain and head north-east into the next chamber.
  > Head north-west and into the next chamber.
  > Head north-west and then take the first entrance to the south-west, to
    get into the next chamber.
  > Head south-west and into the next chamber.
  > Head south-west and into the next chamber.
  > Watch out in this room - there are a LOT of enemies to face, not the least
    of which is the EXTREMELY irritating Djinn with their squall powers.  Head
    north-west and into the next chamber to your north-west (ignore the exit
    that leads to your north-east).
  > Head north-west and into the next chamber.
  > Head north-east and into the next chamber.
  > Head south-east and into the next chamber.
  > Head north-east and into the next chamber.
  > This is the antechamber that leads down (past innumerate enemies and four
    Traps) to a boss fight with a Chimera (another Beast of Legend) :)

  We love the Chimera - the Chimera ROCKS - but it is definitely NOT to be
  underestimated in combat, so you should stock up well on all the regular
  accoutrements before venturing down the steps on the north-eastern wall to
  do battle with

  ===========
  THE CHIMERA
  ===========

  The Chimera, for those of you that are not familiar with it AS a beast of
  legend, is a three-headed beast with the body of a lion, tail of a snake,
  and with its three heads being a goat, a snake and a lion.

  Whilst the Chimera is sometimes depicted with wings, in Titan Quest it has
  none, making THAT element of combat easier to deal with.

  Its attacks are as follows :-

  > Snake Head Only - Fire Breath with INSANE range, but does not turn to
                      follow you - stands still and breaths in a direct line.
  > Snake Head Only - Bite
  > Goat Head Only  - Lightning Blast - creates a field of lightning around
                      the Chimera, which extends in a straight line at
                      whatever angle the Chimera chooses from the beast aways.
  > Lion Head Only  - Bite

  There are two ways to do battle with the Chimera :-

  1)  The BIFF way.  Hang around on the steps and lure the Chimera to you,
      falling back as it gets too close so as to avoid its breath.  It can't
      get through the gate and will walk away if you go back up the steps.
      Simply rinse and repeat and you shouldn't even need to use a single
      health OR energy potion !!  Just rely on ranged attacks obviously ;)

  - or -

  2)  The MANLY way.  Run in through that gate, let it slam shut behind you -
      LET it shut you in with that insane caged beast - and then go toe-to-toe
      with it for three rounds ... go on !  I've got your back *he says,
      reaching for the white towel just in case*.

  The biggest drawback of fighting the Chimera hand-to-hand is that its
  attacks are largely difficult to predict until they are upon you.  Whilst
  you can unload a BOATLOAD of strikes whilst the Chimera is breathing flame
  at you (if it misses of course), you are going to have to fall back pretty
  damned quickly when she goes for her lightning attack ... and as this ISN'T
  a hydra situation (as in you cannot kill one head to remove it from play),
  you must defeat the Chimera as one single beast in order to continue ...

  ... tough cookie !!

  However you slay the Chimera, once she is down, head to the north-eastern
  corner of the room to find a Basket, an Ornamented Chest and a Majestic
  Chest, all of which are yours for the taking !!  Once you are down with
  those, head through the archway to the north-east and stand on the symbol
  in the centre of the ground to activate a FANTASTICALLY cool secret
  passageway.  Proceed to the north-east, and speak with the injured Feiyan
  who is lying on the ground to your north-west.

  She confirms that, regrettably, she failed to stop the Telkine (and that,
  more specifically, he struck her down with ONE BLOW !!!!!), meaning that
  he now possesses the Sickle of Kronos.

  ........................................................... BUGGER !!  And
  I thought this was going to be the EASY act as well !! ;)

  She tells you that you must chase after him, and that to do so you need
  only follow the path of destruction he has wrought (check out the mess
  he made of the north-eastern wall !!).

  For your troubles you are rewarded with a third (your final) inventory bag,
  together with 15000 XP, a random essence and an update to the main quest.

  ==================================
  SECTION 3.12 - HUNT FOR THE SICKLE
  ==================================

  So !  He's got the item he and his brothers have been looking for eh ??
  Odds are stacking up against us rather rapidly eh ??  GOOD GOOD - I'm on
  for that :)

  Head out through the gaping hole in the north-eastern wall, and out into
  the Babylon Outskirts.

  From entering this area, head south-east a little, until you reach the
  merchants

  =================
  BABYLON OUTSKIRTS
  =================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the Babylon Outskirts
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the Babylon Outskirts

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  ILU-ELATTI - Storyteller who regales you with the tale of Ninsun, and how
           she bore the mighty warrior Gilgamesh into the world, and how Anu,
           God of the Sky, created a companion for him called Enkidu - a wild
           and untamed man.  Whilst they fought upon meeting at Babylon,
           Enkidu was unable to defeat Gilgamesh, and so the two became the
           best of friends, travelling together and doing great deeds
           together.  He goes on to speak of just one of their missions - the
           slaying of Humbaba in the Cedar Forest.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  APPA - Farmer who confirms that he saw the Telkine pass through here, with
           a horde of monsters.  Anybody that did not flee his terrible
           wrath was cut down by the sickle on the spot !!  Nasty pig !!!!!
  IMMERU - Farmer who runs across the bridge as you set foot on it, hotly
           pursued by two Coastal Ichthians.  He begs you to save his farmland
           from the monsters who are destroying it as you speak, and gives
           you the "Seeds of Destruction" Side Quest.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  JANGBU - Blacksmith
  TASHI  - Arcanist

  =================================
  QUESTS FROM THE BABYLON OUTSKIRTS
  =================================

  ========================
  THE SEEDS OF DESTRUCTION
  ========================

  Help Immeru by ridding his farmlands of the Coastal Ichthians that are
  destroying his livestock and crops.  There are approximately 30 Coastal
  Ichthians to slay in the various fields that form Immeru's farmlands, just
  to the east of the merchants across the bridge, and once they have all been
  purged, you should return and speak with Immeru to receive your reward -
  18000 XP.

  ==========================
  HUNT FOR THE SICKLE CONT'D
  ==========================

  From the grateful Immeru, head (back) over the bridge to the east, and
  follow the pathway that runs through his farmlands east (it's perhaps
  easier to view it on the compass), and as it exist his farmlands (as in,
  as it leads south and just starts to go south-east of his last field),
  head south-east and you will find a path that leads out of the Babylon
  Outskirts, through two torches and into the Parthian Highlands.

  Follow the path as it leads north-east, and up to a rebirth fountain and
  two torches.  Keep going north-east on the path, and follow it east, past
  two more torches, and over a wooden bridge leading north-east.

  Watch out for the Chitinous Mantids - they are even worse than their
  regular Mantid counterparts, and attack in groups just like the others so
  be warned.  Follow the path northwards as it winds up up up up up, and
  then curves to the east before going through two torches and over another
  wooden bridge.

  Once you cross the bridge you will be on the Silk Road, and from here you
  should activate the rebirth fountain to your north, and speak with at
  least Minani the Seasoned Journeyman to get information on the Telkine
  and, if you are feeling particularly nice, Nur-Sin the Journeyman, who
  tells you that if you want to follow the Telkine, you need just stay on the
  yellow brick road (sorry no that's the OTHER story ... follow the SILK
  road - THAT'S right - sorry), although he does warn you that it is quite
  treacherous at this time of year though =./

  Follow the path as it heads north-east through two torches, and keep going
  on the same path as it leads up and up and up.  You can tell it must be
  getting cooler, as you start to see snow on the ground.  Shortly after
  this discovery (and of COURSE taking time to make snowcones, have a snowball
  fight and build a VERY modest snowman), keep on following the path through
  two torches and into the Bactrian Woods.

  Follow the path (which is now the road lying inbetween the snow on either
  side) north-east, through two torches and over the snowy bridge, and head-
  first into your first encounter with the Peng.

  Peng are tiny winged imp-like creatures that you will doubtless have seen
  in other games of this ilk.  Ice Peng, which are the first type of Peng
  you will encounter, are snidey little buggers who attack in groups (like
  almost all other monsters in Titan Quest), and who fly towards you, closing
  the gap between you and them quite quickly.  Not as quickly as Mantids it
  must be said - those things are like greased LIGHTNING - but quickly all
  the same.

  Peng attack with their claws.

  Keep following the dirty snow path north-east, through two torches and into
  the Amdo Region.  Again, keep heading to the north-east and you will come
  at last to civilisation !!

  ==================
  SHANGSHUNG VILLAGE
  ==================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in Shangshung Village
  * There is a Portal Shrine in Shangshung Village

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  RIMUT - Caravan Trader who says that he and his group are about to make the
           trek up to the Natu La Pass.  They had expected to be in the east
           by now, but they have found the journey rather tough going.
  LHAK-PA GYAL-TSHEN - Storyteller who shares with you the tale of the
           eighteen kingdoms, and how they are collectively ruled from the
           Silver Palace of Garuda Valley a long way to your south.  It is
           said that Garuda Valley is Shambhala - the Land of Happiness, and
           that tales of the Valley are relayed to the people by their Dongba,
           or Shamen.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  PASANG DO-MA - Villager that tells tale of a HUGE Yeti that lives in the
           ice caverns of the Chumba Valley.  He gives you the "A Gargantuan
           Yeti" Side Quest.
  KILU TEM-BA - Shangshung Man who is worried that his son has gone off and
           has not been seen in days.  With the increase in Neanderthal
           attacks of late, he fears for his son's safety, and gives you the
           "Mystery in the Mountains" Side Quest.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  ZHUAN ZHU   - Enchanter
  GUAN ZHONG  - Caravan Driver
  O YE ZI     - Trader
  HSIANG HSIU - Mystic

  ==============================
  QUESTS FROM SHANGSHUNG VILLAGE
  ==============================

  =================
  A GARGANTUAN YETI
  =================

  Given to you by Pasang Do-ma - a villager in Shangshung Village, you are
  to track down a GINORMOUS Yeti in the ice caverns of the Chumba Valley,
  and put an end to its life *slams his fist into the table*.  Since we will
  come to the Chumba Valley as a matter of course, I shall come back to this
  quest at the appropriate time.

  ========================
  MYSTERY IN THE MOUNTAINS
  ========================

  This quest is given to you by Kilu Tem-ba - a Shangshung Man who wants to
  find out where his son is.  As with the Gargantuan Yeti Side Quest, we will
  get to him at the appropriate time, so I shall come back to this mission
  when the time is right.

  ==========================
  HUNT FOR THE SICKLE CONT'D
  ==========================

  Leave Shangshung Village to the east, passing through the two torches and
  over the bridge.  This will take you into the Natu La Pass, and you should
  head northwards up the slope and keep heading up as the slope curves to the
  north-west, and then follow the bridge that leads to the west.

  Through the two torches and then head northwards again, and take the
  bridge at the very northernmost point of this section, heading north-east.
  This will take you into the Natu La Ridge.

  ==================
  CARAVAN IN TROUBLE
  ==================

  From entering this area, immediately activate the rebirth fountain and then
  head to your north-east and follow the path as it goes north, and then
  down and north-east, before turning east and into an ice sprite ambush.

  Kill the ice sprites and then carry on heading east, but instead of going
  north and through the two torches, head south-east towards Gong Li the
  Caravan Trader who has appeared on your compass.

  As you approach Gong Li, he will run away and promptly be set upon by a
  group of FIVE Rime Sprites.

  Once you have slain them all, speak with Gong Li (you cannot speak with
  him until they are all slain), and he will give you, and then complete for
  you, the "Caravan in Trouble" Side Quest, your reward for which will be
  a random magical item (mine was a random green amulet), and 18000 XP.

  Not bad for a random encounter's worth of loot eh !!

  ==========================
  HUNT FOR THE SICKLE CONT'D
  ==========================

  From where you speak with Gong Li, head north-west and then north and
  through the two torches.  Keep following the path northwards, and then
  to the north-east and up to the rebirth fountain, which you should activate.

  Follow the path to the east and stay on it as it turns north-east, then
  south-east and winds down towards the plateau beneath.

  Keep on the path and follow it through the two torches and into the Chumbi
  Valley.  Stay on the path and follow it as it winds down a loooooong slope,
  first going eastwards and then curving and ultimately heading northwards
  until you pass through two torches.

  Activate the rebirth fountain and breathe a sigh of relief that you are no
  longer in those NASTY snowy covered bits where it's hard to see where
  you're going.

  Follow the path north-west and then north-east, past the two torches and
  over the wooden bridge to another beautiful section of verdant green lush
  landscape.  Stay on the road as it does a horseshoe shape, and then leads
  north-east back ... up .... into ..... the ...... BLOODY SNOW !!!!!!!!!!!!
  Grrrr and brrrr.  Ok.

  ========================
  MYSTERY IN THE MOUNTAINS
  ========================

  Through the two torches and into the Tsongmo Peak.  Follow the path north-
  east a little bit and you will bump into Da-wa Phu-ti - the Young
  Shangshung Lad - off the northern side of the road.  Speak with him, and
  he will confirm that the neanderthals have taken his cache of weaponry,
  and their chances of winning a battle against the people of Shangshung
  Village are SIGNIFICANTLY increased.

  Looks like we'll have to resume ownership of that cache eh !!  STUPID
  boy *slap slap slap*

  From Da-wa Phu-ti, head east, down into the clearing to the north, and make
  a mental note of the location of the cave to the north-west.  We will be
  coming back here in a few minutes but first I would like you to go to the
  EAST, activate the rebirth fountain that is just a few seconds away, in the
  Tsongmo Ice Caverns just to the east of Sang-gye Dorje the Old Man, and
  THEN return to the clearing and enter the Mountain Cave to the north-west
  of the clearing.

  From here, head due north-west and down the steps at the north-western
  end of the cave.

  On the first level you have a sub-boss to fight (and his neanderthal
  minions).  His name is Yurg Rattlebone, and he rides a Saberlion.  He
  attacks with a pike, and were it not for his speed and the fact that he
  is surrounded by his entourage ?  He would be easy prey for your might.

  If you are finding him at all difficult, retreat back up the steps - that
  will give you an advantage as you can skirmish him backwards ;)

  Once he is down, keep heading north-west of the steps that brought you to
  this level, and follow the next set of steps down.

  On this second level down, you must fight another Neanderthal Hero - Tor
  Skullcrusher, who is also mounted on a saberlion, and who attacks (as
  with his partner in crime) with a pike.

  As with Yurg Rattlebone, if Tor Skullcrusher gives you any cause for concern
  just peg it backwards and skirmish him to pieces ;)

  Once you are done with him, head north-west and down the steps in the north-
  western corner of the cave, to reach the third level down.  Head west from
  your starting location and you will venture out onto a plateau.

  This is going to be a VERY tough fight make no mistake.

  On the plateau, try and stay as close to the entrance as possible and lure
  as many of the neanderthals to you as possible.  The main boss on this
  level cannot come out as far as the steps so you will be safe there for
  the time being - however the third of his sub-bosses - Korat Bearkin - CAN.
  Korat Bearkin is like the other two sub-bosses - a Neanderthal Hero mounted
  on a saberlion, who attacks with a pike.  Once he and the other neanderthal
  warriors have fallen, we can concentrate on the boss proper.

  ==================================
  BARMANU - NEANDERTHAL HIGH WARLORD
  ==================================

  Without a doubt, Barmanu the Neanderthal High Warlord is THE toughest
  Neanderthal you will EVER encounter in Titan Quest.  His main attacks are
  as follows :-

  > Avalanche - he causes blocks of ice to cascade down from the heavens and
                strike you.  These things will almost CERTAINLY slay you on
                the spot, so watch out for them.  When he raises his arms ?
                BE SOMEWHERE ELSE !!
  > Twin Mace Strike
  > Shriek    - A debilitating power that does MASSIVE amounts of damage, and
                slows you down, making you easy pickings for his other powers.
                Remember Polyphemus the Cyclops in Greece ?  Same attack ;)
  > Two separate Mace Strikes in quick succession

  Barmanu is quick, has LOADS of health, and can kill you pretty much with
  two hits.  FORTUNATELY you listened to me and activated the nearest rebirth
  fountain before you came down here didn't you ;)  PHEW.  Otherwise you
  would have had QUITE a walk let me tell you !!

  I would suggest teleporting back to a town like Shangshung Village, and
  trying to buy a scroll that might help you during combat.  Don't waste your
  time going for something he can smack like the Harpies - go for something
  that either benefits YOUR skills in combat, or which he will have a hard
  time focusing his attacks on.

  Also, DO NOT FORGET that Barmanu cannot venture as far as the steps, so if
  you take even a SINGLE hit from him, FALL BACK and heal up as quickly and
  fully as possible before stepping back into the fray with him.

  Once he has fallen, take the contents of the Majestic Chest he was guarding
  and teleport back to Kilu Tem-ba in Shangshung Village for your reward,
  which is 22000 XP.

  ==========================
  HUNT FOR THE SICKLE CONT'D
  ==========================

  Return to Sang-gye Dorje the Old Man beside the Tsongmo Ice Caverns (if you
  can't remember how to get there, just head back up each level of the cave
  you were in before your big boss fight by going north-east on each level to
  reach each set of stairs leading up, and then east from the cave, up a tiny
  little slope and there you have it !!), and speak with him to have him
  prattle on about how you must now venture through the caves to make forward
  progress.

  Thanks.

       A lot.

            Muppet.

  =================
  A GARGANTUAN YETI
  =================

  Head into the Tsongmo Ice Caverns, past that rebirth fountain which will,
  in all likelihood, be QUITE familiar to you by now, and head north-east,
  over the narrow icy bridge, and then north-west and down the steps against
  the north-western wall to the second level.

  From the stairs, head north-east and then north-west and down the stairs
  against the north-western wall, to get to the third level.

  On the third level, head north-west and you will find yourself face-to-face
  with your next boss ... being the

  ===============
  GARGANTUAN YETI
  ===============

  The Gargantuan Yeti ... the clue's in the name really isn't it ... this boy
  is HUGE !!  He is very powerful but slow and sluggish, so unfortunately for
  HIM, this SHOULDN'T prove to be too daunting a fight (which is good since
  the only rebirth fountain is on the highest level of the caves).

  His attacks are as follows :-

     > Frost Breath - good range, and can freeze you SOLID for a period of
                      time, allowing him to close the gap and pummel you
     > Frost Nova   - icy projectiles fly off in multiple directions (all
                      around him to be precise) - easily avoided at range
     > Single hand slap - either left, or right hand.

  Once he has fallen, you complete the "Gargantuan Yeti" quest, and earn
  yourself 20000 XP in the process (plus the chance that the Gargantuan Yeti
  drops yeti fur of course), PLUS the contents of the three Primitive Chests
  and the Majestic Chest that he was overseeing.

  After you have filled your pockets to capacity, leave via the north-western
  set of stairs to get down to the final level of the Tsongmo Ice Caverns.
  From exiting the staircase, head due north-east, and keep heading north-
  east until you find a passageway on the south-eastern wall.  Take this
  passageway, and you will emerge in the Khantai Mountains.

  ==========================
  HUNT FOR THE SICKLE CONT'D
  ==========================

  If you head just a little ways down the mountainside to your east, you will
  find the Eastern Silk Road Portal Shrine, together with Kap-kye the Trader,
  and Sang-gye Dorje - the Old Man who was sitting at the entrance to the
  Tsongmo Ice Caverns.  If you speak with him, he will tell you that you
  should "follow the blade" but "beware the master" ...

  He's just chock FULL of helpful suggestions isn't he !!  *Sinister pushes
  him off the cliff and chuckles as he falls to his death*

  So !!  Trade with Kap-kye if you like, and then head north-east of him,
  activating the rebirth fountain as you go.

  Follow the path that leads down the slope, through the two torches and then
  north, then east and then north-east.  Just keep following the path as it
  leads east - past the Neanderthal Dwelling and inbetween the two torches,
  and then east-north-east to the next set of two torches (this little trip
  takes you through Orkhan Valley).

  As soon as you pass by THESE two torches, you enter Outer Mongolia.

  North-east up the slope and activate the rebirth fountain, then keep going
  east-north-east until your first encounter with the Razorclaw Peng.  There
  isn't really a whole lot I can say about them except that they are MUCH
  bigger than their little Peng brothers, and they are also stronger, quicker
  and RED in colour.

  Head through the two torches to your east, to descend into the Mongolian
  Plateau.

  From here head north, activate the rebirth fountain, and then wipe out
  the Tigerman Village, and exit via the north, staying on the path and
  bopping to the Halo-style musical interlude.  The path leads you off in
  many directions, but I would like you to head due north, and then to wipe
  out the next Tigerman Encampment for good measure - it's just down a little
  slope, and between two pre-lit torches.

  From that village, head south-east until you enter the Village of Ghanzhong
  and your first encounter with the comparatively VERY powerful Yerren.
  Think of the Yerren as Neanderthals on steroids - they are STRONG and
  BIG, and have a good reach with their polearms, and speed with their bows.
  Be VERY careful when fighting the Yerren as they can slay you in seconds
  when their archers pin you down.

  Once you enter the Village of Guanzhong, slay the Yerren and keep making
  your way eastwards until you encounter Chang Er - the Young Mother.  Speak
  with her to acquire the "Child and the Raptor" Side Quest - a very simple
  quest to free Chang Er's little daughter from her impending death at the
  jaws of a rather snap-happy Raptor.

  ========================
  THE CHILD AND THE RAPTOR
  ========================

  Simply head east of Chang Er to encounter the Raptor, which IS stronger
  than its lesser counterparts, but which shouldn't really give you too much
  grief.

  Once the Raptor is dead, the daughter will skip back to Chang Er (with
  whom you should speak to gain your reward - a random magical item (I got
  a random yellow ring), and 23000 XP).

  ==========================
  HUNT FOR THE SICKLE CONT'D
  ==========================

  Exit the Village of Guanzhong via the path leading out of its south-eastern
  corner TO the south-east, and head up the hill to reach the Great Wall

  Ascend the Great Wall via the broken area (taking care when deciding
  whether or not to help the besieged guards, as if you open fire on the
  Yerren they WILL attack you en masse, and even though the guards will TRY
  and help you, the Yerren are, as I have explained previously, VERY tough),
  and speak with Wen Shong - Captain of the Guard, who will explain that
  just yesterday an army of beasts overran the guard and passed onward into
  the mainland.  He says that even now they are still struggling to clear the
  wall of the remnants of this army.

  Head north-east along the wall, activate the rebirth fountain and speak to
  Zi Chan - the Young Captain, who will tell you that whilst his troop's
  orders are to clear the wall, his men have refused to fight a Giant Peng
  that is perched further along the wall.  He is waiting for reinforcements

  *leans over to him and whispers "they've arrived", pointing at you*

  =============
  PENG PROBLEMS
  =============

  Head under the archway and keep going north-east along the wall, staying
  with it as it ducks and dives, turns and wheels.  Ultimately you will
  reach Xiao, the Colossal Peng

  ====================
  XIAO - COLOSSAL PENG
  ====================

  Xiao is a BIG boy, but not THAT much bigger or meaner looking than the
  Razorclaw Peng.  There are a couple of differences in his attacks, however.
  Xiao's primary attacks are :-

    > Scream - just like the Cyclops Polyphemus and Barmanu the Neanderthal
               High Warlord, Xiao's scream can really screw you over in battle
               so be VERY wary of your distance to him, especially as his is
               a much further-reaching scream than his predecessors ;)
    > Speed  - Just something he has at his disposal all the time - Xiao is
               BLINDINGLY quick when he gets his skates on
    > Single-claw strike
    > Double-claw strike
    > Summon three Highland Peng to do his bidding.

  ============
  HELPFUL HINT
  ============

  Xiao's greatest weakness is one of the first he exhibits using his amazing
  speed, if you fall back you will VERY quickly realise that he cannot go
  as far as the top of the steps to the west of where you first meet him.
  Use THIS to your advantage, and you will soon have him BEGGING for mercy.
  Show him none - slay him summarily.

  Once he is no more, continue along the wall, plundering the Majestic Chest
  in the tower for good measure, and carry on quite aways, past the rebirth
  fountain and ultimately into our old friends the Tigermen.  Kill them all,
  and then descend the steps leading out of the last tower to enter the
  Shaanxi Province, and speak with Bai Li Xi - Commander of the Troop sent
  to purge the Great Wall.  He is pleased to hear that their men (THEIR men ?
  Without us there would have BEEN no victory !! *spits in Bai Li Xi's face*)
  are handling things.  This completes the "Peng Problems" Side Quest and
  gives you as a reward 23000 XP and a random magical weapon - I got a random
  yellow weapon.

  ==========================
  HUNT FOR THE SICKLE CONT'D
  ==========================

  From Bai Xi Li and his spit-covered face, you need to head south BUT BEFORE
  YOU DO I would like you to please ENSURE that you are fully healed-up, and
  at MAXIMUM strength powers-wise, because you are about to encounter a race
  that will almost certainly kill you more times than any other you have
  met to date ...

     ... they are ...

                      ... the Dragonians ...

                                             ... and they're horny too.

  The Dragonians come in a variety of flavours - you have your bog-standard
  fighter units (the Elder Dragonian Headhunters), then you have your ELITE
  fighter units (the Ancient Dragonian Ravagers), and then after that you
  have your EXTREMELY powerful spellcaster units (the Elder Dragonian Wrym-
  Mages), and then you have your archer units (the Elder Dragonian Firetalons)
  ALL of which can easily slay you.

  Of PARTICULAR interest is that their ranged units are MUCH more powerful
  than their hand-to-hand units, so whilst it is very possible that you will
  fall in combat with the Headhunters and Ravagers, it is almost DEFINITELY
  going to be the case that you WILL fall to the Wrym-Mages and Firetalons.

  The best way to deal with the Dragonians is that as soon as you HEAR them,
  because you will hear them a second or two before you see them, STOP.  Stop
  IMMEDIATELY and fall back a couple of steps.  Imagine it being like a hunt.
  You've caught scent of your prey and now you must stalk them.  Move with
  care - don't go too fast, and DON'T make too much noise, and you might get
  the drop on them.  Just do not let them attack you at range en masse or I
  guarantee you will die :(

  The Wrym-Mages attack with two main types of spell - a regular projectile
  (ordinarily fire or lightning), and then a multi-ball lightning spell,
  which will destroy you very quickly - possibly with a single hit.  They
  alternate 1-2-1-2-1-2, however, so ordinarily you will be able to predict
  what they are going to do next ;)

  ==========================================================================
  IMPORTANT NOTE
  </pre><pre id="faqspan-6">
  Athena has made contact with me (not the Greek Goddess - a player by that
  name) to confirm that the Dragonian Melee Units appear to have a combat
  technique that I had not observed, commenting as follows :-

  "Just when you thought the Dragonians weren't annoying enough after IT
  they've added an extra special power. For those of us, who are seasoned
  Diablo players, it's a skill we all remember with dread. Remember the
  yellow sparks around your head, and the fact that your health bar went
  down with an alarmingly fast rate? YES Iron Maiden (IM) is back, beware
  all of you melee characters! For those of you not playing Diablo, Iron
  Maiden hurt you as much as you hurt you enemy :( Hopefully you've got a
  bigger health bar than your enemy, but even so beware. If there are more
  than 2 Dragonians, you can very fast end up with a tombstone and a long
  walk back.

  "The Dragonians are now an even bigger pain in the arse. As well as being
  fast and powerful the melee guys now also suck out your health. Nothing to
  worry about for the mages among us :) but for all of you hack'n'slash boy
  and girls out there, beware!!"

  Thanks Athena !! :)
  ==========================================================================

  Follow the path to the south-east and take out the Dragonians and Tigermen
  you will encounter en route, coming at last to a stone bridge leading
  south-south-east, and into the Village of Zhidan.

  =====================
  THE VILLAGE OF ZHIDAN
  =====================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the Village of Zhidan
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the Village of Zhidan

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  SONG YU - Storyteller who goes into detail about Sun Wukong the Monkey King
            and how, when he was invited by the Jade Emperor (the greatest of
            all the Chinese gods) into the heavens, it was assumed he would
            behave, but he did not.  It is argued that his misbehaving was as
            a result of his not having been invited to their royal banquet.
            He caused quite a ruckus, eating sacred fruit and picking fights
            with the occasional entire ARMY, until eventually the other gods
            caught up with him, and punished him by imprisoning him underneath
            an entire mountain (where he resides as at the time of the story
            being told).
  LIXUE - Villager who is pleased to see a COURTEOUS guest to the Village of
            Zhidan.  She says the only other 'guests' she has encountered
            recently have been monsters, and they are brutes that don't make
            the bed in the morning or tip well.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  FAN YE - Old Villager who can update your main quest by confirming that the
           Telkine swept through the Village of Zhidan from the Great Wall,
           and ventured off into the Jingyang Woods towards Chang'an.
  LU BUWEI - Wealthy Villager who is looking for a certain ... item ... which
           he is willing to pay over the odds for.  He says it can be found in
           a cave in the Jingyang Woods, near here.  He gives you the "Wealthy
           Collector" Side Quest.
  BAO ER - Simple Peasant who tells you that there is a terrible beast that
           walks the road leading to Chang'an, and that you should be very
           careful.  He gives you the "Stalker in the Woods" Side Quest.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  XIAO NING - Arcanist
  MENG TIAN - Blacksmith

  =================================
  QUESTS FROM THE VILLAGE OF ZHIDAN
  =================================

  =====================
  THE WEALTHY COLLECTOR
  =====================

  Leave the Village of Zhidan by its eastern gate, and follow the path that
  leads into the Jingyang Woods.  If you imagine the initial portion of this
  path as forming the first three-quarters of a letter "m", I would like you
  to start at the top of the first stroke and then head south-east, then
  north-east, and then where you would expect to head south to complete the
  "m", I would like you to head south-east, and keep heading south-east until
  you reach a cave entrance.

  Enter this case and head north-east, down the steps and secure the Mahogany
  Chest to recover the Jade Figurine that Lu Buwei is looking for.

  Teleport (don't walk) back to the Village of Zhidan (which you will find is
  itemised as the Great Wall on your Portal Shrine List) and give the figurine
  to Lu Buwei, who will complete the "Wealthy Collector" Side Quest, and
  reward you with 25000 XP and a random magical item - I got a random yellow
  ring.

  ====================
  STALKER IN THE WOODS
  ====================

  From Lu Buwei in the Village of Zhidan, return by the Portal Shrine to the
  natural cave you were just in, and then leave and return to the Jingyang
  Woods.

  As you exit the cave, head due north and keep going until you pass the two
  pre-lit torches, and then as you pass them make an immediate turn to the
  east, and head south-east, and hug the southern wall moving eastwards,
  around a rocky outcropping, and then to the south-west.  THIS is where you
  will come across the Stalker.  His name is Bloodfang, the Tropical Arachnos
  Warlord, and he is accompanied by FOUR of his minions.  Bloodfang himself
  is NOT a very tough villain in spite of his reputation, and aside from
  being marginally quicker than his lesser brethren, he will fall easily
  to your weapons.

  =====================================
  BLOODFANG - TROPICAL ARACHNOS WARLORD
  =====================================

  Bloodfang is a larger, greener version of a regular Tropical Arachnos
  Warrior whom, were it not for the glow at his feet, you might not even
  NOTICE let alone bother to combat.

  His main attacks are :-

    > Energy blast - a single ball of energy that has poor speed and range,
                     but which will explode if it hits you, and will slow
                     you down as well, but only for a couple of seconds :)
    > Mace-strike
    > Life-steal   - he has a limos-style attack whereby he can drain your
                     life and add it back onto his own.  I am not sure if
                     his energy-style attack has to glob onto you before he
                     can use his life-steal, but this does not appear to be
                     the case.

  Once Bloodfang has bitten the bullet (narf narf), the quest is completed
  and you earn yourself the reward of 27000 XP points.

  ==========================
  HUNT FOR THE SICKLE CONT'D
  ==========================

  With Bloodfang down, head due north-east of where you found and fought him
  until you reach a small path leading inbetween two rock faces, and past two
  pre-lit torches.

  Once you are through this narrow pathway, head due north to the water's
  edge, and battle off a small horde of Ichthians before speaking with Yao
  Li - the Harried Warrior.  Yao Li will tell you that he has lost his will
  to do battle with the monsters, and had hoped he would die nobly at their
  claws.

  ===================
  A LESSON IN DESPAIR
  ===================

  Just keep speaking with Yao Li (once you have killed the Ichthians in his
  immediate vicinity) to get him to come around in terms of his outlook.
  After a few chats, he will be ready to resume his duties protecting his
  people, and you will have completed the quest - easy huh ?  Your reward
  for so doing is 25000 XP too, which isn't to be sniffed at !! :)

  ==========================
  HUNT FOR THE SICKLE CONT'D
  ==========================

  Head east of Yao Li (taking great care when moving around the Chitinous
  Mantids as they will attack you), and then north, over the stone bridge,
  to the rebirth fountain - which you should of course activate immediately.

  From here I would like you to hug the southern bank of the river you have
  just used the bridge to cross, and head east until you reach another
  bridge that leads to the south.

  Cross that bridge and then hug the northern bank of the river and head
  east, and follow the bank as it shoots up to the north, and over another
  bridge, into the Shaanxi Fields, and up to another rebirth fountain.

  Follow the path to the north as it enters a very large Tigerman Compound.
  Slay the Tigerman (including their pesky spellcasters and pack leaders),
  and follow the path as it heads to the east, then south-east, and then
  on eastwards, past the field to the south where the Ichthians are, and
  onward, through a few more Ichthians and the north and into the Chang'an
  Outskirts.

  Upon entering the Chang'an Outskirts, you will see Huan Yue - a citizen
  with an exclamation point above her head, whom you should speak with to
  learn that a woman asked her to give you a message (gee I wonder who THAT
  might be !!), the message being that she (the woman) is waiting for you
  in the centre of Chang'an, but that you need to tread carefully, as the
  Emperor's Terra Cotta Soldiers have come to life and all but overrun the
  once great city !

  Sounds like a job for ... SUPER-(enter your character's name hiar) !!

  From Huan Yue, follow the path leading east-north-east of her, past the
  courtyard to the south which contains a large bell in a wooden housing
  that you can attack but not destroy (does anybody perhaps know the
  significance of this bell ??), and stay on the path as it curves north-east
  up some steps and over a bridge to enter

  ====================
  THE CITY OF CHANG'AN
  ====================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the City of Chang'an
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the City of Chang'an

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  QU YUAN - Storyteller who regurgitates for you the tale of Nuwa, the mother
           of all mortals, who created us (in Chinese legend) from clay, once
           she was done making the animals, amongst other great, noteworthy
           deeds.
  CHEN SHOU - Scholar who comments that Confucius taught us that ritual and
           virtue would combine to perfect the world - however he does not
           know what good that doctrine is against the enemies that attack
           their way of life.  My thought would be that if Confucius' spiel
           were written in a very large book, then it might be CATAPULTED at
           the monsters, thus flattening them !!  RESULT !! :)
  FAN LI - Citizen that wastes his time contemplating what will become of the
           world once the monsters take over.  Little does HE know that this
           will NEVER come to pass, for WE have our finger on the mighty
           power-switch of PC-world-destruction plus 13 !! ;)
  JING KE - Guard who patrols the Forest of the Ancients Gate in Chang'an,
           and who would very much like to be reassigned to a less dangerous
           job ... like stamp-collecting, or toad-licking ... eeew !!

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  MA FEIBAI - Captain of the Guards who says that in spite of his guards'
           best efforts, it is proving hard to take back the city of Chang'an
           as not only do they have to content with the usual contingent of
           monsters, but also the Emperor's Terra Cotta Guard, who have come
           to life, and overrun the city (which we already knew, but it's nice
           to have MORE than one person tell you you're needed, don't you
           think ??) =)  He gives you the "The Emperor's Clay Soldiers" Side
           Quest.
  WAI ZHEN - Deputy whom you can only speak to after talking with Ma Feibai
           about the Terra Cotta Warriors problems they seem to be having.
           He will tell you that the MAIN problem with them is that the City
           Guard are afraid of them, not that they are harder to slay than
           the Monsters (trust me, they are - he's talking CR@P !!).  He
           gives you the "Terra Cottas At Large" Side Quest.
  FEIYAN - Order of Prometheus Agent who says that she just arrived by boat,
           and that whilst they know the Telkine was here, he appears to have
           mysterious disappeared.  She says that their order's scholars have
           been researching their most ancient scrolls to try and fathom why
           the Telkine would come here, and they have found that it appears
           that the last of the Titans to fall in the battle between Titans
           and Gods was not banished to the Pit of Tartarus with his brethren,
           but was instead imprisoned here on earth - NEAR CHANG'AN !!

           Naturally Feiyan and the Order are somewhat apprehensive that the
           Telkine may attempt to free this Titan, and I have to agree - it
           does seem rather doubtful that the Telkine is simply here to
           catch some rays and write a few postcards whilst supping a few
           cocktails on the beach, non ?

           In any event, Feiyan tells you that you need to travel to the Jade
           Palace and speak with the Yellow Emperor, as he will know the
           exact location of the Titan.  His gaff is located on the top of
           a white mountain that they believe to be Mount Qiyun, to the west
           of Chang'an beyond the Jinghe Valley.  As a reward for making it
           this far, she gives you an update to the main quest, 10000 XP,
           and the full restoration of your health and energy.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  LU MENG     - Caravan Driver
  XUE JUZHENG - Enchanter
  LI BAIYAO   - Blacksmith
  JIA YI      - Arcanist
  PE-LU       - Mystic

  ================================
  QUESTS FROM THE CITY OF CHANG'AN
  ================================

  ===========================
  THE EMPEROR'S CLAY SOLDIERS
  ===========================

  Given to you by Ma Feibai, Captain of the Guards, your objective in this
  quest is to find, and put a stop to, the source of the Terra Cotta Warriors
  Power, which they know to be emanating from the Mausoleum in the City
  itself.  To get to the Mausoleum, head through the doors to the west of
  the rebirth fountain in the main Chang'an Plaza, and prepare to do battle
  with the Terra Cottas, but please do take note that, whilst the Terra
  Cotta Warriors may LOOK stupid, and whilst NONE of them boast ranged
  attacks, they move quickly, and attack en masse.  They are bound by a range
  of movement (as seems to be everything else in this game), so you can
  always run away like a little sissy and regroup - don't worry - I had to
  do just that MANY many times ;).

  So !  Head north-west, up the stairs and over the bridge, clearing out all
  the Terra Cotta Warriors en route.  I would strongly recommend destroying
  all the Terra Cotta Warriors on both sides of the bridge after you get
  over it, and then once you are done with those, head up the stairs and
  clear that courtyard, before heading over one final bridge and getting
  access to the Chang'an Palace.

  Do not go in immediately - you are about to have another boss fight - no,
  instead MAKE SURE you have destroyed all the Terra Cotta Warriors from
  the rebirth fountain to this point, as you might wind up falling back here
  during the boss fight, and it would be a shame to have to deal with the
  boss and any more Terra Cotta Warriors than you have to, believe me ;)

  Once you are happy with your pacification of the area, enter the Chang'an
  Palace, and head up the stairs (on either the left or right hand side -
  your call as it makes NO difference whatsoever), to do battle with
  Bandari, the Terra Cotta Sorcerer.

  ==============================
  BANDARI - TERRA COTTA SORCERER
  ==============================

  Bandari looks like one of the Zombies from Greece, clad in some sort of
  stylised Dragon Armour (and actually that is exactly what he is) - he is
  a powerful spellcaster, and is responsible for the coming to life of the
  Terra Cotta Warriors that are assailing Chang'an.  Killing him will,
  unfortunately, NOT wipe out all those Terra Cotta Warriors he has spawned
  and we will have to clean those up later - however we must kill him to
  complete the current objective.

  His main attacks are :-

     > Fire projectile
     > Teleport - not an attack per se, but he can use it to get away from
                  you in a hurry, THAT much is certain
     > Terra Cotta Backup - when he teleports away from you, it is in a bid
                  to lure you into rushing after him, which causes him to
                  avail himself of some of the backup he has in stock - being
                  a LARGE number of Terra Cotta Warriors - usually five-in-a-
                  row - who will walk slowly towards you and then rush you
                  when they get close enough to you.  There is a finite limit
                  to the number of Terra Cotta Warriors, but that will exceed
                  the time this combat takes I have NO doubt.
     > Blast of purple energy which has a chance of slowing you down, and
                  drains your life.
     > Eruption
     > Flight   - again, not an attack - just a comment that he floats when
                  he moves ...

  ============
  HELPFUL HINT
  ============

  You can very VERY easily lure Bandari out of the Chang'an Palace and
  back into Chang'an proper.  He will even follow you down some of the
  causeways (not all, but some), and this can make the battle much easier-
  going for you, as you won't have to do battle with wave-after-wave of
  Terra Cotta Warriors AS WELL as this very powerful spellcaster.  Your
  call, but I wish I'd have known it the first time I played through !!

  Once Bandari has fallen, keep heading north-west and speak with the Spirit
  of the Great Emperor who stands beside the corpse that sits on the throne,
  and he will thank you for liberating his Terra Cotta Warriors from the
  ancient evil that had corrupted them.  He rewards you with 2 Attribute
  Points (bonus !!).

  Open up the Basket, Ornamented Chest and two Majestic Chests that are
  lying on either side of the throne, fill your pockets and then teleport
  back to Chang'an - there isn't really much point in walking as we don't
  need to come back this way again.

  Once back in Chang'an, speak with Ma Feibai to earn your reward of a random
  magical item (I got a random green talisman), and 30000 XP, and the
  completion of this quest.

  ======================
  TERRA COTTA'S AT LARGE
  ======================

  Unfortunately this is one of those slightly fiddly quests, as it must be
  done in parts.  Basically your objective upon receiving this quest from
  Wai Zhen is to destroy all the Terra Cotta Warriors that are within the
  walls of the Chang'an City, so that the guards can resume control of the
  city.

  The problem lies in the fact that the Terra Cotta Warriors are located in
  small clusters, so I figure if I list the cluster-locations, that should
  be all you need to know to go and sort them out, yes ?  Rather like I
  might say "deal with" when I mean assassinate and don't bore me with the
  details, yes ?? ;)

  So !!  I would like to "deal with" the following clusters of Terra Cotta
  Warriors in Chang'an :-

     1)  Through the Heavy Wooden Door to the north of Wai Zhen;
     2)  Through the Heavy Wooden Door to the south-east of Wai Zhen;
     3)  Through the Heavy Wooden Door to the south-east of Qu Yuan;
     4)  Through the Heavy Wooden Door to the south-east of Xue Juzheng.

  Please note that 3) and 4) can be accessed through either door, as there
  is a doorway in the wall that will enable you to go in one and come out
  the other, should you choose.

  After clearing a cluster, guards move in to secure the area so you know
  that you can move on from there.

  Once all four clusters have been waporised, head back to Wai Zhen to
  complete the quest and earn yourself a random magical weapon (I got a
  random green sword), and 26000 XP.

  =========================================
  SECTION 3.13 - JOURNEY TO THE JADE PALACE
  =========================================

  Head due south-east from Qu Yuan the Storyteller, down the long corridor
  and through the broken section of wall in the south-eastern wall of the
  City of Chang'an to get into the Chang'an Farmland, and a very tasty
  rebirth fountain which you should activate now please.

  No ... RIGHT NOW please ...

  Thanks :)

  From the rebirth fountain, head a few steps up the hill to your south-east,
  and then through the field eastwards, hugging its southern edge until you
  find the entrance to the field below it.

  Once in THAT field, again hug the southern edge, but this time head west
  until you find the exit from the field on the western side.

  You will enter a small farm homestead.  Simply follow the path that leads
  back eastwards, underneath the field you have just come through, and stay
  on that path as it leads ultimately south-east, out of the Chang'an
  Farmlands and into the Quinba Bamboo Forest.

  Heading southwards, take the western fork in the road so that you stay
  closer to the trees on the western-side, and the path will curve around
  and up to a man named Rang Ju - the Pensive General.  Speak with him -
  just in case you couldn't follow my directions, he's actually due south
  of the southernmost field I described above, but you can't head there in
  a direct line - you have to curve down to him.

  Rang Ju is a bit of a muppet to be honest - he says that he was once a
  powerful general who got a bit too egotistical, and paid the price for his
  hubris by having to endure the shame of FAILING to defeat the monsters
  he sought to slay.  He rejected his path to come here to the woods to
  reflect on his own nature, in order to better learn theirs.

  Basically ?  He's a hippie.

  In any event, speak with him again to get the "A General in Repose" Side
  Quest, which we shall complete in a little while.  To cut a long story
  short, he threw all his gear and other gubbins into a cave near here, so
  that his reflection wouldn't be hindered.

  Like I said - he's a muppet.  Give me a sword over the 800lb Confucius
  Tome of Knowledge ANY day ;)

  ===================
  A GENERAL IN REPOSE
  ===================

  From Rang Ju, you need to follow the rocky outcropping to his immediate
  south, by going south-west, and then due south.  You will find it curves
  back to allow you to go south-east, and then due east towards what is
  marked on your map as a "Woodland Cave".  Take GREAT care when you are
  walking this route, as there are numerous Mantid Hivelords (which can
  be considered greater Chitinous Mantids) lurking around with their lesser
  brethren.

  Once inside the Woodland Cave you should head north-east to enter the
  first main chamber, then north-west into the next chamber, then pass
  north-east to get into the next chamber after that, and from there head
  down the steps in the north-eastern wall to enter a chamber that is
  ALMOST shaped like an hourglass of sorts.  Head north-east, then south-
  east, then north-east and up the stairs to proceed.

  You will come to a chamber with three Mahogany Chests (and a bunch of
  Fire Sprites and Djinn waiting in ambush), and you should slay them all
  and plunder the treasure.  Simply walking up to the Mahogany Chests will
  complete the side quest, and earn you 26000 XP.

  =======================
  THE SHRINE OF ZHONG KUI
  =======================

  [Thanks to Michael Kier for this information]

  If you continue north-east of the three Mahogany Chests you will eventually
  reach an exit from the cave.  This takes you to the Shrine of Zhong Kui.

  From entering the Shrine, head north-west and keep following the path as it
  snakes to the north-east and north-west, and you will eventually reach a
  fight with ...

  =====================================
  THE DRAGON LICHE - LORD OF THE UNDEAD
  =====================================

  A VERY angry and VERY powerful monster is this one - right up there with
  the Creatures of Legend (the Manticore, Hydra and Chimera).  The Dragon
  Liche is a huge undead dragon that stalks you around the Shrine of Zhong
  Kui, and attacks with a number of different attacks, including :-

     - Bite
     - Claw Swipe
     - Beat Wings (this does a hefty amount of damage and slows you down)
     - Ice Breath (freezes you and does sustained cold damage)
     - Poison Heart (creates a poisonous cloud that drains your life force)

  All I can say is DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE this enemy - he is very powerful,
  and can even turn your own pets against you, such is his power !!

  Once he has fallen, head to the north-west of where you first saw him, and
  raid the four Primitive Chests and the Majestic Chest for goodies.

  After you've had your fill, head back from the Shrine through the cave,
  back past the Mahogany Chests, and all the way back to Rang Ju for good
  measure.

  You do not need to speak with him, as you have already completed his quest,
  but he serves as a handy placemark for my next set of directions ;)

  From Rang Ju I would like you to head due west until you reach the bank
  of the river, and from there I would like you to head due south, along
  the bank of the river, TAKING GREAT CARE as there is a large group of
  Dragonians to deal with (including archers and spellcasters *spit spit*),
  and to keep heading south a LOOOOOONG way until you reach ...

  =====================
  THE VILLAGE OF BINXAN
  =====================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the Village of Binxan
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the Village of Binxan

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  BAN GU - Storyteller who has the tale of Lao Tzu and Confucius to regale
           you with.  It appears that Confucius was able to learn a great
           deal from Lao Tzu when they spoke at length at the Imperial
           Library, and that Lao Tzu was asked by one of the guards of the
           city to document his thoughts before heading westwards into the
           Desert, and that these teachings are now enshrined in the form of
           the Tao Te Ching.
  XI KANG - Villager who rather sagely says that the monsters too are "part
           of the way" (meaning the circle of things), and that the wise man
           accepts this, studies it, and then fights without fear or desire.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  XIAO YISHAN - Warrior who tells you of the existence of a Taoist Mage who
           lived in the Jinghe Valley, not far from Qiyun, and who used to
           visit the Village of Binxan on a regular basis (every new moon as
           it happens) for milk and cookies.  Unfortunately this mage (who
           was reputed to be very powerful) has not appeared in accordance
           with his usual timetable, and this concerns the citizens of the
           Village.  He gives you the "Hermit Mage" Side Quest.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  XUE FANG - Trader

  Hands down, this guy is my favourite Trader in the entire game.  His first
  greeting ROCKS !!  "Oh very good come stranger ..." - I LOVE IT !! :)

  =================================
  QUESTS FROM THE VILLAGE OF BINXAN
  =================================

  ===============
  THE HERMIT MAGE
  ===============

  Since we shall pick up and sort out a further side quest before tackling
  the Hermit Mage side quest, I will come back to it ;)

  Leave the Village of Binxan via the south-west, activate the rebirth
  fountain and cross the bridge.  This will take you into the Jinghe River
  Valley.

  From crossing the bridge, hug the northern shoreline and head south-east,
  until you come to a small farm.  Speak with Liu Xu the Farmer, who will
  tell you that his ancestors (who have for ages been laid to rest in a
  small cave behind the waterfall of the Jinghe River Valley) are no longer
  at peace because their cave has become infested with Spirits.  He wants you
  to sort it out for him, and gives you the "Behind the Waterfall" Side Quest.

  ====================
  BEHIND THE WATERFALL
  ====================

  If you would be so kind as to head due west of Liu Xu's farm, and through
  the Tigerman Encampment, slaying them all as you go, then you will come to
  a mountainside.  Keep heading west (travel to the south of the mountainside)
  and you will find a small slope heading north-west, which you should take.

  Kill the Ichthians at the entrance to the small cave to the side of the
  Waterfall, and then enter.

  This cave is called the Mortuary Cave, and all you need to do (he says) to
  complete the current side quest is to head all the way north-west to the
  back of the cave, and to destroy the five Shade Fallen Archmagi who are
  residing there.

  Once you do, you are told to return to Liu Xu and give him the good news.

  Whilst we do not need to come back this way, the Jinghe River Valley is a
  VERY dangerous place, so rather than sending you into unchartered territory
  by teleporting back to the Village of Binxan and walking back to Liu Xu,
  I would just retrace my steps from the mortuary cave, back eastwards
  through the Tigerman Encampment and to Liu Xu's Farm if I were you - but
  you can, of course, do whichever you prefer !!

  Liu Xu is most grateful, and gives you a random magical item (I got a
  random yellow talisman), and 28000 XP.  This completes the "Behind the
  Waterfall" Side Quest.

  =========================================
  SECTION 3.13 - JOURNEY TO THE JADE PALACE
  =========================================

  From Liu Xu, head back (and I can only apologise for this, but it is a much
  safer way to travel than to randomly venture off into the forest) back to
  the little slope that leads to the north-east to the mortuary cave ?  But
  instead of going UP that slope, head south-east and follow the shoreline
  until you get to two torches and a bamboo bridge leading south.

  Traverse the bridge, and activate the rebirth fountain.

  As you enter this area, I would ask that you keep going south, but hug the
  western shoreline as you do.  You will come to a large Tigerman Encampment
  which you should OBLITERATE, and then carry on heading (now west-south-
  west) along the shoreline, until you reach a slope that heads up and past
  two torches, into the Qiyun Ascent.

  ===============
  THE HERMIT MAGE
  ===============

  As soon as you see the words "Qiyun Ascent" appear on the screen, STOP.  Go
  back down the slope, and hug the treeline to the south and follow it to
  the south-east.  You will come upon an abandoned homestead comprising
  three Mahogany Chests, and this will automatically complete the quest,
  giving you 28000 XP.  Please note, however, that your side quests panel
  will glitch at this point (only minorly), insofar as you will get a tick
  in the list of quests at the top, but at the bottom instead of saying
  "Rewarded" it will still say "You Will Receive" ... but you HAVE now
  completed this quest, hokay ?

  =========================================
  SECTION 3.13 - JOURNEY TO THE JADE PALACE
  =========================================

  So from the Hermit's Place, head north-west along the path you just took,
  until you reach the Qiyun Ascent ... again ... :)

  From here, follow the path as it winds north and then north-east and over
  a wooden rope bridge to a rebirth fountain, and Yi Shan - a Serene Young
  Woman, who has an exclamation mark over her head.

  Speak with Yi Shan to learn that you are now in Qiyun Mountain, and she
  will give you the "Three Sisters" Side Quest.

  From Yi Shan, head north-east and follow the little path as it curves
  back on itself, to come back west and over another wooden rope bridge.

  Head west, and then north up onto a little path that winds first north,
  then west, south and then west again, where it widens out.  Stay on the
  little path that leads west-south-west, and go through the two torches
  and over the next rope bridge onto Mount Qiyun, and a further altercation
  with some of our old enemies - the Peng.

  From here, travel south-south-west, and take the next rope bridge that
  leads south-west, and then follow the little path that leads to the west,
  and up to the NEXT rope bridge.  I think this place should be renamed to
  Jungle Jim's rather than Mount Qiyun with all these bleedin' bridges,
  don't you ?

  Do NOT rush over this bridge - take your time, make sure you are fully
  healed, and prepared for the boss fight you are about to engage in, as
  this mutha is TOUGH ... in many cases ... but you have me to back you
  up, so we'll muddle through ;)

  ============================
  YAOGUAI - ANCIENT DEMON BULL
  ============================

  Yaoguai is the guardian of the Yellow Emperor's Palace.  He is a very
  strong, quick and powerful bull who has the following main attacks :-

     > Summon 5 Shadowstalkers - he gores the ground before he calls them,
               so you have a couple of seconds to prepare yourself.
     > Buck and Kick
     > Stomp - an attack which creates a HUGE flaming aura around him,
               doing MASSIVE amounts of damage.
     > Headbutt

  For all his power and MASSIVE amounts of health, Yaoguai cannot follow
  you back across the rope bridge, and this boss fight is not a lock-in,
  so you can always draw back if he starts to batter you (which is what I
  did ... many, many MANY times).  Do not forget, however, that he can just
  summon a batch of Shadowstalkers who CAN follow you back over the rope
  bridge, so be wary of that.

  Once Yaoguai has fallen, take the contents of the three Primitive Chests,
  and the Majestic Chest that are near him (on the northern edge of the
  mountain), but PLEASE take care to make sure you have enough space in your
  inventory before picking up the items, as otherwise your character might
  just toss them over the edge of the mountain by mistake and that WOULD suck
  wouldn't it !!

  Cross the long bamboo bridge leading to the north-west, to enter the Jade
  Palace, and then just keep heading north-west (there are no enemies in the
  immediate area), and up until you get to an audience with the Yellow
  Emperor.

  The Yellow Emperor praises your destruction of the first two Telkine -
  Megalesios and Aktaios, but stopping the third, he says, is going to be
  much harder, and unless you DO manage to stop him, he will undoubtedly free
  Typhon - the last Titan - from his imprisonment under Wusao Mountain nearby.

  He tells you that you should leave via the passageway below his chambers
  in the Jade Palace, and gives you 25000 XP, full health and energy
  restoration, and a random magical item (I got a random green ring) for
  your troubles.  He also updates the main quest for you.

  ===================================
  SECTION 3.14 - UNDER WUSAO MOUNTAIN
  ===================================

  First of all, teleport back to Chang'an and speak with Feiyan to get
  further information and directions at to how to reach the Wusao Mountain.
  She will restore your health and energy, and then free up the lock on the
  Forest of the Ancients Gate beside Jing Ke in Chang'an.

  You now have a choice to make.  You can either teleport back to the Jade
  Palace and continue along with me to complete a couple of side quests and
  explore some very expansive areas of the Orient, or you can simply leave
  via the Forest of the Ancients Gate, and skip the next bit, to reach the
  climactic conclusion of this Act.  Your call.

  I am going to teleport back to the Jade Palace, but if you choose not to,
  do a keyword search in this document for (*) - there are only two
  instances of it - one is here, the other is where you should go to if you
  chose to skip the next bit.

  Activate the rebirth fountain east of the Yellow Emperor's Throne, and
  then leave his Chamber via the steps to the north-east, and head down
  through the various chambers, the stairs leading down on each floor being
  located in the :-

  (From the Jade Emperor's Throne Room) North-eastern wall
  North-western wall
  North-eastern wall; and
  North-western wall (and through the gaping hole in the wall to enter a
  natural cave)

  In the natural cave, head north-east and then north-west to reach a set
  of stairs descending to the next level down.  From there, head due north
  to reach the next set of stairs going down, and take them.

  From here, head north-east, through the gap and down the stairs in the
  north-eastern wall.

  And finally, in this last room (taking care of the three ambushes awaiting
  you - one ice sprites, two fire sprites with some corpulent Djinn thrown
  in for good measure), head due north-east, and then take the exit in the
  south-eastern wall to get out and into the Jinghe Wetlands.

  Follow the path as it leads down to the north-east, and up to the rebirth
  fountain.

  From the rebirth fountain head due north-east, and through the two pre-lit
  torches (which are quite a way away - if you reach a lake, they are to the
  east of it - if you reach a Tigerman Encampment, they are to the north of
  it), and head east through the low-waters to do battle with some Deadwater
  Ichthians, and once you have slain them, head north of where they were
  when you found them, and up to Li Hua - a Fair Young Woman, who is waving
  her arms about her head trying to bat away the attacking exclamation mark.

  =============
  THREE SISTERS
  =============

  Just to refresh your recollection of this particular side quest, you spoke
  with Yi Shan on Qiyun Mountain to get this quest originally, and whilst she
  didn't really have a lot to say for herself, you were able to gather for
  your side quests panel that she was one of three sisters, and that she
  did not fear to walk the mountain, as the monsters there could not harm
  her in any way.  Puzzling, but ok.

  Speaking with Li Hua now, you learn that their third sister's "charm"
  has broken, and that she is now under attack by monsters and needs help
  BADLY.

  In order to reach her, you must travel south-east of Li Hua, and keep
  travelling south-east until you reach an impenetrable line of trees.  From
  there, head north (hugging the trees) until you find a pathway through
  the trees leading east, and into a Tigerman Encampment.

  Slay ALL the Tigerman in this Encampment to automatically receive an update
  to the Three Sisters Side Quest, and then speak with Ru Zhao, the third
  sister, to learn that she inadvertently broke the enchantment that was
  protecting her from the monsters.

  She goes on to explain that ages ago, the Great Sage Lao-Jun disguised
  himself as a beggar, and wandered through the land occupied by the three
  sisters and their village.  Nobody would care for him or give him rice or
  aid, except these three Sisters.  As a gesture of his gratitude, he gave
  each of the three Sisters a magical seed, and said that if they each ate
  their respective seed, no harm would befall them, as long as they did not
  harm anybody else.

  They did, and since then they have been effectively immortal.  That is,
  until Ru Zhao slew a Tigerman today, as she saw him about to kill a deer
  and flew to its defence.  This naturally lifted the enchantment she was
  under, and she has been chased by monsters since then.

  Head back to Li Hua and deliver her the news, to complete this rather odd
  side quest, and earn yourself a random magical item (I got a random yellow
  ring) and 30000 XP.

  ===================================
  SECTION 3.14 - UNDER WUSAO MOUNTAIN
  ===================================

  So - back to the main quest ... leave Li Hua and head east just a few steps
  until you reach the rocky outcropping that forms the boundary of her
  abode, and forces you to walk to the south-east for a couple of steps.
  Instead of heading back to the east towards Ru Zhao, head due north, and
  keep going north until you find a stone bridge leading north-east.  Cross
  that bridge and slay the Yerren in the village that you enter before
  leaving via the north-east.  Activate the rebirth fountain you come to, and
  re-enter the City of Chang'an via the open archway in its wall to your
  north.

  If for ANY reason you find that the Jinghe Valley Gate is locked, and
  cannot be opened ?  Just teleport back to Chang'an and leave via the
  Forest of the Ancients Gate beside Jing Ke.

  (If you teleported back to Chang'an after visiting the Jade Palace and did
  not go on to explore the Jinghe Wetlands, you should start here (*))

  ============
  HELPFUL HINT
  ============

  Clear the large courtyard of the innumerate Tigermen, which you can
  actually do BEFORE opening the door by attacking through it if you position
  yourself just right, and then leave Chang'an (again) by the hole in north-
  eastern wall, activating the rebirth fountain as you go.

  You are now in the Forest of the Ancients, and you need to travel due east
  until you reach what is marked on your map as a "Cave Entrance", and then
  rather than entering it (although you can of course explore it should you
  wish), you then need to travel north-east until you reach a fallen tree
  that forms a bridge over a river, and cross it.

  Activate the rebirth fountain on the other side, and then head due north
  and follow the light grey path you come upon as it heads north-east, and
  through two torches into the Wusao Barrens.

  BEWARE !!  'ere be DRAGONS ... LOADS of Dragonians to be precise, and they
  are WELL cheesed off, so watch your step.

  Head east along the path once it permits (you must walk a few steps to
  the north first), and then keep going east until you reach the Wusao
  Portal Shrine, which you should activate.

  From the Wusao Portal Shrine, head north-west and through the canyon that
  is filled with Gilded Dead Adepts, Warriors, Archers and Spirit Liches,
  and follow it northwards and into Wusao Caverns.

  This automatically updates the main quest to "Find Typhon's Prison" - so
  you know you're close ;)

  Activate the rebirth fountain and head north as soon as you can, and keep
  going north until you find steps leading down in the north-western wall,
  which you should take.

  From here head north-west through the first chamber into the second, then
  north-east into the third chamber, and then south-east into the fourth
  chamber.

  Leave the fourth chamber by head north-east, and keep heading north-east
  until you find the steps leading down to the next level, which you should
  follow.

  Keep heading north-east and down the next set of steps, and then just keep
  on heading north-east and through a small archway onto a huge rocky slope
  that leads downwards.  Keep an eye out for Fire Sprite ambushes whilst you
  are on this slope, and follow the slope down to the south-east, and keep
  going down down down down down until you enter a tunnel, and the Obsidian
  Halls.

  In these halls you will encounter many old adversaries - Fire Sprites,
  Dragonians and Undead to name but a few, but you will ALSO come across a
  NEW type of enemy - the Sepulchral Wyrm.  It looks like a dragon made of
  magma, and stomps towards you breathing fire from a reasonable distance.
  It is not overly intelligent, not overly difficult to slay, and cannot
  travel beyond a certain distance from its starting location, so it is by
  far from the most dangerous of enemies, but its initial impression can
  cause one to wet one's pants a little ;)

  In this first room of the Obsidian Halls, hug the northern wall and follow
  it around to the east and then the south to get out via a long tunnel
  leading south-east in the eastern wall.

  Activate the rebirth fountain, and then (bear with me because this room is
  a bit of a pain in the @rse), head east and then south-west to get around
  the first little oblong-shaped pit of lava you encounter just beside the
  rebirth fountain, and then head south of the southern tip of that lava
  pit, and the east and then north-east inbetween two longer rivers of lava,
  and keep heading north-east to get to

  ===============
  TYPHON'S PRISON
  ===============

  ... and guess what ...

                        ... that's right !  WE'RE TOO LATE !! ...

  The Telkine is already here, standing beside his master Typhon who wrestles
  with his shackles.  As you descend the slope, Ormenos (the third Telkine),
  equipped with the Sickle of Kronos, breaks the bonds holding Typhon to the
  rock, and Typhon escapes via a nearby Portal, whilst Ormenos readies
  himself to do battle with you.

  =========================
  THE TELKINE OF THE ORIENT
  =========================

  Ormenos, the Telkine of the Orient, is (as you would expect) quite a pain
  in the backside.  He is, in MY opinion, actually less of a problem to deal
  with than Aktaios was back in Egypt, but he is still a very dangerous foe
  who should be treated with extreme care.

  ============
  HELPFUL HINT
  ============

  For a change, do NOT under ANY circumstances lure him away from the area
  he stands in, as that is the one place you have the most room to manoeuvre.
  Luring him onto the slope that leads down to the rock is a REALLY bad idea,
  as I have tried this before, and it makes the fight about 1000% more time-
  consuming, AND difficult.

  Ormenos' main attacks are as follows :-

     > Summon 4 Magma Sprites - he throws 2 Volcanic Orbs at you, from which
                                4 Magma Sprites rise (2 from each Orb).
     > Single Life-drain - an attack which does MASSIVE amounts of damage
     > Double Life-drain - an attack which means you CAN kiss your butt
                           goodbye !!
     > Double Flame arrow
     > Earthquake - this causes chunks of rock to fall from the ceiling of
                    the enclosure, and land on the ground.  This attack also
                    destroys any rocky shards that were previously left on
                    the ground.
     > Telekinesis - once he has caused an earthquake, Ormenos can enter a
                     prayer-like stance where he clasps his hands together
                     and telekinetically seizes, raises up and throws one
                     of the shards of rock at you.

  To slay Ormenos, keep your distance.  Always wait until he has launched a
  life-drain attack at you and avoid those at ALL costs, and then just stick
  and move ... he is at his most vulnerable whilst he is selecting which of
  the rocky shards he wants to throw at you, as his telekinetic powers are
  rather time-consuming for him to use, and leave him open to multiple
  attacks during this time.

  Once Ormenos has fallen, you are rewarded with 25000 XP, the main quest
  is updated to "Olympus", and you can raid Ormenos' Essence to fill your
  pockets to bursting.

  After doing so, head through Typhon's Portal in the north-eastern wall to
  chase after Typhon.

  =================
  ORIENTAL EPILOGUE
  =================

  Well we have finally found and slain the third Telkine, Ormenos - however
  we did not do so in time to stop him from completing his objective and
  freeing his master Typhon, whom it transpires has now fled his prison
  chamber and made his way to Olympus to do battle with the Gods themselves.

  We MUST chase after him, as whilst it is more than likely that the Gods
  would be able to collectively overpower him (as he is the strongest of the
  Titans, but he is still only one Titan), I get the feeling they will be
  needing our help ;)

  =========================
  ACT THREE - MOUNT OLYMPUS
  =========================

  ======================
  SECTION 3.15 - OLYMPUS
  ======================
  </pre><pre id="faqspan-7">
  As soon as you arrive in Olympus the rebirth fountain to your north-east
  is activated for you, but already we can see that Typhon has been through
  here - there are crumbled pillars, and the sound of distant thunder, and
  that ISN'T cool at all.

  Head north-east and up the stairs to do battle with :-

     Gilded Dead Brigands
     Gilded Dead Adepts
     Ancient Limos Life Eaters
     Ancient Limos Soul Stealers

  Carry on up the stairs to the north to fight :-

     Gilded Dead Assassins, and more of the enemies you fought further down
     the steps

  Follow the path to the north-east, up the stairs and as it turns north
  again you will fight :-

     Masterwork Automatoi Champions
     Masterwork Automatoi Warriors

  Beware the Champions as they will explode in multiple cascading fireballs.

  As the path curves to the north-east you will face more of the same, but
  then as it turns northwards again, you will have to deal with :-

     Elder Minotaurs

  And then a little way further up (as the path turns to the north-east
  again)

     Elder Minotaurs
     Elder Minotaur Lords

  Pass under the covered area and through the badly mangled doors to do
  battle with more Minotaurs and Minotaur Lords, and then take the steps
  to the north-west to face

     Cyclops Elders

  More of whom are waiting for you as the path turns to the north-east and
  carries on.

  When you hear Typhon's laugh you are almost upon him, so ready yourself
  with your most powerful skills, and get ready to do battle with the most
  powerful of the Titans

  ======
  TYPHON
  ======

  Typhon was VERY easily defeated in the original version of Titan Quest,
  but in Immortal Throne he has been beefed up considerably, given more
  powers, greater attack speed and smarter AI it seems.

  He starts off in the centre of the courtyard in the Olympus Summit (which
  is just up the stairs to your north-east).  He will NOT come down the steps
  to do battle with you, so you CAN play the skirmishing game with him if you
  want to biff him to death, or you can just jump right in there to kick his
  @ss to the curb - your call.

  His main attacks are :-

     > Huge Lightning Spear
     > Flaming Breath - this has a LONG range so watch out
     > Poison Projectile
     > Energy Steal - this replenishes his own energy
     > Life Steal - this replenishes his own life
     > Cascading Shower of Rocks from the Skies
     > Thorns - he can cause thorns projectiles to come out of his body,
                increasing his hand-to-hand damage.

  Around the arena you will find  Shrines that can help you out.  They are,
  in order from west moving clockwise :-

     - Shrine of Thorns
     - Battle Marker
     - Frostbite Shrine
     - Regeneration Shrine
     - Energizing Shrine
     - Shrine of Mastery

  Use them wisely as they are pretty-much one-shot wonders for this combat.
  Easiest way to defeat Typhon is to MAXIMISE your use of the Shrines -
  especially Battle Marker, Frostbite, Regeneration, Energizing and Mastery,
  to watch his body-movements to avoid getting caught out by surprise, to
  time your attacks so that you avoid one of his and counter-attack, avoid
  and counter-attack, and to never EVER think that he cannot reach you.
  He cannot summon creatures to his aid, but he can bounce those rocks of
  his down the stairs after you if you're not careful, so BE WARNED.

  Once Typhon has fallen to your might, you complete the Olympus Main Quest
  and earn yourself 30000 XP and Typhon's Essence for good measure.

  As you open Typhon's Essence, Zeus speaks to you from on high, saying :-

  "Hail, mighty hero! I am Zeus, king of the Olympian gods.  We are eternally
  thankful for your aid in stopping Typhon.  No one would ever have thought
  that a human could defeat a Titan.  The epic heroes would kneel before you,
  and perhaps they shall.

  The conduit between our realms was destroyed.  You have proven that men
  are ready to become the masters of their own fates.  Your mortal world is
  not yet safe, but the responsibility is now yours.  Go, greatest of heroes,
  there is much left to be done."

  ======================
  MOUNT OLYMPUS EPILOGUE
  ======================

  Well I was right - it looks like the Gods DID need our help in stopping
  Typhon after all.  Now that we have put things to right - at least here
  in Olympus - we have earned the love and favour of the Gods, and can move
  on to somewhere new to seek fame and glory for ourselves.

  Take everything from Typhon's Essence (teleport back to Chang'an or
  somewhere else to do the hard sell if need's be), and then when you are
  done, head through the Mysterious Portal to the north-east to complete
  the REGULAR version of Titan Quest and enter


  ================
  ACT FOUR - HADES
  ================

  We begin Act Four in the Temple of Apollo.  I had hoped that Zeus would
  teleport us to some sort of sex den where we would be fed fruit on gold
  laurel leaves by sexy people and could earn a WELL-DESERVED BREAK, but NO.

  Fine !!  FINE.  Why are we here ... let's find out !! :)

  Head down the stairs to your north-east, and speak with Tiresias - the
  Projection of a man who stands before you.  He will tell you that your
  deeds above have created strife below (BOO HOO !!  We just saved Olympus !!
  HERROOOOOOO ??), that you must "find your way to where all men are
  destined" (which can only mean Hades - the Greek Underworld in Grecian
  Myth), and that to DO that, you will need to find the Sorceress of the
  Ixian Wood, to show you the way.

  ===================================
  SECTION 4.16 - A MYSTERIOUS MESSAGE
  ===================================

  Head down the steps to the north-east past Tiresias, and follow them as
  they lead east and then north, down and into the City of Rhodes.

  ==================
  THE CITY OF RHODES
  ==================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the City of Rhodes
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the City of Rhodes

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  STRABO - Citizen of Rhodes who says that all the damage done to Rhodes has
           come to it TODAY !!
  TEUKROS - Storyteller who regales you with the tale Orpheus - the son of
           Morpheus, Greek God of Music and Song.  He tells of how Eurydice
           won Orpheus' heart, but that on the day of their wedding, she was
           dancing for him in a grove with nymphs, and a snake bit her on the
           heel.  She died from the wound, and Orpheus, stricken with grief,
           withdrew to Aornum in Thesprotis, singing his dirge as he went.
           Charon the Ferryman wept as he rowed his boat across the River
           Styx, and even Cerberus laid down to let Orpheus pass into Hades.
           Hades and Persephone were moved by Orpheus' plight, and said that
           he could take Eurydice out of Hades on condition that he did not
           turn around until he was back on living soil.  He couldn't help
           himself as he started to doubt he was leading her out of Hades,
           and turned around, and Eurydice was drawn back into Hades as was
           the arrangement.  Poor ... USELESS ... I-D-I-O-T !!!!!
  LEUKOS - Citizen of Rhodes who says that his dreams of late have been
           plagued with visions of the dead.
  AEGINA - Citizen of Rhodes who says that as soon as the road leading to
           Ixia is safe again, she will venture there to visit her beloved
           Katina, who has been gone for almost a year, and whom she misses
           dreadfully.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  EURYMACHUS - Nobleman who tells you that Medea (Lady of the Ixian Woods)
           came to the Ixian Woods many years ago, and that she is now known
           simply as "The Sorceress".  He says that those that venture forth
           to visit her, however, risk inciting her wrath as well ... perhaps
           because she was jilted many moons ago by Jason - leader of the
           Argonauts (hence her dislike of "heroes").
  MAERA - Mother of a poisoned child whom Medea has agreed to help on
           condition that she is given the tome of (some ancient queen or
           other - THANKS luv - VERY helpful !!), as payment for the service.
           Procne, one of Medea's students, tried to help but was reassigned
           to other duties by the Sorceress.  Maera gives you the "An
           Impossible Task" Side Quest to complete.
  ARION - Sailor who tells you that a HUGE shelled monster - big as a Trireme,
           came ashore in Damatria, and that the only real way to get there
           do sort it out is to venture through the Cave of Orthea.  He gives
           you the "A Crab Story" Side Quest.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  GYLIPPOS - Blacksmith
  CRETHEUS - Arcanist
  EPICLES  - Caravan Driver
  PYLARTES - Mystic
  LAPHANES - Enchanter

  ==============================
  QUESTS FROM THE CITY OF RHODES
  ==============================

  ==================
  AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK
  ==================

  This is a multi-part side quest which we shall come back to when the time
  is right - for now, you need to know that we must venture to the Ixian
  Woods to find Procne.

  ============
  A CRAB STORY
  ============

  Head down the steps from the City of Rhodes to the east, and onto the
  Coastal Asomata.  This is basically a beach, and you will encounter some
  very dangerous crabs here.  They come at you in two different varieties -
  Karkinos Sand Runners (who are nippy little buggers who can attack in
  small groups and do good damage in VERY quick order), and Karkinos Wave
  Crashers, who are larger and move slower, but who do more damage.
  Thankfully, Wave Crashers come in smaller groups - usually 1-2.

  Beware the ambushes that the Sand Runners will lay for you too - they can
  bury themselves in the sand (or, as you will see later, mud), so watch
  out !!

  Hug the northern wall and follow it east, and then north through some
  Anouran (basically big frogs that, in terms of their combat-skills, can
  closely be alikened to the Tigermen you fought in the Orient), and up into
  the Cave of Orthea.

  In the cave, head north, then north-west, then south-west and exit to get
  to Damatria.

  If you head a little to your south-west, you can speak with Deinias the
  Fisherman who tells you that Karkinos have swarmed the beach, and that he
  for one is DEFINITELY not going back down there until it is safe, no matter
  how much Proteas gets in a strop about it.

  Proteas the Head Fisherman is to the east of Deinias, and he tells you
  that crabs as big as boats have come up on the beach, and that one of
  them took Dimitri's foot of at the ankle !!  He bemoans the fact that his
  fellow fishermen are not doing their jobs as a result, and surmises that
  if the largest of the Karkinos were to fall, they could deal with the
  rest.

  Head down the slope to the east of Proteas, and onto the beach, to engage
  in your first Act Four Boss Fight WITH *fanfare*

  ===================
  GARGANTUAN KARKINOS
  ===================

  Yep, this is one HEAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE crab - that's for sure !!

  It moves at a decent speed given its size, and its main attacks are :-

     > Sand-crawl - it buries itself in the sand in one location and
                    resurfaces in another - kinda teleporting, but I guess
                    we are to infer that it has travelled under the sand.
     > Single-pincer strike
     > Double-pincer strike

  ============
  HELPFUL HINT
  ============

  He cannot go all the way up the slope, so you can use this to your
  advantage - just take care to ensure that he does not use his sand-crawl
  power to get behind you and cut you off though - he is usually quicker
  than you are ;)

  Once he has fallen (at least we ASSUME it's a he - how do you sex a crab ?)
  you should return and speak with Proteas to complete this side quest, and
  earn yourself a relic shard and 30000 XP.

  Return through the Cave of Orthea (please), and back to the Coastal Asomata.

  Now I would like you to head south and hug the southern shoreline, and
  keep following it eastwards until you find Abderus the Foreman, who tells
  you that they need to light the beacon to tell merchant ships that the
  harbour is once again safe to dock in, but that every time they try and do
  so, they are swarmed with monsters.  He gives you a "strapping lad" (uh-
  huh ?) to accompany you to the beacon and light it, but you must keep him
  safe.  Don't worry - if he dies you can just come back and get another !!
  You also acquire the "Torch-Lighter's Gauntlet" Side Quest

  ============================
  THE TORCH-LIGHTER'S GAUNTLET
  ============================

  From Abderus, head east along the beach, still hugging the shoreline, and
  keep heading east until you encounter the VAST number of wraiths and
  drowned sailors that lurk near the wrecked ship in the bay.

  Once you have put their souls to rest, head north and then up the stairs
  that lead to the north-east, to enter the Camirus Bluff.

  Carry on up the steps to the north-west, and clear out the landing before
  heading up the steps to the north-east and allowing the Torch-lighter to
  start his attempt to activate the beacon.

  During this time you MUST protect him, as all the wraiths which appear
  in the two waves of attacks will attempt to take him out.  Focus your
  attacks on the ranged units first, as they pose the most immediate danger
  to his safety, and then take out the hand-to-hand units afterwards.

  As I said above, if he DOES die, you can always return to Abderus and
  get another, but I don't like to see innocent people die TOTALLY without
  reason, so please do try and keep him alive as long as possible ?  Ta.

  Once he has succeeded, return to Abderus to complete this side quest, and
  claim your reward - an Arcane Formula, and 30000 XP.

  From Abderus you should head due north until you reach the rebirth fountain
  which marks the entrance to the Ixian Woods.

  Head due north upon entering the Ixian Woods, and keep going north until
  you reach Chrysis the Scout who runs up to you calling "Help us, PLEASE
  HELP US !!" - something tells me he's a bit needy ... and yes !!  Look !!
  He TOO has been assaulted by those pesky exclamation marks.

  Speak with Chrysis and he will tell you that his sergeant has sent him
  back to get reinforcements for their outpost which has been besieged by
  monsters.  He asks you to head to your left and help them out.  He says
  he will follow you.  He will then give you the "Outpost in the Woods" Side
  Quest.

  ====================
  OUTPOST IN THE WOODS
  ====================

  Do as Chrysis has asked and head westwards and repel the Nightstalker
  attacking force.  Once they have fallen, speak with Teisias - Sergeant of
  this outpost, who thanks you for your aid but says that the battle is not
  yet over as another wave will soon be upon them.  He says that they all
  spill forth from a waterfall nearby, and that they are led by a HUGE
  Anteok of great power.  His warriors Amphytrion and Iodemicus are unable
  to wield their swords, and that the monsters are relentless and will soon
  overrun them.  He asks for you to venture into the waterfall cave and slay
  their leader.

  Leave their outpost via the eastern path, and follow it as it heads north-
  north-west and up towards the Den of the Anteok (which you will see on
  your compass ahead of time).

  En route you will encounter two varieties of another new type of enemy -
  the Hydradon.  They are twin-headed small lizard/dragon-style creatures
  that come as either Scorchers (who shockingly breathe fire) or
  Blacktongues, who gob glue-like balls of gunk at you which slows you down
  a fair bit for a few seconds.

  Once inside the Den of the Anteok, you must head west-north-west, and then
  north-west, south-west, north-west and finally north-east to get to the
  next main chamber.

  In this chamber, head north-west and up the stairs to do battle with a
  rather mean sub-boss

  =====================================
  SURRYLN THE BELLIGERENT - ANTEOK HERO
  =====================================

  So THIS is the guy that's been causing all the problems - I seeeeeeeeeeee !!

  He lives up to his reputation in combat - he is a dirty brawler with the
  ability to use the following main attacks :-

     > Poisoned darts (shoot out in multiple directions)
     > Axe-strike (left-hand)
     > Axe-strike (right-hand)
     > Double-strike - a one, two combo-attack with his twin axes that sends
                       out two MASSIVE straight-line shockwaves - think of
                       the ones Polyphemus does, only quicker and there being
                       TWO of them instead of just the one !!

  My advice is to try and use the terrain to your advantage.  His shockwaves
  can travel down the stairs so don't think they will run over your head as
  that won't work, but I mean keep your distance - his poison darts are VERY
  easy to dodge if you don't get too close to him, and his room is large
  enough for you to nimbly avoid his attacks if you are smart with the space
  you manoeuvre in ...

  Once he has died, raid the Majestic Chest in his chamber, and then return
  to the Ixian Woods Outpost and speak with Teisias again to complete this
  side quest and earn your reward - a suit of magical armour and 30000 XP.

  ==========================================
  SECTION 4.16 - A MYSTERIOUS MESSAGE CONT'D
  ==========================================

  Once you have complete the "Outpost in the Woods" Side Quest, head north
  until you cannot venture any further that way, and then follow the rock-
  and-thicket blockade around to the east, to the start of a nice path (which
  you should follow) that takes you from almost just outside the cave with
  the waterfall north, and then west to two torches, and a path leading
  north-west.

  Follow that path and keep going northwards until your main quest is
  updated to "Defeat the Sorceress' Sentinels", and enter a battle with two
  Ascacophus Gate Keepers.  The Ascacophus are basically living trees that
  can walk after you, stomp on you, strike at you with either open palms or
  closed fists, and cast spells on themselves to big-up their combat
  attributes.

  Like the vast majority of the bosses, however, they are proximity-based,
  so this combat is deceptively easily, as you can dupe them into following
  you and then use my dizzying tactic to bring them down VERY easily.

  Once they have fallen head north, and through the massive wooden doors
  into Medea's Grove

  =============
  MEDEA'S GROVE
  =============

  * There is a rebirth fountain in Medea's Grove
  * There is a Portal Shrine in Medea's Grove

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  HEBE - Acolyte who tells you that Medea is beyond.
  PHILEA - Acolyte who recounts how she arrived in Medea's Grove when she was
           only sixteen years of age, and that within a year the Monsters
           had already arrived, but that Medea, fantastic Sorceress that she
           is, fought them off.
  KATINA - Young Acolyte that says she hasn't learned a great deal as yet,
           but that they study lots of things at the Grove, including
           healing, poisons, commanding plants and animals, making balloon
           animals, shape-shifting, divination and summoning.  Quite a
           repertoire !!
  ALOPE - Storyteller who gives you more information on Medea.  It transpires
           that Medea DID fall in love with Jason - Leader of the Argonauts -
           upon his arrival in Colchis (back when he was searching for the
           Golden Fleece).  Medea gave Jason the balm he needed to protect
           himself from the fire-breathing oxen, taught him how to get the
           men that grew from the dragon's teeth to fight amongst themselves,
           and put down sleeping herbs in front of the dragon that guarded
           the Golden Fleece.

           She fled Colchis with Jason and married him shortly thereafter,
           but he proved to be a disloyal husband and absconded, taking as
           his bride the Princess Glauce.  Medea was beside herself with
           rage, and sent the bride a wedding gift - a beautiful dress to
           wear, but one which was lined with poison on the inside.  Glauce
           died as a result, but that was not enough to sate Medea's rage.
           She wanted to ruin Jason and everything he loved, so she took
           each of the children she had borne him, and killed them one-by-
           one.  A very, very sad tale indeed.
  KRANTOR - Hunter who says that things in the Grove are safe "as long as you
           watch your step" - I think I know what he means by THAT *snip
           snip ... snippy snippy snip squeal AAAAAAAAARGH*, don't you ?????

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  MEDEA - Sorceress of the Ixian Wood who says, rather fittingly, that she
           should turn our blood to OIL for having slain her guards and THEN
           seen fit to ask for her aid (it is rather gung-ho - my bad), and
           who then gives you the task of recovering the single eye of the
           Weird Gray Sisters who live at the end of the path Medea will set
           you on.  She says that they will not part with it willingly, and
           I can't say I blame them - one eye between three sisters is hardly
           a surplus to begin with, non ??  Medea then updates your main
           quest, and gives you 18000 XP as a bonus.
  SEMELE - Headmistress of Medea's Grove who is deathly afraid of the wrath
           she will face at Medea's hands when she learns that Semele has
           lost a sacred Sigil - the Sigil of the First Apoktisis.  Turns
           out that she was ambushed by Formicids whilst out in the woods,
           and that they took it from her.  She gives you the "Stolen Sigil"
           Side Quest.
  LAMPIDO - Acolyte who says that she can make you up a potion that will
           grant you remarkable powers, but that she requires three active
           ingredients to enable her to do so.  She gives you the "Lampido's
           Potion" Side Quest.
  PROCNE - Acolyte who gives you a bit more information for your "An
           Impossible Task" Side Quest, namely that the tome which Medea
           wanted was the Tome of the Liche Queen Kallixenia.  Medea must
           have known that there was no way the poor woman would have been
           able to get the tome in one piece, as Kallixenia is a VERY
           powerful Liche Queen.  In any event, Procne gives you the Waking
           Stone - an item which will need to be placed on Kallixenia's Altar
           in order to summon her.  She says the altar is in the Tsakonian
           Ruins, and that Kallixenia will not part with the book willingly.
           This updates your "An Impossible Mission" Side Quest.  If you
           speak with her again, she will tell you that the Tsakonian Ruins
           lie within the Soronis Swamp, and that the quickest way to get
           there is via the Ampelian Caves (which is EXACTLY what we are
           going to do).
  CARME - Acolyte (just up the steps from the main plaza area of the Grove)
           who tells you about the former Great City of Propontis, which has
           now fallen into a swamp.  She says that the Tsakonian Kings ruled
           Propontis, and that each hid a fortune in their palace.  The
           Legends tell that the greatest of the Tsakonian Kings - Dorus -
           has not yet had his treasure found, and that whilst many have
           tried to find it, none have returned with it, many of them not
           returning at all.  She gives you the "Wealth of Ancient Kings"
           Side Quest.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  EUTROPIOS - Trader

  =========================
  QUESTS FROM MEDEA'S GROVE
  =========================

  ================
  THE STOLEN SIGIL
  ================

  Leave Medea's Grove via the north-east and pass through the two torches,
  entering the Ixian Outlands.  Keep heading north-east, and down the stairs
  that lead into the Ampelian Caves.

  In the Ampelian Caves, activate the rebirth fountain, and then head north-
  east, and to your first battle with the Formicid - basically ANTS !!  Yes,
  ants.  And like their real-life counterparts they are caged in carapace,
  and attack en-masse.  Fortunately, however, in Titan Quest Immortal Throne,
  they fall PRETTY easily :)

  Follow the path as it curves 90 degrees to the south-east, and then follow
  the path to the south-west, taking the branch that leads south-east as soon
  as it becomes available to you.

  As this area pans out, into a large cave leading off to both the north-east
  and south-west, head north-east and into battle with

  ================================
  QUEEN YCHT'SSK'L - FORMICID HERO
  ================================

  Queen Ycht'ssk'l is the Formicid B!ATCH that is holding the Sigil that
  Semele needs back badly.

  She is a spellcasting ranged attacker, who's primary attacks are :-

     > Mini ball of Lightning
     > Multiple blasts of Lightning

  Once she has fallen to your MIGHT, pick up the Sigil of the First Apoktisis
  and then open the Ornate Chest in the back of the room, line your pockets
  and teleport back to Medea's Grove to give the Sigil to Semele, which will
  complete this side quest and earn you the reward of a Magical Staff and
  30000 XP.

  ================
  LAMPIDO'S POTION
  ================

  Just as a quick re-cap ...

  Lampido - an Acolyte in Medea's Grove - requires three active ingredients
  in order to craft you a potion of GREAT power, being :-

     A)  A bit of Cybe Mushroom;
     B)  Some Aestivus Root; and
     C)  The Petal of a Night Blossom

  She says that if you bring her the three ingredients, she will make her
  potion up for you.

  Teleport back to the Ampelian Caves from Medea's Grove, and then head
  south-west all the way to the very south-westernmost corner of the cave
  (it makes a proper right-angle), and then turn and head due north-west,
  up up up until you can exit the Ampelian Caves via the stairs in the north-
  eastern wall.

  Do so, and you will emerge in Soronis, right beside a rebirth fountain.

  =============
  !! WARNING !!
  =============

  PLEASE take care in this area, as you are about to encounter another new
  type of adversary - the Lamia - and if you are not careful they WILL slay
  you very quickly, and if they have traced you back to the rebirth fountain
  you may wind up losing a TRUCKLOAD of XP as you die, are reborn, die, are
  reborn and so on, without being able to get to your headstone :(

  The Lamia are similar to centaurs, but instead of having the hindquarters
  of a horse, they have the hindquarters of a cat, enabling them to move
  with grace and speed.  They can do HUGE amounts of damage given their
  comparatively small size, and will outpace all but the quickest of
  characters in no time, so BE CAREFUL.

  From the rebirth fountain you need to head due north, and keep going
  north until you can go no further.  Just to your north-east is a set
  of two torches and steps leading up into a proper structure with tiles and
  EVERYTHIN' !! :)

  Head north-west and activate the rebirth fountain, and then keep going
  north-west and you will see two yellow icons with black exclamation marks
  appear on your compass - the first (and nearest) is off to your west -
  the Nightblossom, and we shall go there first.

  ============
  NIGHTBLOSSOM
  ============

  Only a fool would think nature did not have its defences, but I could
  EASILY forgive anybody that was not expecting to have his or her @ss handed
  to them on a plate by a plant.

  The Nightblossom is a DANGEROUS little beast let me assure you - much like
  that cute rabbit from Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail - do NOT
  underestimate it.

  It is basically a giant quill vine, which attacks by spitting out five
  poisonous barbs at a time.  The poison is, in most cases, deadly, and the
  rate of fire is RELENTLESS and rapid, so watch your step please !!

  Once the Nightblossom has fallen, take the petal it drops, and head north-
  west and into a large Anouran Enclosure, and then due north of there to
  get the Cybe Mushroom (which will be yielded WITHOUT a fight I'm sure you
  will be pleased to here - although that mushroom DOES look like it would
  be VERY tasty smeared with goat's cheese and other niceness) :)

  Head south and exit the Anouran Encampment, and then turn and head north-
  east, PAST the two pre-lit torches, through the Anouran Camp, and then east
  and over the tiled bridge that leads to the north-east.  You will be able to
  see the Aestivus Tree on your compass as another yellow circle with a black
  exclamation mark in it, so head over to it, wiping out all the Anouran
  SCUM as you go.

  The Aestivus Tree will yield its root without a fight.

  Now that you have all three ingredients for Lampido's Potion, teleport back
  to Medea's Grove and give them to her.

  Lampido will tell you to go away and come back (just speak to her again),
  and she will then give you the potion (which you will automatically drink)
  which gives you +6 Strength, +80 Health (and 30000 XP for completing the
  quest).

  ===========================
  THE WEALTH OF ANCIENT KINGS
  ===========================

  Once you have teleported back to the Aestivus Tree, head south-west, back
  over the bridge, and then west, and finally north-west, inbetween the two
  pre-lit torches and over the bridge.

  Do not follow the pathway that leads to the north-east just yet - instead
  head due north-west and follow the treeline as it gently guides you up and
  into the Tomb of Tsakonian Queens.

  From entering the Tomb of Tsakonian Queens, head (room-by-room) :-

     North-west
     North-east and down the steps to the second level

  ... on the second level, head ...

     North-west

  ... and straight into battle with Queen Alkiste.

  ==============================
  QUEEN ALKISTE - CORRUPTED SOUL
  ==============================

  Queen Alkiste is an Archer through-and-through.  She is very quick to move
  into position, and does not mind getting up-close-and-personal if that is
  how you want to play things ... just don't give her a kiss - bleurgh !!

  Her main attack is to fire three flaming arrows at you simultaneously.
  Naturally this does a LOT of damage, but once you are used to dodging it,
  you will be able to take her down with little problem.

  Once she has fallen, pick up the Ancient Moon Key that she drops, and leave
  her Tomb (south-east, up the stairs in the south-western wall, then south-
  west and south-east to the exit from the room where she starts in).

  Once you are back outside, head south to the pathway you left to get here,
  and then follow the broken portions of the pathway as they head off and
  up to the north-east, coming at last to a rebirth fountain, which you
  should as always activate immediately, and passing through two torches
  and over a tiled bridge to get into the Tsakonian Ruins.

  From entering the Tsakonian Ruins, turn and head north-west, and then
  north-east, down some steps and onto darker stones (which are underwater).

  Keep heading north-east until you travel through a set of pillars that
  from a square (loosely) around you, with the north-eastern and south-
  western sections missing - i.e. you can run straight through it.

  JUST BEYOND that is a vine which hangs overhead.  When you get to the vine,
  turn and head north-west, ignoring the yellow circle with the black
  exclamation mark on it which points you on your compass to the Altar of
  Kallixenia, as we will come back to HER in a little bit.

  Keep heading north-west, until you go up some steps and out of the water.
  Follow the steps as they lead to the south-west (two flights of steps), and
  then descend the steps to your north-west, to get into the Great Tomb of
  Aegimius.

  Once you are inside the Great Tomb of Aegimius, head (room-by-room) :-

     North-west
     South-west
     North-west

  In this last room you will do battle with King Aegimius ...

  ==============================
  KING AEGIMIUS - CORRUPTED SOUL
  ==============================

  King Aegimius is a hand-to-hand sort of fellow, which works to your
  advantage since he slumps towards you at quite a sluggish pace.  His main
  attacks are :-

     > Onslaught
     > Single-Axe Strike

  Once he falls, he drops the Ancient Sun Key, which you need to pick up.

  Once you have slain King Aegimius, head (again, room-by-room) :-

     South-east
     South-west
     South-east

  Slay the Undead Warriors (Members of the Tsakonian Court who would have
  been in the service of King Aegimius), and a young woman named Nysa will
  call out to you.  Go over and speak with her, and she will explain that
  she is most grateful for your having saved her, but she would like very
  much for you to do the same for her brother, who was wounded by the
  monsters before escaping.  She gives you the "Treasure Hunters" Side
  Quest.

  =====================
  AN IMPOSSIBLE MISSION
  =====================

  Leave the Great Tomb of Aegimius (north-west, north-east, north-east,
  south-east of your present location), and then head north-east, down the
  two flights of steps, then south-east and down the steps back into the
  water.

  Keep heading south-east, past the statue of the man bearing a shield who
  is looking north-east, and then up the stairs to your north-east, and
  inbetween the two pre-lit torches.

  Head north-east, and then south-east, and take the stairs leading up to
  your north-east when the opportunity presents itself.

  Follow your compass to the north-west and up to the Altar of Kallixenia.

  Click on the Altar of Kallixenia to place the Waking Stone upon it.  This
  will automatically summon Kallixenia the Liche Queen, and she will start
  attacking you without mercy IMMEDIATELY.

  ========================
  KALLIXENIA - LICHE QUEEN
  ========================

  Hokay, I would like you to imagine fighting a Liche Queen, like the many
  Liches you have fought in the past, but not a NORMAL one ... OH no ...
  imagine instead fighting one armed with a MACHINE GUN.  THAT is what
  fighting Kallixenia is like.

  Kallixenia is VERY fast, attacks like (as I've said) an AK47, has GREAT
  range and can slay you in SECONDS so WATCH OUT !!

  Her main attacks are :-

     > Rapid-fire Poison Projectiles - Great Range and Shocking Speed
     > Soul Energy Cascade - Summons blasts of soul energy from the heavens
                             to rain down upon you.
     > Soul Energy Surge - Like Flame Surge but with Soul Energy instead.
     > Life-steal - A power which she uses to restore her own health.

  I can only suggest being EXTREMELY quick on your toes, and using scrolls
  and other enchantments to bolster your fighting skills when facing her
  in combat.  She is just SO quick that this almost feels a bit unfair to
  be honest !

  But nevermind - she will, I have no doubt, fall to your powers, and you
  will have the satisfaction of beating that b!atch DOWN !! :)

  Once she has fallen, speak with her and she will express nothing short of
  HORROR at the fact that you have awoken her from her undead slumber just to
  nick what is, to her, little more than a book of recipes !  She says that
  she hopes you screw up the incantations and go straight to Hades for your
  IMPUDENCE.  Fair play luv - might see you there then !! *whacks her on the
  head and walks off*.

  Teleport back to Medea's Grove and give the Tome of the Liche Queen
  Kallixenia to Procne, who will use it to fashion a Curative Elixir which
  she asks you to take to Maera in Rhodes so that she can administer it to
  her son.  Procne rewards you with an Arcane Formula as a gift.

  Use the Portal Shrine (DON'T TELEPORT !!) back to Rhodes to give Maera the
  gift of life for her son, and she will ALSO reward you with 35000 XP, and
  the completion of this LONG overdue Side Quest !!

  ====================
  THE TREASURE HUNTERS
  ====================

  Use the Portal Shrine in Rhodes to return you to your Personal Portal in
  the Tsakonian Ruins and, from the Altar of Kallixenia, head south-west,
  and then up the stairs to your north-east, past the pre-lit torch.

  Head north-east, through the pathway that leads between the Corinthian
  Pillars, and then turn and head up the stairs to the north-west.  From here
  head due north-west, and then through the pathway beside the pre-lit torch
  to your north-west, where you should turn and head north-east, and then
  just keep on going north-east until you bump into Herodion - a young man
  who is standing about doing ... not a lot really.

  Herodion is Nysa's brother, and he thanks you for saving his sister.  He
  says that they only came to the Great Tomb of Aegimius because Carme - one
  of the Acolytes from Medea's Grove (in case you'd forgotten) told them that
  she needed some crucial information about King Dorus from that location.

  Speaking with Herodion completes the Treasure Hunters Side Quest, and
  earns you a well-deserved 25000 XP.

  ==================================
  THE WEALTH OF ANCIENT KINGS CONT'D
  ==================================

  From Herodion, head south-east as far as you can go, and then turn and
  go south-west, taking the steps to your south-east when you are able.

  Take the entryway to your north-east, and then head south-east down the
  several sets of steps until at last you come to a rebirth fountain.

  From the rebirth fountain, head north-east and down the steps into the
  watery area.  WATCH OUT FOR KARKINOS MUD RUNNER AMBUSHES - there are two
  in this area.  Head north-east and then north and up the stairs to get
  out of the watery area, and back onto some nice, cleanish tiles.

  Head north-east and then south-east and keep going south-east until you
  can see the icon for the Great Tomb of Dorus appear on the right-hand side
  of your compass.  Travel to it (you need to take the steps leading DOWN
  from the courtyard with the statue in it - NOT the steps leading UP as
  those lead to a dead-end), and then enter the Great Tomb of Dorus once
  you are ready.

  I shall give you simple room-by-room instructions so as to enable you to
  get around this rather strange building as quickly as possible :-

     From entering the Great Tomb of Dorus ...

     North-east
     South-east (into the room with the two sets of four statues)
     North-east (into the room with the single statue of an archer)
     Open the Ancient Lock - Moon Sign using the Ancient Moon Key you picked
     up from the corpse of Queen Alkiste
     North-west, and activate the Ancient Lever
     South-east (into the room with the single statue of an archer)
     South-west (into the room with the two sets of four statues)
     North-west
     North-east
     North-west (through the now unlocked Ancient Wooden Door)
     Open the Ancient Lock - Sun Sign using the Ancient Sun Key you picked
     up from the corpse of King Aegimius
     North-west, and activate the Ancient Lever
     South-east
     North-west (through the now unlocked Ancient Wooden Door) and into
     battle with

  ===========================
  KING DORUS - CORRUPTED SOUL
  ===========================

  King Dorus is a greedy little Spellcaster who has absolutely NO intention
  of allowing you to walk away with his well-guarded and elaborately
  protected treasure.

  His main attacks are :-

     > Lightning Blast from his Staff (rapid-fire)
     > Thunderball

  He is slow to move, and should not prove to be TOO great a problem for you
  to defeat.

  Once he is no more, head through the north-eastern tunnel to get access
  to his hidden treasure, which comprises 2 Quality Chests, 2 Ornate Chests,
  and a Majestic Chest, AND the completion of this Side Quest which gives
  you 40000 XP !!

  ============================
  SECTION 4.17 - MEDEA'S PRICE
  ============================

  FINALLY we get back to the main quest !!

  Leave the Great Tomb of Dorus (south-west, south-east, south-east, south-
  west, south-west of his treasure chamber), and head back up the stairs to
  the Tsakonian Ruins.

  Head up the stairs to the south-west, and then turn and head north-west,
  and keep heading north-west in virtually a direct line from the courtyard
  with the statue in the area adjacent to the Great Tomb of Dorus, all the
  way up until you see the sign for the Temple of the Gray appear on your
  compass.

  Follow the compass point to reach the Temple of the Gray, and then enter
  the rather ominous-looking structure.

  As soon as you enter, you will hear one of the sister remark that she
  senses something is coming.  NOT good - they know we're here !!!!!

  The main antechamber in the Temple of the Gray is nothing more than a
  small room with a set of stairs leading down.

  Going down those stairs will send you straight into the next boss fight
  which is with, as you have already been made aware ...

  ======================
  THE THREE GRAY SISTERS
  ======================

  This is a VERY difficult boss fight, rather predictably because you have
  to take on THREE bosses at once, each of which could quite possibly beat
  you down repeatedly on their own.  The three sisters are Pemphredo, Deino
  and Enyo.

  All three of the sisters have exactly the same main attack - a snaking
  bolt of blue energy which travels fast and does good damage to you.

  However, only TWO of the three Sisters will ever be using this attack at
  any given time.  It is the one that has the eye that you need to be most
  cautious of, as the eye gives the sisters additional powers over and above
  their usual ones.

  Whoever is holding the eye (which hovers above their heads) has the ability
  to create a field of life-draining energy beneath your feet which does
  INSANE amounts of damage to you if you don't get out of the way IMMEDIATELY
  and the regular blue snaking energy bolts become much larger and more
  powerful snaking bolts of red energy.

  In addition, the wielder of the eye becomes more resilient to damage.

  Focus your attacks on one of the two sisters that does not have the eye.
  If she picks it up from her sisters, focus on another one.  The best way
  to win this combat is not to kill two and force the third to wield the eye,
  but instead to whittle down the health of all three so that whichever one
  is left with the eye when the other two die has so little health they fall
  easily.

  So, for example :-

  Pemphredo starts with the eye
  Sinister attacks Deino
  Pemphredo gives the eye to Deino
  Sinister attacks Enyo
  Deino gives the eye to Enyo
  Sinister attacks Pemphredo

  Just try and keep things balanced like that - it will make your life
  simpler in the long run.

  An alternative strategy would be to focus all your attacks on bringing any
  ONE of the sisters down, and then chopping and changing between the other
  two so that you whittle the two of them down.  This does have the advantage
  of not having to dodge THREE projectiles at the same time.

  Once all three of the Weird Gray Sisters have fallen, take their eye, and
  plunder the 3 Chests and Majestic Chest that litter their abode, and then
  teleport back to Medea's Grove (we don't need to come back here again).

  ==========
  EASTER EGG
  ==========

  Did you notice how the Temple of the Gray is shaped like an eyeball with
  an optic nerve ?

  Once you are back in Medea's Grove, hand the eye over to Medea, and she
  will use it in an incantation to open a portal to Epirus, together with
  updating the Main Quest and rewarding you with 30000 XP and a set of THREE
  Scrolls (bless her !!)

  ================================
  SECTION 4.18 - THE ROAD TO HADES
  ================================

  Medea directs you to travel through the Portal she has just created to the
  Refugee Camp of Epirus.

  =====================
  EPIRUS - REFUGEE CAMP
  =====================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the Epirus Refugee Camp
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the Epirus Refugee Camp

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  POLYPEMON - Refugee who describes the attack on his city that drove him
           into becoming a refugee.
  ARCHYTUS - Storyteller who tells the tale of ... you !! :)
  MULIUS - Upset Refugee who feels that the Gods having abandoned man is
           actually man's fault, and that we are now entering a new age -
           The Age of Beasts !
  THESSALA - Grieving Refugee who sagely comments that if you could follow
           the path of the Shades of all the people that died last night,
           that would lead you to Hades.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  EPIGENES - Guard who recounts how he and his comrades tried to escort as
           many of the civilians out of the City as they could, but the
           monsters descended upon them so quickly there was little time.
           He says he sent Theogenes and a platoon of men back to find
           any stragglers, but that they could really use the aid of a good
           strong fighting arm (meaning us).  He gives you the "Among the
           Ruins" Side Quest.
  PISISTRATUS - Healer who is looking for his young aid Admetus, whom he
           sent back to the City to recover supplies (food and medicine).
           Pisistratus regrets having sent him as he has taken an extremely
           long time to travel there and back, and Pisistratus cannot tend
           to the wounded without the supplies, so he is in something of a
           quandry.  Pisistratus gives you the "A Dangerous Mission" Side
           Quest.
  PYTHES - Guard who speaks of the Monster's Captain Proseia.  He says that
           she is responsible for the speed, strength and completeness of
           the monster's victory over the City, and that if she were to
           fall, he is sure they would be able to mount a reasonable
           comeback.  He gives you the "Enemy's Captain" Side Quest.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  HELIODORUS - Trader

  =================================
  QUESTS FROM EPIRUS - REFUGEE CAMP
  =================================

  ===============
  AMONG THE RUINS
  ===============

  Follow the path that leads out of the Epirus Refugee Camp to the north,
  and leads north-west, then west and then north-west again, and keep going
  north-west and into the City of Paseron.

  As you enter the City of Paseron, activate the rebirth fountain, and speak
  to Theogenest the Guard, who tells you that if you can send him the groups
  of hiding survivors, he will guide them back to the Refugee Camp, but he
  says you might find it rather difficult to find them as they will be either
  trapped, or hiding in terror from the monsters that swarm the City.

  Head up the stairs to the north-west, and into the City of Paseron proper.

  I shall direct you from your starting location to each group of survivors,
  who will NOT make a break for their freedom until the monsters in their
  area are slain.  Once they are liberated, they will make their own way back</pre><pre id="faqspan-8">
  towards the entrance to the city - however they will not go more than a
  certain distance towards it unless you are with them, so a very modest
  degree of chaperoning will be called for.

  SO ... from entering the City of Paseron's main plaza ...

     > North-east of the Statue and up the stairs
     > South-west back down the stairs, and then north-west up the stairs
       and keep heading north-west into the dilapidated building
     > South-west back to the main path leading south-west to north-east
       from the top of the stairs, and then head south-west, and finally
       south-east to the next set of survivors
     > North-west of the previous set (although you must travel ever-so-
       slightly to your north-east to get back to the main pathway first)
     > North-west of that previous set

  Once you have saved the final set, return to Theogenes, and he will give
  you a magical item (I got a random yellow charm), and 32000 XP.  This
  completes the "Among the Ruins" Side Quest.

  ===================
  A DANGEROUS MISSION
  ===================

  From Theogenes, head north-west and into the main plaza of the City of
  Paseron, and then exit via the stairs in the north-eastern corner which
  head north-west.

  At the top of the stairs turn to the south-west, and follow the tiled
  path south-west, and then north-west as it reaches the corner of the
  crumbled building, and then north-east as it goes around another corner
  of the same building.  Keep heading north-east up the stairs and into
  your first combat with the Empusa.

  ======
  EMPUSA
  ======

  Empusa are winged female demons that come in four different varieties.

  Empusa Venomancers   - Masters of Poison
  Empusa Pyromancers   - Masters of Fire
  Empusa Frost Reavers - Masters of Ice
  Empusa Soul Carvers  - Masters of Spirit

  Kill the Venomancers and then turn and head north-west and up two small
  sets of stairs.  Simply keep heading north-west up the next flight of
  steps and then down a couple of barely noticeable steps and you will find
  Admetus ... dying !!

  Speak with him and he will tell you that he was wrong to think that he
  could do this quest on his own.  He gives you the supplies he had, and
  asks you to take them back to the camp.  He feels as long as his death
  has not been in vain, it does not matter that he dies.

  Poor guy !!!!! :(  Remember the name Admetus, for he is a man of honour
  and worthy of our respect ...

  Teleport (do not walk) back to Epirus, and give the Medicinal Supplies to
  Pisistratus, who mourns Admetus' passing, and gives thanks for your having
  return the supplies to him by giving you 65000 Gold and 32000 XP, together
  with the completion of this side quest.

  ===================
  THE ENEMY'S CAPTAIN
  ===================

  Do you recall Pythes' having spoken to us about Proseia ?  The Captain of
  the Forces leading the assault on the City of Paseron ?  Well it's time to
  pay that BITCH a little visit - SINISTER style ;)

  Teleport back from Epirus to Admetus, whom we can no longer speak with, and
  head from him south-east, up and then down the first set of steps.  From
  here turn and head north-east down two small flights of steps, and then
  keep going north-east until you cannot go any further, your path being
  blocked by loads of rubble.

  From here turn and head south-east, and assist the Paseron City Guard in
  their battle at the archway with the Keres.  After the Keres here have
  fallen, head north-east through the archway, and into a large amphitheatre.

  From here, head north-east under the archway and up to the rebirth
  fountain, which you should of course activate.

  Continue north-east past the rebirth fountain, and when you can go no
  further north-east, turn and head north-west up the stairs nearby.  Then
  turn and head south-west, and then north-west again once the opportunity
  presents itself.

  Once you reach the small courtyard with steps leading south-west, north-
  west and north-east, take the steps to the south-west, and keep heading
  west-south-west down the stairs, past the Paseron City Guard who are doing
  battle with the Keres and Empusa (help them if you feel so minded - I
  would as it's always good to have LIVING allies on-side), and take note of
  the yellow icon with the black exclamation mark inside which denotes
  Proseia the Daemon Captain, on your compass.

  To do battle with Proseia, simply head west into the courtyard and she
  will oblige you !!

  ========================
  PROSEIA - DAEMON CAPTAIN
  ========================

  Proseia is an Empusa Soul Carver, so expect a LOT of spirit attacks from
  her.  She is far from the most dangerous opponent you will have faced
  thusfar in your campaign, however, and should fall reasonably easily.

  Her primary attacks are :-

     > Spirit Projectile
     > Circle of Power (which will do LOTS of damage to you VERY quickly,
                        so be somewhere else when she casts this !!).

  Once Proseia has fallen, teleport back to Epirus and speak with Pythes who
  will grimly assess the situation, and say that even though the situation
  remains grim, with Proseia dead, their chances at retaking what is theirs
  by rights have improved.  He gives you a random magical weapon (I got a
  random yellow weapon), and 32000 XP (together with the completion of this
  side quest).

  Teleport back to Proseia and head over the stone bridge and out into the
  Paseron Outskirts.  From here, head a short ways along the path to find
  and activate the rebirth fountain, and then simply follow the main path
  as it leads north-west and then takes a sharp turn to go north-east and
  into the Pindos Mountains.

  Follow the path down the long set of steps into the Passage of Souls,
  and descend down, down, down into

  ==================
  HADES - DARK GROVE
  ==================

  So THIS is what Hades is like ... hey !  LOVING those purple flowers by
  the way !!

  Not bad at all ... a bit dark and ... well ... it IS the Land of the Dead
  I suppose =./

  Ho-hum !! =)

  Head from the stairs north-west and up to the rebirth fountain, and please
  take note that rebirth fountains in Hades do NOT look like they do in the
  Land of the Living ;)

  From the rebirth fountain, head due north and through the two torches,
  which will light up blue as you pass (COOL !!).

  From the torches, head north-east and keep going north-east until you
  reach the River Styx, which automatically updates the Main Quest - "The
  Road to Hades".

  ==============
  THE RIVER STYX
  ==============

  Definitely one of the MAJOR points of interest for me as a boy when I was
  studying Greek Mythology at primary school was the River Styx.  It
  FASCINATED me !!

  * There is a rebirth fountain at the River Styx
  * There is a Portal Shrine at the River Styx

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  UCALEGON - Shade who seems rather confused that nobody has come to ferry
           them over the River Styx.  He doesn't know whether they should try
           and make their own way across, or whether the Ferryman should be
           coming back or what ... =./
  VETTIAS - Storyteller Shade who stands on Charon's Dock, and tells you the
           tale of King Sisyphus who did everything he could to get back out
           of Hades.  Sisyphus was wise and cunning, but SERIOUSLY annoyed
           Zeus, who sent Hades to take him to the underworld.  Hades arrived
           with menacles, and Sisyphus asked him how they worked, so Hades
           put them on, and Sisyphus locked them !!  For days nobody could
           die, until Ares showed up to help Hades out.  Sisyphus asked his
           wife NOT to bury him, so that when he arrived at Hades, he was
           able to speak with Persephone, and beg to be returned to the Lands
           of the Living that he might be buried properly.  Ultimately the
           Gods grew EXTREMELY weary of his treachery, and sent Hermes after
           him to bring him back to Hades, where as punishment for his
           tricks, he was to push a boulder up a ramp over and over and over,
           only to have it roll back down again once he had done.
           Interestingly, I thought Sisyphus was actually cast into Tartarus
           to perform this task, but it is of little consequence to the tale.
  GLAUCON - Shade who says that it is wrong that he should have to wait here
          with the rest of this shade rabble (RABBLE ??), and who DEMANDS
          that you venture off to find Charon and compel him to do his job.
          WTF !?!?!  We ought to kick this MUPPET into the River ourselves !!
  KLEIO - Shade that is sad because she won't get to see her husband or nine
          children unless she is ferried across the River Styx, and into
          Hades.


  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  ARCHETIMAS - Confused Shade who asks whether you know where Charon has
           gone, or how to row the boat in his absence.  He says he and his
           fellow shades want to cross the River Styx, but they have no means
           to do so without Charon (the Ferryman).  He updates the "Road to
           Hades" Main Quest.
  ANTIGENES - Shade who says that they do not know what to do, as Charon has
           abandoned his post at the boat, and left them with no way to cross
           the River Styx !  Hipparchus, one of the shades who was here,
           tried to gather together a crew to main the boat, but he was taken
           away by the ever-mysterious "them" ... and now nobody else has
           even tried to row the boat.  He gives you the "One Who Would Lead"
           Side Quest.
  COPREUS - Hunter Shade who informs you that he has seen a Beast in the
           Stygian Marsh that devours shades whole !!  He says that it dwells
           in the waters of the river, and has started to come ashore,
           emboldened by the large numbers of shades passing through and into
           Hades.  He says he would have fought the beast himself, as in life
           he was a capable hunter, but he has not got the necessary weaponry
           to be able to do so here in the afterlife.  He gives you the
           "Stygian Lurker" Side Quest.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  None.

  ==========================
  QUESTS FROM THE RIVER STYX
  ==========================

  ==================
  ONE WHO WOULD LEAD
  ==================

  Head east-south-east of Copreus the Hunter Shade, and through the two
  torches.

  Stay on the dirt path (which you will see easier on the compass than the
  main screen), and follow it south-east, and then sharply north-west up the
  very well carved stairs and onto the Shrine of the Golden Bough.

  From entering the Shrine, turn and head south-east, and then descend the
  steps leading south-east, through the two torches and back down to the
  River Styx.

  Head to the east, and follow the shoreline of the River Styx southwards,
  coming slightly inland and down to the rebirth fountain.

  From there, head south-west and into a large Pale Formicid Encampment,
  slaying ALL the Pale Formicid you encounter there, and heading over to
  a prison made of bone in the south-western corner, wherein Hipparchus is
  contained.  BEWARE, however, as Hipparchus is protected by Orok
  Skullcracker - a Troglodyte Hero of considerable power, who is standing
  under the covered hut just to the north-east of Hipparchus.

  =================
  OROK SKULLCRACKER
  =================

  Orok Skullcracker is a tough mutha, who moves fast for a Troglodyte, and
  whom is, I believe, a Master of the Rogue School of Training.

  His primary attacks are as follows :-

     > Calculated Strike - makes a large green tear on-screen, which I take
                           to be the onset of poison damage.
     > Earthquake - small radius but good damage, plus it can stun you
     > Hammer Strike - a blow with a lightning-enchanted hammer

  Once Orok Skullcracker falls, Hipparchus - the Stalwart Shade - is
  automatically released from his imprisonment, and you should nip down to
  where he was (as he will stand around just outside his prison) and speak
  with him, to learn that he is not content to just be freed himself - NO !
  He wants to make the way to Hades safe once again for ALL shades (bravo my
  good man, bravo).  He wants you to travel on and wrestle Charon's Oar from
  the Ferryman, and return it to him at Charon's Dock by the River Styx, so
  that he can pilot the boat himself, and take the shades that are waiting
  to cross the river there, to Hades itself.

  He updates the "One Who Would Lead" Side Quest for you, and you should now
  make your way east-south-east, and keep heading in that direction until
  you can go no further.  You may have to go north and south a little to GET
  to that point, but you will at last come to a totally impassable wall that
  spans the entire eastern direction, north and south.

  Follow the wall as it leads northwards, and you will reach the Unfinished
  Bridge.

  As you approach the bridge the "Road to Hades" Main Quest is automatically
  updated, and Charon calls out to you, telling you that you should leave
  NOW, or be destroyed.

  Get ready - this is going to be a tough boss fight !!

  =============================
  CHARON - FERRYMAN OF THE STYX
  =============================

  First of all, this is a lock-in fight, and one with a really rather
  irritating glitch at that.  SAVE THE GAME BEFORE YOU FIGHT CHARON PLEASE.

  To activate the boss fight, just head to the north-east, over the
  unfinished bridge, and Charon will seal the way south-west from you, so
  that retreat becomes impossible.  HOW does he do this ?  Well he IS the
  Ferryman of the River Styx mes amis - he simply raises a gigantic wall
  of water behind you of course !!

  Charon attacks in two forms - first of all as a hooded man, and then once
  that form has been destroyed, in his true form.

  Charon's attacks whilst in his Hooded Man Form are as follows :-

     > Ball of Water - He gesticulates with his right hand, and a ball of
                       water arises from the river (it can come from either
                       side), and drops itself down onto your location.
                       Keep moving around to avoid being smacked by these
                       balls.
     > Oar Strike    - He can mallet you upside the head with his oar.
     > Summon 2 Fallen Shades Warriors - Charon can cause a ball of water to
                       rise from the river and be dashed to the ground on the
                       bridge, causing two Fallen Shade Warriors to arise and
                       do his bidding.
     > Rising River  - If he says "River ... RISE !!" and raises his oar
                       above his head ?  Then avoid stepping on any
                       uncompleted area of the bridge, as it stands a chance
                       of a pillar of water rushing through it, high into the
                       air.

  Once you have destroyed Charon's Hooded Man Form, he takes his true form,
  which is that of a winged old man, the Oar still in his grasp.

  Charon's attacks whilst in his Winged Form are as follows :-

     > Ball of Water - As with his previous power.
     > Tidal Wave    - With a mighty flap of his wings, he causes what is
                       at first a small wave to start to move towards you
                       across the bridge.  This wave will expand the closer
                       it gets to you, so move as rapidly to either side of
                       the bridge and as far away from it as you can.  If
                       the Tidal Wave hits you, it will slow you down for a
                       time.
     > Piledriver    - He rises up into the air and then slams his Oar down
                       into the bridge, causing a circular ripple of water
                       to pour forth from the point of impact.  If you see
                       him dart up into the air, fall back.
     > Rising River  - As with his previous power - however this time he
                       doesn't give you the "River ... RISE !!" warning - he
                       just lets rip !!

  Charon is my favourite character from Greek Mythology - he ROCKS !!  I have
  always found the depictions of him as this skeletal character standing
  quietly on his boat, never saying anything - just taking payment and
  ferrying the souls of the dead over the River Styx - to be a really
  striking image.  I am pleased with the way in which he has been depicted
  in Titan Quest: Immortal Throne, as the game's designers have not made
  any effort to cheese him up - he is very reasonably portrayed (although
  I'm not entirely convinced by the wings !!).

  Charon cannot come back all the way to the entrance of the bridge, so you
  can dizzy him - however it is hard to do so, as he has so many attacks
  that he can hit you with.  Your best bet is to stick and move down by the
  entrance to the bridge - NEVER set foot on the uncompleted sections of
  the bridge, and keep moving about to avoid his projectiles.

  The glitch of which I spoke earlier is that if you die whilst fighting
  Charon you will, of course, be resurrected at the rebirth fountain -
  however unlike other boss fights, Charon does not let the door reopen to
  allow you another crack at him - the wall of water he raised to keep you
  IN when you first stepped onto the bridge to fight him is now keeping you
  OUT !!

  If anybody that reads this has come up with a fancy way of getting around
  it I would love to hear it - I wound up running a trainer and using the
  teleport function that comes with it to teleport back through the wall of
  water, so that I could do battle with him again !!  *sigh*

  I do know that if you save the game and exit and then reload it, the wall
  of water has dissipated, but you will only get one more crack at Charon
  before the same glitch will hit you again !!

                                ============
                                HELPFUL HINT
                                ============

  Whilst it didn't work for me, I have received word from Don Korrecta (aka
  draktrax), who confirms that on HIS playthrough the game, he was able to
  get Charon's Wall of Water to come back down by simply striking it with
  his sword ... so that might work for you.  Didn't for me, but it might
  work for you =)  Thanks draktrax !! =)

                                  ---------

  It is nigh on impossible to dupe Charon into coming into combat range
  before he raises the wall of water - he is too far along the bridge =./

  Just be EXTREMELY careful when you face him, k ??

  When he has fallen, take his Oar to update the "One Who Would Lead" Side
  Quest, open his Essence, and then head over the bridge to the north-east,
  activate the rebirth fountain, speak with Tiresias the Projection to learn
  that Elysium itself seems to be under attack (and to earn yourself an
  update to the main quest - "Judgment of the Living" together with 25000 XP
  and the full restoration of your health and energy, and then FINALLY
  teleport back to the River Styx, and give Charon's Oar to Hipparchus.

  Hipparchus will reward you with a random essence, and 40000 XP.  This will
  complete the Side Quest.

  ==================
  THE STYGIAN LURKER
  ==================

  We shall come to deal with this foul beast in the fullness of time my
  friends ... oh yes, we shall ;)

  =====================================
  SECTION 4.19 - JUDGMENT OF THE LIVING
  =====================================

  From Tiresias, head north-west a few steps, and then hug the north-western
  wall and follow it north-east, and then north-west, and then finally north-
  east again, before descending down and into the Stygian Marsh.

  BEWARE THE KARKINOS SAND RUNNERS - they are RIFE in this area !!

  Head north and under the bridge, hugging the right-hand side to activate
  the rebirth fountain, and then follow the western mass of rock around to
  the west, and then up the stairs leading south-west, through the two
  torches.

  Proceed eastwards, and over the bridge and past the rebirth fountain that
  you just activated.  Keep going eastwards, down the stairs.  You can even
  free the trapped shades from their prisons as you go if you like :)

  Head north, then east and under the bridge, and keep going east, hugging
  the southern rockface, to take the steps leading up and south-west, when
  the opportunity presents itself, through the two torches.

  Keep going west now, and then take the bridge leading north-west and
  through the two torches.

  Head west and then north, down another flight of stairs between two torches,
  and past a rebirth fountain.

  ==================
  THE STYGIAN LURKER
  ==================

  Proceed north-west, and keep going until you find a set of stairs.  Instead
  of taking the stairs, however, head to the north-east of them by going
  west of them, and there, amongst the bones and littered corpses of his
  previous ... visitors ... you will do battle with ...

  =====================================
  SHADE FEASTER - STYGIAN HYDRADON HERO
  =====================================

  Shade Feaster is a NAUGHTY naughty boy.  He gobbles up poor unsuspecting
  shades WHOLE, and deserves to be given the SMACKDOWN.

  He is a larger, blue version of a standard Hydradon, and FAR from tough
  to defeat you will I am sure be glad to learn.

  His primary attacks are :-

     > Left-hand claw strike
     > Right-hand claw strike
     > Bite
     > Breathe Flame

  He cannot go further than a certain distance from his starting point, and
  is easily dizzied.  This should be a DECEPTIVELY easy fight !!

  Once Shade Feaster has fallen, you are rewarded with 35000 XP and a
  WHOPPING +4 to your Strength, Intelligence and Dexterity !!  RESULT !!

  ============================================
  SECTION 4.19 - JUDGMENT OF THE LIVING CONT'D
  ============================================

  From Shade Feaster, head south-west and then up the stairs to the north,
  following the path from the top of the stairs south-east, and then taking
  the bridge that leads to the east.  Keep going to the south-east, and then
  take either of the two sets of stairs leading down to the north-east,
  to enter the City of Lost Souls.

  Activate the rebirth fountain by the northernmost set of stairs, and then
  head north, through the archway and into the foreboding structure ahead
  of you.

  Head north-east, down the stairs and then north-east and finally south-
  east to exit the structure, and step out into the Upper City of Lost Souls.

  As soon as you enter this area, you SHOULD find that the rebirth fountain
  nearby automatically activates - if it does not, help it out, before
  crossing the bridge that leads north-east and following the path that goes
  on from there to the south-east, taking the SECOND set of stairs that go
  up and north-east, and then following the next set of stairs north-west,
  before crossing the long bridge heading north-east.

  Activate the rebirth fountain, and then head east and into the structure
  nearby.

  From entering this building, head north-west until you reach the north-
  western wall, and then follow it north-east to take the stairs on leading
  down and north-west.

  In this next room, simply keep heading south-west until you exit the
  structure, and come out in the Lower City of Lost Souls.

  Follow the path to the south-east, under the bridge, slaying the large
  numbers of Troglodytes as you go, past the statues (the path will curve
  so that it eventually winds up going due south), and into the archway
  marked "Tomb Entrance" on your compass - it is in the wall to the west
  of you just after your fight with the Empusa Venomancers in this canyon.

  Once you enter this tomb, head north-west, and keep going north-west until
  you encounter a shade named Aristonymus, who speaks to you of Hades' VAST
  wealth, and how the bulk of it lies just beyond the doorway to your north-
  west !!!  Unfortunately the door is HEAVILY protected.  He gives you the
  "Hades' Treasury" Side Quest.

  ===============
  HADES' TREASURY
  ===============

  In order to gain access to this treasury, you will need to obtain FOUR
  keys, each of which is protected by a guardian.  Since you cannot rush
  your encounters with these four guardians, I shall refer back to this
  side quest whenever you are about to find a guardian, and remind you
  what it's all in aid of ;)

  For your information, the four generals you need to find, and the keys
  they hold, are as follows :-

  1)  Thyia of the Stygian Frosts, who holds the Frost Stone
  2)  Canace the Serpent Queen, who holds the Venom Stone
  3)  Metriche, who holds the Flame Stone; and
  4)

  ============================================
  SECTION 4.19 - JUDGMENT OF THE LIVING CONT'D
  ============================================

  Exit the chamber Aristonymus is standing in by heading south-east, and
  when you get back to the Lower City of Lost Souls, head east and then up
  the S-shaped set of stairs leading northwards.

  Enter the structure to your north and you will find yourself in

  ============================
  THE UPPER CITY OF LOST SOULS
  ============================

  * There is a rebirth fountain in the Upper City of Lost Souls
  * There is a Portal Shrine in the Upper City of Lost Souls

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  HYLAS - Shade who tells you that things have been really weird in these
           parts recently ... first Charon goes missing, then the Judges stop
           judging ... then new breeds of Daemon start marching through their
           lands ... he just can't fathom where they are going ...
  MARPESSA - Shade that tells you how the shades that inhabit the City of
           Lost Souls were deemed by the judges to be neither pure enough for
           Elysium, nor evil enough for Tartarus.  She is perplexed that even
           in their state of comparative peace and tranquility, they are now
           beset by shades running around with sword and shield trying to be
           the big heroes *wooooo*
  NOEMON - Ancient Shade who recounts what it was like when Odysseus first
           came to these parts.  He wonders whether you are like that great
           hero was.
  AMATHEA - Shade who explains to you that the City of Lost Souls is where
           every shade must travel in order to venture beyond and reach the
           Tower of Judgment.  It is in that Tower that they are judged, with
           the wicked being sent to Tartarus, and then great going to
           Elysium.  All those that fail to go either way, return here.

  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  LEDA - Priestess Shade who recounts the tale of how before the Great War
           between Gods and Titans, Zeus got into a quarrel with a Titan, and
           threw a thunderbolt at him which hit him so hard he was reduced to
           ash.  Prometheus took the ash and made the first humans from it,
           placing the remainder into a sacred urn which has resided in the
           Underworld, under the watch of a powerful guardian, for aeons.
           Leda says that if you return the ashes to her, she will be able
           to bestow upon you SOME of the power of the original titan.
           She gives you the "Dust of a Titan" Side Quest.
  EURYDICE - Shade that is pining for her beloved Orpheus.  She says that
           if you were to find her the Mirror of Psyche, which can be found
           in the Cave of Whispers, she would be able to gaze upon his face
           again ... and I'm guessing that would make her happy ;)  She gives
           you the "Eurydice and Orpheus" Side Quest.
  CALLICRATES - Scoundrel Shade.  Ah so it appears we have scoundrels in the
           afterlife as well eh !!  Fair enough.  Callicrates wants you to
           do him and the order he represents a small favour.  He wants you
           to destroy a Daemon Caravan of supplies in the Salt Flats, as it
           would prove a serious blow to the Daemon Forces.  He gives you the
           "An Invitation" Side Quest.
  PHYLEIDES - Noble Shade who says that, whilst he has TRIED to get to the
           Elysian Fields, only those who are judged worthy by the three
           Judges are allowed to pass there.  He updates the Main Quest for
           you.
  OENOBIUS - Priestly Shade who tells you that he and his fellow shades did
           TRY and tell the living what was happening here in the Underworld,
           but that their cries fell on deaf ears.  One of the first targets
           the Daemons hit when they began their assault was the sacred
           structure known as the Necromanteion - an Oracle structure, and
           the only way for the shades to communicate with their descendants
           in the Lands of the Living.  Without being able to regain control
           of the Necromanteion, the shades will not be able to warn the
           living of the attack force that is building up against them, here
           in the Underworld.
           He gives you the "Necromanteion" Side Quest.
  PYLADES - Rough Shade that you can only speak to after completing the
           "An Invitation" Side Quest for Callicrates.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  CODROS    - Enchanter
  HOREMWIA  - Caravan Driver
  LASTHENES - Mystic
  OROITES   - Blacksmith
  EPIZELOS  - Arcanist

  ========================================
  QUESTS FROM THE UPPER CITY OF LOST SOULS
  ========================================

  ============================================
  SECTION 4.19 - JUDGMENT OF THE LIVING CONT'D
  ============================================

  Leave the Upper City of Lost Souls via the archway in the north-eastern
  wall just south of Pylades the Rough Shade, and you will step out onto the
  Plains of Judgment.  Activate the rebirth fountain nearby.

  There are three shades in the immediate area that you can speak with if
  you fancy it :-

     1)  Lysikles - a Shade who says that there is nothing good for you OR
                    him in the Tower, and that he would stay clear of it if
                    he were you.
     2)  LAMI - a Shade who speaks ill of Aristonymus.  Apparently he says
                    that he was once a minor, but she swears he has never
                    wielded a pick in his life.  She says he was nothing more
                    than a jewel thief in life, and that he continues to be
                    one in death; and
     3)  TROPHIMUS - a Skulking Shade that seems to almost WANT to be found
                    by the Daemons ... what a FREAKLIN !?!?!

  Head off to the north-east, and straight into your first encounter with
  some new enemies ... the Furies.

  ======
  FURIES
  ======

  Furies come in two MAIN varieties - Howlers, and their more powerful
  cousins the Matriarchs.

  They look like big bats.  Howlers attack by flapping their wings and trying
  to scratch you with their clawed feet, whereas Matriarchs can cast a wall
  of sound at you, which ripples towards you very much like Charon's Tidal
  Wave ability, aside from the fact that whilst THAT did a lot of damage to
  you, THIS simply stuns you for a fair few seconds, making you reasonably
  easy pickings for larger groups of monsters.

  =============
  AN INVITATION
  =============

  Head north-east of the Furies, and then turn and head north-west and into
  the Salt Flats.  You will be assailed by another new type of enemy - the
  Odontotyrannus, which will come at you as either Brutes (the smaller, red
  versions of this HUGE hulking monster), or as Behemoths (the larger, orange
  and yellow varieties).
  To be honest these guys AREN'T much to write home about - they are just
  very strong and very slow.  They have no ranged attacks per se, so you can
  skirmish them to death with comparative ease EVERY time.

  Head north-west from where you enter the salt flats (veering to the left
  when you hit the rocky outcroppings), and you will come to a set of THREE
  caravans with auras around them.

  These are the THREE (NOT one as we had been led to believe) caravans that
  Callicrates wants us to destroy so that his big brash message can be sent
  to the Daemons loud and clear.

  UNfortunately what he forgot to mention is that they are guarded.  WELL
  guarded to be truthful.  As soon as you have destroyed the first caravan
  you will be ambushed by a group of four Machae Wardens (VERY fast moving,
  pike-wielding Daemon Warriors) from the Tent in the centre of this
  clearing.

  My advice would be to destroy the first caravan from afar and then LEG IT
  back away from the Machae, as they will only travel so far and then turn
  and return to their tent - however they are almost guaranteed to be much,
  MUCH faster than you are, and so even skirmishing them there is a good
  chance that they will catch up with you.

  They cannot travel as far as the exit to the Salt Flats (from whence you
  just came).

  Once the Caravans have been destroyed, teleport (don't walk) back to the
  Upper City of Lost Souls and speak with Callicrates to earn a random
  magical item (I got a random yellow jewel), 25000 XP and a further side
  quest - "An Inside Source" - a mission whereby Callicrates asks you to go
  and speak with his associate Pylades, whom (if he deems you worthy) it
  transpires might introduce you to their insider in the Daemon Camp - a
  double-dealing Daemon named Keuthonymos.

  ================
  AN INSIDE SOURCE
  ================

  Head to the exit of the Upper City of Lost Souls - the one that takes you
  out onto the slope which heads down to the Salt Flats - and speak with
  Pylades, who is just to the north thereof.

  Pylades will tell you that he does not share Callicrates' ideals, but that
  if you want to help them out, you may go and speak with Keuthonymos.  He
  says you will be able to find him in the Lower Daemon Camp, and that he
  should be easy enough to spot.

  Teleport back to the Salt Flats, and head north, then north-east and
  finally north again (when the opportunity presents itself) so that you can
  head up the very well carved stairs leading northwards between the two
  torches, and into the Hecatean Agora.

  Head up the stairs to the south-west, and then follow the Hecatean Agora's
  path as it goes south-west, north-west, north-east, north-west, and down
  a set of steps to a rebirth fountain.

  You should see a yellow circle with a black exclamation mark in it on your
  compass.  This denotes a sub-boss that you will be fighting in a little
  while - Kondor the Mighty (he's a Troglodyte).  Since we are not
  technically due to encounter him quite yet, there are two ways to deal
  with him.  You can either pick him off with magic and other ranged attacks
  from the Salt Flats NOW, or you can wait until you fight him face-to-face
  LATER.

  If you want to slay him now, head due north-west of the rebirth fountain
  and keep firing up at him from the Salt Flats - he kinda hovers around
  the ledge above you.

  If you would rather wait and go hand-to-hand with him (which is what I am
  going to do for this guide), head north-west of the rebirth fountain, and
  then south-west, and up the slope that leads to the north-west and through
  the two torches, to enter the Lower Daemon Camp.

  As soon as you enter the Lower Daemon Camp, head due west, and you will
  find Keuthonymos - the Neutral Daemon - standing by a few tents.

  Speak with him and he will tell you what he wants you to do for him.  It
  transpires that there is an envoy who is carrying a message for Proseia
  in the Overworld ... ((( didn't we already kill her ?  I guess the envoy
  doesn't know that yet !! ))).  He says the envoy is en route to the Daemon
  Army Camp, and you should be able to intercept it in the Vale of Mourning.
  If you kill the envoy and return to speak with Keuthonymos, your quest will
  be completed.

  ==========================
  HADES' TREASURY - PART ONE
  ==========================

  If you travel to the north-east of Keuthonymos, you will find the first of
  the four key guardians - Thyia of the Stygian Frosts.  She is an Empusa
  Stygian Frost, with the following primary attacks :-

     > Rapid-fire Frost Projectile
     > Freezing Ball - an orb which she lobs at you which will freeze you on
                       the spot for a few seconds, as per the Freeze Spell.

  She isn't THAT tough - just despatch her company of Empusa Venomancers, and
  then focus all your attacks on her, and she will fall quite well.  She is
  also in a rather difficult position to strike you in at the outset, as she
  is in an encampment that is hard for her to aim out of.

  Once she has fallen, she will drop the Frost Stone, which you should pick
  up and deposit with a Caravan Driver next time you are in a town.

  =======================
  AN INSIDE SOURCE CONT'D
  =======================

  Head north-east of where you fought Thyia, and you will encounter first two
  fire traps - and then if you keep heading north-east, down the slope and
  past the caravans that lie before you, you will find Kondor the Mighty.

  Kondor the Mighty is a rather large Troglodyte, who is both swift and
  powerful, and who has the following main attacks :-

     > Hammer strike
     > Flame Surge
     > Earthquake - stomps on the ground and sends out a shockwave within
                    a small radius - stuns you if you are caught in it

  He is, as I have said before, very quick on his feet for a Troglodyte, and
  so you would do well to keep THAT in mind at all times when fighting him.

  Once he has died, take out the rest of his entourage, and then free the
  shades in the area where he was waiting for you, to find two of note :-

     Andocides - Mad Shade who prattles on about how evil it is that the
                 Judges are refusing to do their jobs and how you must find
                 them; and
     Admetus !!  Releasing Admetus from his imprisonment earns you the
  "Admetus Among the Dead" Side Quest, with instructions for you to speak
  with Admetus to find out what the hell is going on ...

  ======================
  ADMETUS AMONG THE DEAD
  ======================

  Speak with Admetus and he will tell you that he actually came here to try
  and free the captured shades, but that he failed and was himself captured.
  He forlornly says that he has failed at EVERY attempt he has ever made to
  be heroic (I don't know as much m'boy !!), and that whilst he would dearly
  love to enter the Elysian Fields, he has thusfar been unsuccessful.

  He is of the belief that there is another chance for him, however.  He says
  that with the Tower of Judgment being overrun by Daemons and Fiends, he
  might have an opportunity to earn his spurs there - although he admits that
  at the present time he has done little to demonstrate it.

  He vows to repay your kindness in saving him.

  Head west of Admetus, up the slope, slaying the Jailers and freeing
  the trapped shades as you go.

  Follow the path (it shows up better on the compass than on the main screen),
  as it winds to the north-east, then the south-east, past a rebirth fountain
  to the north, and then north-east again.

  When you get to the caravans, turn and head north-north-west, up up and
  into the Cave of Whispers

  ====================
  EURYDICE AND ORPHEUS
  ====================

  From entering the Cave of Whispers, head due north-west, and keep hugging
  the western wall as it goes off on a side path, beside some cracked bone
  prisons, and around a large pile of rocks.  Beware the HUGE number of
  Albino Spiders that you will encounter in this cave, as whilst they may
  LOOK like peasy-ass white spiders, when they attack en masse they have the
  ability to generate an energy attack by pooling their energy (during this
  time a red energy band begins to connect a group of them together), and
  deliver a large blast of light green energy to your character, doing good
  damage, usually at critical times.

  The larger albino spiders - the Albino Spider Queens - also have the power
  to freeze you on the spot, making you easier pickings for them to attack as
  a group.

  Just keep hugging the western wall, and follow the path as it curves to
  the north-east.  Your target is the monster denoted on your compass -
  The Bloated One, and when you have cleared a path TO the Bloated One, you
  should enter into combat with it.

  =============================
  THE BLOATED ONE - SPIDER HERO
  =============================

  The Bloated One is, as its name suggests, a big fat bloated albino spider.
  I am not a huge fan of spiders, but this one in particular creeps me out.
  It is quick to move (it will almost CERTAINLY outpace you), strong, and
  has the following attacks :-

     > Summon a group of 6 albino spider minions
     > Web - freezes you on the spot for a few seconds
     > Bite
     > Leg Swipe

  The Albino Spider Minions which the Bloated One can summon are capable and
  VERY willing to do their group power blast projectile as well, so be
  careful of that - the RANGE on that thing is INSANE !!!!!

  Fortunately the Bloated One cannot venture too far from its starting point,
  so there is the opportunity to dizzy it - however PLEASE do not try and
  dizzy it by going anywhere other than back towards the exit from the Cave
  of Whispers, as it will easily be able to keep up with you if you venture
  further into the Cave.

  Once the Bloated One has fallen, head to behind where it was standing
  originally, and open the Demonic Chest to get the Mirror of Psyche.

  Teleport back to the Upper City of Lost Souls and give the Mirror of
  Psyche to Eurydice, and she will use the Mirror to divine that Orpheus is
  actually imprisoned !  It appears that Erato has cast him into a dark pit,
  where he is being watched over by some Cyclops.

  Eurydice uses the power of the mirror to open a passageway directly to
  Orpheus, and the door to the west of Eurydice swings open.  Head through
  the archway and pass through the mirror beyond, to enter a Small Rocky
  Cave.

  There is only one way to go in this cave - south-west, then north-west
  and finally north-east and into a chamber where Orpheus the FOP is being
  held captive in a cage, and TWO cyclops are standing guard.

  The cyclops - Brontes and Steropes - both have the same powers, with their
  main attacks being as follows :-

     > Bellow (as per Polyphemus back in Greece)
     > Stomp
     > Hammer Strike

  I would suggest NOT rushing into the chamber, but rather enticing them into
  combat with you one at a time.  Of course if you ARE feeling rather gung-ho
  (read: suicidal), then charging in all guns blazing is still an option !!

  Once Brontes and Steropes have fallen, head over to Orpheus and release
  him.  He says you will have to lead him back to Eurydice, but he actually
  then legs it without you ... however, as with the huddling survivors in
  the City of Paseron, he will only go so far without you, so do not try
  and outrace him to the mirror, as he will just stop and wait for you.

  Once Orpheus and Eurydice have been reunited, speak with them both.
  Orpheus (the Greatest Musician) tells of how the Muses took pity on him
  when they heard how sad his song was, and bade Erato visit him to give him
  solace and comfort ... however when he spurned the advances of the Goddess
  of Love Poetry, she got MASSIVELY hacked off with him, and had him thrown
  into a dark pit.  He is MOST grateful to have been released, and even
  though he is now a shade, and will never again see the living sun, he is
  beside himself with happiness to have been reunited with his beloved
  Eurydice.

  Eurydice is just happy to have her man back, and rewards you by completing
  this side quest, and giving you 34000 XP and a scroll in triplicate - I
  was given the Scroll of the Sky's Rage.

  =======================
  AN INSIDE SOURCE CONT'D
  =======================

  Once you have completed the Eurydice and Orpheus Side Quest, teleport
  back to the Cave of Whispers, and leave to return to the Upper Daemon
  Camp.  Head south-east, and when you come to the large track (best seen
  on your compass), follow it north-east and then, when you see the rebirth
  fountain ON your compass drawing near, nip to the south-east, activate
  the rebirth fountain, and keep going south-east and through the two
  torches.

  You are looking for a Machae Hero named Envoy Kor-Lhrut.  He will be
  situated somewhere in the encampment you enter just to the south-east
  of the torches.  He stalks pretty much the entire of the camp, and be
  forewarned he is NOT a nice man.

  =============================
  ENVOY KOR-LHRUT - MACHAE HERO
  =============================

  Envoy Kor-Lhrut is a Machae Warden.  He moves with grace and great speed,
  and is armed with a polearm and a shield.  He has two primary attacks,
  which are :-

     > Polearm Swipe
     > Screaming Strike - he hits you with his polearm, and a screaming
                          cone of energy echoes forth, very much like the
                          Cyclops' Bellow Power.

  Once Envoy Kor-Lhrut has fallen, take the Daemon Scroll which he drops, and
  run back to the Lower Daemon Camp to return it to Keuthonymos.  Once you
  do so, Keuthonymos will praise your skills, saying that the resistance will
  be able to use the information to raid another of the Daemon's Supply Lines
  AND that, even better, the information cannot be traced back to him, as it
  was intercepted by a MORTAL, and rewards you with a random essence, and
  34000 XP.

  =================
  THE NECROMANTEION
  =================

  Return now to where you fought Envoy Kor-Lhrut, and exit the encampment you
  found him in by the south, to enter the Vale of Mourning.

  The path through the Vale of Mourning leads south-east of Envoy Kor-Lhrut's
  encampment, and then east, up a hill through two torches, and finally south-
  south-east, down a looooooooong way up to a rebirth fountain and two
  torches, which you should go through to enter Erebus.

  In Greek Mythology, Erebus is that part of Hades through which all the dead
  must pass immediately after dying.  If you look closely as you are moving
  around it, you will see some of them bobbing up and down in the oily black
  waters ... niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice ...

  The quickest way to get through Erebus is like this :-

     RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN !!!!!  Ok ok I'm
     kidding.

     (From the rebirth fountain and two torches)

     > South-east
     > South-west
     > South-east
     > North-east and around the C-shaped structure
     > North-east
     > North-west and up the stairs leading north-east
     > North-west and up the stairs against the north-western wall

  Follow the pathway around to the north-west and then the north-east, killing
  the Empusa as you go, to enter the Necromanteion.

  The Necromanteion is a large multi-room structure - however I am going to
  dispense with a detailed blueprint of the layout, as there is only ONE thing
  you need to do here.  You need to find, and slay, the Bonescourge Soul-
  Feeder (basically a big skeletal dog - MUCH larger than the ones you faced
  in Egypt), as it is making a mess and being a nuisance, and its owner isn't
  cleaning up after it any longer.

  To find the Bonescourge, simply head north-east upon getting into the </pre><pre id="faqspan-9">
  Necromanteion, and you can't miss it !!!

  =========================
  BONESCOURGE - SOUL-FEEDER
  =========================

  My describing the Bonescourge as a big skeletal dog wasn't a random idea -
  it really IS a big skeletal dog.  It bounds after you at quite a pelt, and
  has all the regular dog-style attacks (apart from weeing on you).

  Its MAIN attacks are :-

     > Bite
     > Paw swipe
     > Soul Projectile - a reasonably quick straight-line projectile with
                         good accuracy.  My dog used to use his on me ALL
                         the time and it STINGS I'll tell you THAT for
                         nowt !!

  Once it has been destroyed, head to the north-eastern wall of this room,
  and find and speak with Podarge, the Temple Attendant.  She will thank
  you for having released the shades from the torment of this creature, which
  it transpires was consuming them as sacrifices at the hands of the Daemons
  that had taken over the Necromanteion - the PIGS !!

  She will reward your skill in combat by giving you a scroll in triplicate
  (mine was the Scroll of the Sky's Rage), and 34000 XP.  Leave this place
  once you are done.

  ============================================
  SECTION 4.19 - JUDGMENT OF THE LIVING CONT'D
  ============================================

  From the entrance to the Necromanteion, we now need to get out of Erebus,
  so to continue my brief directions :-

     (From the steps that lead you up from the north-western wall of Erebus
     to the pathway into the Necromanteion)

     > South-east, and up the stairs leading north-east
     > North-west, and down the stairs leading north-east
     > North-east (around the zig-zagged pond)
     > North-west and down the two sets of steps to the north-west

  Continue north-west until you head down a small slope up to a rebirth
  fountain, and into the Far Plains.

  ===================
  THE DUST OF A TITAN
  ===================

  From entering the Far Plains, head as far to the north-west as you can go.
  You will hit a rock face which looks back towards the Upper Daemon Camp.

  From there, head north-east and duck into the Deep Caverns which are on
  the northern rock wall.

  Inside the Deep Caverns, simply head north (around the gaping hole in the
  centre of the ground), and to the set of stairs leading down to the north-
  west, in the northernmost corner of the room.

  In the next room down there is one adversary, and he is

  =================================
  KROG THE TOOTHLESS - URN GUARDIAN
  =================================

  Yup - Krog the Toothless.  He is the protector of the ashes of the Titan
  that Leda told you about in the Upper City of Lost Souls, and it is HE that
  you must destroy to gain control over those sacred ashes.

  The EASIEST way to defeat Krog is to lure him to the bottom of the stairs,
  as he cannot climb them, and pelt him with projectiles.  However if you
  would rather be manly about it, then his primary attacks are as follows :-

     > Headbutt
     > Claw Strike
     > Earthquake - leaves a lightning aura around your head, and has a VERY
                    good range.

  Unfortunately for him, aside from having a large number of health points,
  Krog is neither overly intelligent NOR fast, and so poses only a modest
  threat to even a moderate-level hero.

  Once he has died, open up the mysterious urn he was guarding, and take the
  ashen powder.  Teleport back to the Upper City of Lost Souls, and give the
  powder to Leda, who will complete the side quest for you, and reward you
  with 2 Skill Points (BOSS !!!!!), and 34000 XP.  She says that she will
  keep just a pinch of the ashes for herself, and if the judges do not deem
  her spirit worthy of entering Elesium, she will use the ashes to regain her
  flesh, and return to the Lands of the Living.  Clever Girl !!

  ============================================
  SECTION 4.19 - JUDGMENT OF THE LIVING CONT'D
  ============================================

  Exit the Deep Caverns to get back to the Far Plains.  From the entrance to
  the Deep Caverns, head south a few steps, then north-east.  You will come
  to a point where a group of shades appear around you, and calmly begin
  walking to the north-east, up some steps.  Head in that direction - you
  don't have to be polite and wait for them - just barge them out of the
  way and move onward ;)

  You will enter the Dread Halls.

  Room-by-room, this is how to move through the Dread Halls :-

     (From entering the Dread Halls from the Far Plains)
     > North-west
     > North-east (since you can't head any further north-west as there is
                   a huge gap preventing it)
     > North-east (and into your first encounter with a new type of enemy -
                   the Epiales.  They are floating, poisonous creatures with
                   long tentacles that come at you as either the Slygoth (the
                   weaker variety), or as the Kalygoth (stronger, and with
                   the ability to throw out a number of poison bombs with a
                   delayed detonation - RUN FOR COVER as the poison cloud is
                   QUITE large).  The Epiales all release poison clouds when
                   they die ... and die they shall ;)
     > North-west
     > South-west
     > South-west and down the stairs in the north-western wall to the second
       level.

  On the second level, leave the building via the exit in the south-western
  wall, activating the rebirth fountain that is just outside, and entering
  the Dread Path.

  Simply walk to your west, and then into the next Dread Halls structure.

  In this SECOND structure, head :-

     (From entering the structure from the Dread Path)
     > North-west
     > North-west and down the stairs in the north-western wall to the second
       level

     (Then, on the second level)
     NB.  Beware the Skeleton Ambushes on this floor ;)
     > North-west
     > North-east, and down the stairs in the north-western wall to the third
       level

     (Then, on the third level)
     > North-west
     > North-east, and down the stairs in the north-eastern wall to the fourth
       level

     (Then, on the fourth level)
     > North-east, then north-west, and through the archway in the north-
       eastern wall to get back to the Dread Path, and the rebirth fountain
       and Portal Shrine that are there.  You can trade your goods with
       Scylas the Trader, who so very OBVIOUSLY has dealings with Daemons
       it's UNREAL !!

  Once you are done dealing with the traitorous trader Scylas, head down the
  path to the east of him, and down down and into the Tower of Judgment.

  =====================
  THE TOWER OF JUDGMENT
  =====================

  The Tower of Judgment is a multi-level structure, the clue to that being
  in the use of the word "tower", and we shall be entering it at the top,
  and working our way down to the bottom.

  It is in this structure that the Judges pass judgment on all shades that
  are looking to move on, and send them either to Elysium or Tartarus ...
  or, failing that, they just send them packing, back to one of the many
  other areas of Hades where you have seen shades wandering around.

  Unfortunately, of late it appears that the Judges have ceased judging,
  which has meant an ever-increasing number of shades are unable to enter
  either Elysium or Tartarus, and this is creating something of a bottleneck
  in the Underworld.

  We are here to find out what the HELL is going on, and to straighten out
  the Judges, that they might do their jobs again.

  From entering the Tower of Judgment I shall give you floor-by-floor
  instructions as to how quickest to move from the start to the exit, as
  well as anything that I think you might need, k ?

  So ... head north-east to get into the Tower proper, and gape in AWE at
  how cool the rock movement animation is.  I love it !! :)

  From the first proper room you enter ...

     > North-west via the door in the northernmost point (beside the gaping
       hole in the ground)
     > North-east
     > South-east
     > North-east through the two torches
     > Activate the rebirth fountain
     > Open the door in the north-western wall, and take it to go down to
       the Fifth Domain

  ============
  FIFTH DOMAIN
  ============

  From descending the stairs into the Fifth Domain ...

     > North-west
     > North-east
     > North-west and through the door in the north-western wall, TO the
       north-west
     > North-west and through the door in the north-eastern wall, TO the
       north-west
     > North-east
     > South-east
     > South-west
     > South-east and through the door in the north-eastern wall, TO the
       south-east
     > South-east and down the stairs in the south-eastern wall to enter
       the Fourth Domain.

  =============
  FOURTH DOMAIN
  =============

  In the Fourth Domain you will encounter another new type of enemy - the
  Melinoe.  Think of them as being very similar to the Maenad, except (as
  you have come to expect by now), stronger, quicker and tougher.  The
  Melinoe comprise Spear Runners (polearm-equipped warriors that charge you),
  Blood Acolytes (spellcasters who attack with blood projectiles from afar),
  and Blade Maidens (who are their most powerful units - VERY fast to enter
  hand-to-hand combat, and able to execute a spinning attack that hits
  multiple times, doing HUGE amounts of damage.  To make matters worse, all
  Blade Maidens are able to generate the Onslaught Power !!  Avoid these
  B!ATCHES like the plague !!

  So !!  From descending the stairs from the Fifth Domain ...

     > Activate the rebirth fountain
     > South-west
     > South-east
     > North-east
     > South-east
     > South-west
     > South-west
     > South-east
     > South-east

  ==========================
  HADES' TREASURY - PART TWO
  ==========================

  Remember this quest ?  Didn't think we'd forgotten about it, did you ?  Oh
  no ;)  You're going to encounter Canace the Serpent Queen - another Empusa
  Hero - in this room.  She holds the Venom Stone, being the second of the
  keys you need to unlock Hades' Treasury.

  She has two primary attacks - a poison projectile which she can only fire
  as a single-shot weapon, but of which the RATE of fire is really quite
  impressive, and the ability to create a small, focused cloud of poison at
  your feet.

  Once Canace has fallen, take the Venom Stone and place it in your
  inventory, and then continue onward.

     > North-west
     > South-west
     > North-west
     > North-west
     > North-east and down the stairs in the north-western wall to the Third
       Domain.

  ============
  THIRD DOMAIN
  ============

  From entering the Third Domain ...

     > North-west
     > North-west
     > North-west
     > North-east
     > South-east
     > South-east
     > North-east (you will first have to go south-east before you can get
       back up to the north-east - this room snakes around a large hole in
       its centre)
     > North-east
     > South-east
     > South-west
     > South-east
     > North-east and down the stairs to the Second Domain.

  =============
  SECOND DOMAIN
  =============

  Ok - before I get started I have to forewarn you that this Domain is a
  LARGE one, ok ?

  Righty-ho, let's go !!

  From entering the Third Domain ...

     > Activate the Rebirth Fountain
     > North-east
     > North-west
     > South-west
     > South-west
     > North-west
     > North-west
     > North-west
     > North-west
     > North-west
     > North-east
     > North-east
     > South-east
     > South-east
     > North-east (you will have to go south-east to get north-east, as just
       like the Fourth Domain, there is a large gap in this room that you
       will need to manoeuvre around)
     > North-west
     > North-east
     > South-east
     > South-east and down the stairs to get to the First Domain

  ============
  FIRST DOMAIN
  ============

  In the First Domain we are going to encounter a couple more new types of
  enemies - namely the Arch-Limos.  They are basically just super-powered
  Limos like you fought all the way back in Greece - however, they have
  either frost or fire powers (the Arch-Limos Frost Wardens and Arch-Limos
  Flame Wardens).  You might also find the occasional Bonescourges, such
  as the one you faced in the Necromanteion.

  From entering the First Domain ...

     > Activate the rebirth fountain
     > North-east
     > South-east
     > South-east
     > South-east and into the next room (you'll need to go across a small
       bridge to get there)
     > North-east (you'll need to go around an L-shaped wall to get there)
     > North-east (across a windy set of two bridges and an interconnecting
       mass of tile), and into the next room
     > North-east
     > South-east (up to the door behind which Admetus is standing)

  =============================
  ADMETUS AMONG THE DEAD CONT'D
  =============================

  Admetus - how the HELL did he get in hiar !?!?!  Head up to him and speak
  with him to have him open the door and let you in.  Admetus forewarns you
  that Cerberus has been turned from his true purpose, and directed to guard
  these very halls instead .......................................... sh!t.

  That ISN'T good news.

  Open the THREE Majestic Chests in the room with Admetus, take your fill,
  and we shall be on our way ...

     > North-west (from Admetus' room to the previous room)
     > North-west
     > Descend the stairs in the north-easternmost corner of this area (you
       will need to head south-west of the door, then over a small bridge,
       then to the south-west and then double-back on yourself and head
       north-east of the stairs that lead down to a figure eight indentation)
       to enter your boss fight with ...

  ==========================
  CERBERUS - WARDEN OF HADES
  ==========================

  Cerberus - the three-headed dog-guardian of the entrance to Hades - has
  been redirected to the Tower of Judgment, and told to prevent ANYBODY
  from directly communicating with the Judges.  He is a very loyal dog,
  which is going to make this a very tough fight indeed.

  Add to that the fact that the rebirth fountain is aaaaaaaaall the way back
  in the furthest corner of the floor above this one to where we are now, and
  the potential annoyance factor of this boss fight is increased DRAMATICALLY.

  It is for this reason that I have spent a LOT of time perfecting my biffest
  tactics to date.  These tactics are so biff that ANYBODY that sees you use
  them will IMMEDIATELY lose ALL respect for you (but it might be worth it
  just to see that dog DIE) !!

  All you have to do to beat Cerberus without using a single potion or power,
  is to lure him to the gate, and dizzy him.  It's THAT simple.  His fire
  breath will twist with him as he moves away from you to go back to his
  duties, and his poison projectiles are easily missed.  If you get locked
  in with him ?  You are going to die - it's pretty much that simple.  DO NOT
  GET LOCKED IN !!

  Of course if you choose NOT to heed my warning above, and to do the heroic
  thing, more power to you !!  YOU will need to know the following info :-

  Cerberus' primary attacks are ...

     > Triple-headed Bite - he bites you with all three heads at once !!
     > Triple-headed Poison Breath - Cerberus' three heads can breathe their
       toxic breath of death in sync !
     > Ley-lines - see those cracks in the ground in Cerberus' Room ?  Those
       are best thought of as energy lines.  Cerberus can howl, causing
       energy to course through the lines and do damage to anybody that is
       standing on them - much like Charon's power on the Unfinished Bridge.
     > Spit Poison Ball - a Ball of Poison which Cerberus lobs at you, and
       which remains on the floor for a little while.

  BAD dog ... that's a VERY bad dog.  If you choose not to use my biff-tactic
  for defeating Cerberus, then your best bet is to avoid getting too close
  to him wherever possible, as his bite and poison breath attacks will soon
  chomp you down to size.  ALWAYS avoid standing on the ley-lines, as those
  will sap health from you needlessly, and keep an eye out for the lobbed
  balls of poison he spits at you as you will want to avoid those.  Lure him
  AROUND the room to maximise the space you have available to manoeuvre in,
  and make sure you're packing a TONNE of health and energy potions.

  Best of luck !!

  Once Cerberus has ceased to be a problem, raid the three Primitive Chests,
  and the one Majestic Chest that are in the room, and move through the now-
  opened door in the north-eastern wall.

  Follow the path to the north-east, and then to the north, for your audience
  with the Judges.

  There are three Judges, and each will greet you separately as you enter
  their Hall of Judgment.

  They are, from left-to-right :-

     1)  Aeacus       - Judge of the Dead
     2)  Minos        - Judge of the Dead; and
     3)  Rhadamanthys - Judge of the Dead

  You must speak with Minos first, who tells you that when the rest of the
  Olympians fled, Hades refused to follow them, and elected to imprison the
  Judges here, before sending his armies to do battle with the forces in
  Elysium !

  Minos feels that the Elysian forces have no hope against the vast armies
  of Hades, and that they are fighting in the anticipation of YOUR arrival,
  as has been prophesised by Tiresias, the Blind Seer.  Minos judges you
  worthy of entering Elysium (cheers mate !!), and suggests you speak with
  Agamemnon - leader of the Elysian forces - upon your arrival there.

  Minos opens up the portal to his right - that which leads to Elysium and
  you will be rewarded with 34000 XP and a random Arcane Formula.

  Your main quest will also be updated to "The Battle for Elysium".

  You may remain and speak with Aeacus and Rhadamanthys if you like - Aeacus
  tells you that Hades offered them command over his armies, and their own
  kingdoms when his campaign was over if they helped him, but that they said
  no to him because they were once human men themselves.  He found new
  generals to replace them, and imprisoned the Judges in the Tower of
  Judgment for their defiance.

  Rhadamanthys says that Hades' Palace has become a factory from which Hades
  manufactures and churns out his army.  He says that Hades has defiled his
  own home in order to satisfy his insatiable greed.

  When you are done speaking with the Judges, head through the doorway they
  have created for you, to enter Elysium.

  =====================================
  SECTION 4.20 - THE BATTLE FOR ELYSIUM
  =====================================

  My my, isn't THIS beautiful !!

  Head up the stairs to the north-west, and speak with Tiresias the Blind
  Seer, who will tell you that he has foreseen your victory (basically),
  and VERY importantly, that no shade can enter the Palace of Hades without
  his permission.

  =======
  ELYSIUM
  =======

  * There is a rebirth fountain in Elysium
  * There is a Portal Shrine in Elysium

  =====================
  NON-QUEST INHABITANTS
  =====================

  HESIOD - Epic Poet who recounts how it was when he was a man, living at
           the foot of Mount Helicon in Boetia, that the Muses (the Nine)
           who live in the Mountains, saw fit to bless him with the gift of
           verse.
  POLYXEINUS - Hero who tells you of the Battle of Troy, and the ten long
           years it took to wage.  The Greeks were unable to breech the walls
           of Troy (walls built by Poseidon and Apollo), behind which King
           Priam's people remained.  However, Odysseus had a plan to get
           around this - and under his guidance, the Trojan Horse was built.
           They wheeled it up to the City of Troy, and left it there - a
           small army of Greece's finest warriors resting therein - for the
           Trojan Army to take the bait ... and they did !  They wheeled the
           horse inside.  The Greeks wait until nightfall, and then exit the
           Trojan Horse, slaying the guard and opening the gates for the
           invading Greeks to win the war.
  PHAEDRA - Minoan Princess that muses how, whilst the odds against them are
           indeed great, Elysium and its armies are comprised of the very
           finest warriors that the Lands of the Living have to offer.  Good
           point luv !!


  =================
  QUEST INHABITANTS
  =================

  TIRESIAS - Blind Seer who completes his prophesy for you.
  AGAMEMNON - King of the Mycenae, who says that whilst his armies are doing
           their best, and fighting very bravely against Hades' hordes, they
           cannot win the war, because they cannot enter his palace - hence
           their need for a living warrior to do so for them.  He says that
           yesterday his armies lost Pentheus and Lycurgus, and today Priam
           fell.  He directs you to find Odysseus and his platoon, as their
           guile has triumphed over brute force before, and Agamemnon
           believes they may be able to help you find a way into Hades'
           Palace.
  ADMETUS - Hero (who only appears after you have spoken with Agamemnon).
           So at last our dear friend Admetus DID get let into Elysium -
           CAPITAL :)  Speak with him to hear him say the rather apt words
           "we meet again, in the happiest of places and in the bitterest of
           times".  I think Admetus should have been the poet - Hesiod's not
           much cop !  Admetus will complete the "Admetus Among the Dead"
           Side Quest (at last), and give you 34000 XP for your troubles.

  ================================================
  MERCHANTS, ENCHANTERS, CARAVAN DRIVERS & MYSTICS
  ================================================

  PERIPHAS  - Arcanist
  MYDON     - Caravan Driver
  DOROS     - Blacksmith
  SORANUS   - Mystic
  HERMIPPOS - Enchanter

  ===================
  QUESTS FROM ELYSIUM
  ===================

  ======================
  THE BATTLE FOR ELYSIUM
  ======================

  Head through the beautiful gate to the north-west of Agamemnon (it will
  open automatically when you are done speaking with him), and then down
  the steps to the north-west, into the Aetolian Polis.

  Clear out the gardens of FILTH as you venture north-west and up the steps.
  At the top of the steps you will find Solon - a Warrior-Poet (with whom
  you do not need to speak, but who will tell you that the forces of Elysium
  CHOSE to fight in this war if you do), together with Alcinous the Hero,
  who tells you that the enemy have a weapon called a "Siege Strider" and
  that they are cutting down the Elysian warriors like chattel in the field
  of battle.  He asks you to destroy them if you can, and gives you the
  "Siege Striders" Side Quest.

  You can also speak with Nestor the Tactician, who will tell you that he
  has been forced to rely on messengers since his chariot was taken from
  him.  He says their flank is in danger of being overrun, and Ajax will
  need to adjust his forces accordingly.  He is happy to give you a messenger
  to take the message TO Ajax, but you will need to serve as his escort.

  With this, Nestor will give you the "Flight of the Messenger" Side Quest,
  and command over one of his messengers.  It is a good idea to speak with
  Nestor before proceeding, as even though I have no intention for us to
  do his quest before the Siege Striders (as that would be out of sync with
  the order we'll meet the enemies in), we can benefit from the additional
  firepower the Messenger brings with him.

  ==================
  THE SIEGE STRIDERS
  ==================

  Head down the stairs to the north-west, and into Aneslasia.  From here,
  we are going to DECIMATE the Siege Striders that are causing problems for
  the Elysian Forces.

  Since the Siege Striders are able to move (hence their being of some USE
  on the battlefield, I cannot give you precise directions as to how to get
  to them - however what I CAN tell you is that there are five of them,
  and that you will find their locations on your compass as each one is
  helpfully highlighted as a yellow circle with a black exclamation mark in
  it.

  Insofar as how best to deal with the Siege Striders in combat is concerned,
  you need to be aware of their two main attacks :-

     1) An orb of flame which they lob at you, and which does burn damage
        in an area on the ground; and
     2) A randomly-aimed set of fireballs which are thrown out by the Siege
        Strider, in an attempt to slay all enemies within a given radius -
        usually used by the Siege Strider when enemies start to get a bit
        too close for comfort.

  Once all five of the Siege Striders have been destroyed, return to Alcinous
  in the Aetolian Pass, and he will reward you with 35000 XP and FIVE copies
  of a random scroll (I was given the Scroll of the Crushing Vortex), plus
  the completion of this Side Quest.

  =======================
  FLIGHT OF THE MESSENGER
  =======================

  ==============
  IMPORTANT NOTE
  ==============

  Should Nestor's Messenger fall at any point during this mission, you will
  need to return to Nestor to pick up another.

  From Nestor, head down the stairs to the north-west, and follow the path
  to the north-west, and down the next set of stairs as well.

  If you look at your compass, you will see that the path now forks.  To the
  north-west, the path is a thick, white path - to the south-west, two lines
  like cart tracks.  Follow the path to the south-west, and keep following
  the cart tracks (for want of a better expression), and they will lead you
  to the Delian Meadows.

  Simply follow the path to the north of the Delian Meadows, and you will
  reach Ajax (and a very welcome rebirth fountain).  Speak with Ajax, and
  he will tell you that unfortunately he cannot comply with Nestor's wish,
  as he cannot spare the troops to support Menelaus, as he is having a tough-
  enough time keeping the monsters coming out of the nearby caves at bay.

  Ajax gives you a random magical item (I got a random green medallion), and
  35000 XP for having brought the Messenger to him.  He also gives you a
  new Side Quest - "The Achaean Pass".

  ================
  THE ACHAEAN PASS
  ================

  Ajax suggests you speak with Idomeneus to get given a small platoon of
  Elysian Soldiers to accompany you to Menelaus, where you might be able to
  do what Nestor has asked yourself.  He agrees with Nestor that the survival
  of the camp where Menelaus is camped out is CRITICAL to their war-effort.

  Head to the north of Ajax, making sure the rebirth fountain is activated,
  and speak with Idomeneus, who will give you control over a group of four
  Elysian Soldiers, all Archers, who are to accompany you on your quest to
  help Menelaus.

  Follow the path that leads to the north-west of Idomeneus, and then keep
  to the cart tracks as they go north-west, and up a long flight of stairs
  and into the Elysian Acropolis.

  You need to head north-west to the central circle in the gardens, and from
  there to the north-east, and upwards.  There will be a fork in the path,
  and it does not matter whether you go left or right, as both directions
  double-back on themselves to meet in another garden further up.

  From this garden, keep heading north-east, and up to the rebirth fountain.

  From the rebirth fountain, head north-west, up the stairs and to the
  Achaean Pass.

  When you reach the camp at the Achaean Pass, you will find Menelaus - the
  leader of the platoon that is trying to defend the camp here.  Do not speak
  to him until you are primed and ready to engage in a BIG boss fight, as
  his dialogue kicks it off.  He tells you that although he was wounded in
  the last attack on this camp, his men will fight to their deaths as long
  as the banner flies overhead.  He believes that your presence will serve
  to boost their morale.

  Once Menelaus has done speaking, a wave of enemies attempts to storm the
  camp.  There are three waves in total, attacking (as waves do) one after
  the next.  You will have to fight Empusa, Melinoe, Siege Striders and
  other nasty beasties in order to keep the camp secure.  My advice for
  this combat is to be reactive - see where the monsters seem to be doing
  better than the Elysian Army, and aid them there.  In doing this, you will
  keep Menelaus' forces alive longer, and give them the opportunity to heal-
  up a little bit.

  Once the three waves of enemies have been repelled, speak with Menelaus
  again to earn 35000 XP, and a random magical weapon (I got a random yellow
  weapon).

  ============================================
  SECTION 4.20 - THE BATTLE FOR ELYSIUM CONT'D
  ============================================

  Leave the Achaean Pass Camp and cross the stone bridge that leads to the
  north, to enter Celestia.

  Cross the bridge leading to the west, and then head north again and up
  the stairs that go to the north-west, to enter the Academy of Sophocles.

  Head north-west a few steps, and activate the rebirth fountain.  Then
  keep heading north-west, down the steps and into the Fields of the Diadochi
  which will serve as the site for one of the best battles in the game, I
  guarantee it !!

  Trundle off to the north-west, and you will see a HUGE purple wall of
  energy cutting into the field ahead of you.  Beyond this wall of energy
  are the mainstay of the forces of Hades, and our destiny mes amis.

  I am going to try and lead you on the most expedient route through Hades'
  forces, but it is a BIT of a rabbit warren in there, so if you get lost
  you might need to retrace your steps a bit (or just ignore me and wing
  it !!).

  Without entering the purple energy field, follow it westwards, and up a
  flight of steps.  Head due north a few paces and into the purple energy
  field, and you will see three brown wooden platforms on your map.  Follow
  the path to the west of the westernmost of the three, and head north-west
  on the path as it heads down a small slope, between two rocky walls.

  From there, head to the north, through two small encampments of monsters,
  and up onto the wooden scaffolding, at the top of which you should take
  the wooden bridge to the south-west.

  Head north-west at the intersection to enter the Philos Plateau, and keep
  going north-west, until you have to turn to the south-west again.

  Go south-west, and then north-west, then north-east and descend the wooden
  scaffolding to get back down to terra firma.

  ============================
  HADES' TREASURY - PART THREE
  ============================

  It is in this clearing that you will find the third of the key guardians -
  Metriche.  She is a Pyromancer Empusa who holds the Flame Stone.  As with
  Thyia and Canace, she is very close to the rest of her kin, with her two
  main attacks being :-

     > Flame Projectile (fired in a straight line); and
     > Flame Eruption (causes the ground under your feet to burst into flame).

  Metriche is quite a tough adversary, and killed me a couple of times before
  I got the better of her - however she isn't insurmountable by any means,
  and once she has fallen, pick up the Flame Stone that she was holding, and
  carry on.

  ============================================
  SECTION 4.20 - THE BATTLE FOR ELYSIUM CONT'D
  ============================================

  From the clearing where you fought Metriche, head north-east, and up the
  wooden scaffolding on that side of the camp.  On the top of the scaffold,
  head south-east, then south-west, south-east and north-east before
  descending to the ground once more.

  When you are back on the ground, head south-east, down the steps and up to
  the rebirth fountain (which you can see on your compass ahead of time).

  From the rebirth fountain head north-east and take out the Siege Striders.

  Continue east-north-east, and then finally north and up through the two
  torches ... haven't seen many of THOSE in a while have we !?!?!

  The path north takes you into the Eronian Highlands, and you should follow
  it up to the two traps (one on either side of the road), and then to the
  east, where you will find another rebirth fountain.

  From the rebirth fountain, head south-east, and focus on following this,
  the main path, to the exclusion of the camps to its south and north.  By
  this I mean you may have to clear out the camps on either side, but you
  should return to this, as it is the main path leading you through the
  Eronian Highlands.  This path goes south-east, then north-east, then east-
  south-east, to finally double-back on itself and turn and lead down a
  slope to the south-west, and into Argolis.

  As you enter Argolis, head south, hugging the eastern wall.  You will
  find Menestheus - King of Athens and his platoon doing battle to the
  west with a group of Melinoe, and a rebirth fountain to the east.

  Whilst the choice is entirely yours, I personally favouring heading to the
  east and activating the rebirth fountain before helping Menestheus and his
  group as that way, if you die, you will rematerialise closer and avoid
  the hassle of walking all that way again ;)

  Once Menestheus and his group have been liberated from their Melinoe
  assailants, speak with him and he will tell you that they are on a mission
  to create a diversion for Odysseus' platoon, by destroying an important
  Daemon as loudly and brashly as possible.  Her name is Leucothea, and she
  is a Melinoe Blood Queen who commands this area of the battlefield.

  Odysseus hopes that if her death is sufficiently attention-drawing, his
  troops will be able to sneak up to their position undetected by Hades'
  Forces.

  Menestheus would like you to lead the charge against Leucothea, and gives
  you the "A Noisy Diversion" Side Quest.

  =================
  A NOISY DIVERSION
  =================

  Menestheus assigns you SIX of his warriors - a mix of hand-to-hand and
  ranged - who will not wait for you - they will charge immediately to
  the south-east and then south, and run THROUGH the Melinoe warriors to do
  battle with Blood Queen Leucothea and her entourage.

  ====================================
  BLOOD QUEEN LEUCOTHEA - MELINOE HERO
  ====================================

  Blood Queen Leucothea is surprisingly cr@p to be honest.  She is just a
  taller and slightly more powerful version of a bog-standard Melinoe Blood
  Acolyte, with their standard powers, being :-

     > Staff-swipe
     > Blood Projectile - direct line but reasonably slow-moving
     > Blood Nova - decent radius blood aura that erupts on the ground and
                    bleeds you of your health to restore her own.

  Once she has fallen, open the Majestic Chest she was guarding, and then
  return to Menestheus for your reward - completion of the Side Quest and
  35000 XP.

  ============================================
  SECTION 4.20 - THE BATTLE FOR ELYSIUM CONT'D
  ============================================

  Head east of Menestheus and his platoon, through the two torches and down
  the steps to the rebirth fountain, which you should activate if you have
  not already done so.

  From there, head north and then follow the main path inbetween the various
  Machae, Melinoe and Troglodyte Encampments that leads to the north-east and
  then turns to go due east, up to Odysseus and his platoon.  Here you can
  speak with Eurylochus - a hero who tells you that they have learned that
  although he is able to create Daemons, Hades can only control them when
  they are within his own kingdom.  Therefore, in order to be able to retain
  control over his Daemons when they set foot upon the Living Lands, Hades
  has fashioned five Crystals - the Shards of Erebus - which enable him to
  control his forces in the Lands of the Living.  Eurylochus tells you that
  if you were able to destroy the five Shards of Erebus, Hades' power over
  his minions above would cease to have effect, and they would be like lambs
  to the slaughter for the living forces.  He then gives you the "Shards of
  Erebus" Side Quest.

  Speak then with Elpenor - another Hero who tells you that the replacement
  generals whom Hades empowered to lead his forces when the three Judges
  denied him are Machae under his command.  The Elysian Forces fear that
  even if the Shards of Erebus were to be destroyed, these three Machae
  would have leadership enough to be able to rally Hades' Forces, and control
  their campaign in Hades absence.  Therefore they must also be destroyed.
  Elpenor gives you the "Hades' Generals".  Speak with him again to learn
  the names of the three Generals :-

     1)  Dysnomion  - General of Nightmares
     2)  Makaria    - General of Wretched Death; and
     3)  Trophonios - General of Darkness

  He says that when one falls, the others will become aware of this, so it
  is best to slay all three as quickly as possible.

  Once you are done with Eurylochus and Elpenor, speak with Odysseus - King
  of Ithaca, who will reward your progress thusfar by updating your main
  quest, restoring your health and energy, and giving you 20000 XP.  Odysseus
  tells you that his squad has made it to the outer gates of Hades' Palace,
  and that they have ensured a way for you to gain access thereto.

  With that, he walks northward and activates a well-positioned Ballista,
  which fires down at the walls of Hades' Palace, and blows a passageway in
  one of the walls for you to enter !

  Speak with him again, and he will tell you that inside the Palace you
  should find and speak with Persephone - Hades' wife, who will be your ally.
  She is likely to be imprisoned, however =./

  Odysseus will them update your main quest again, completing the "Battle for
  Elysium" (phew !!), and replacing it instead with "The Immortal Throne".

  ==================================
  SECTION 4.21 - THE IMMORTAL THRONE
  ==================================

  Head south-west and then north of Odysseus and his platoon to get to the
  Palace Wall.  Enter Hades' Palace through the hole Odysseus' forces just
  made for you (which is dubbed the "Secret Passage"), and then sneak into
  the Palace.

  ... wait a minute ... did you hear that laugh ?  Sounds like somebody is
  expecting us !!

  Hmmmmmmmmmm.  Ok ... first and foremost, take note of the layout of the
  room you are in at the moment.  See that set of stone pillars in the centre
  of the room ?  See the beautifully carved Ornate Bronze Door in the north-
  western wall ?  Sense a boss fight coming ?  OH yeah.  A tough one too !!

  Make sure you are replete with health and energy potions, and that your
  skills are maxed to the full, because through that door you are about to
  face a rather nasty trick Hades has in store for you ... being ...

  =====================
  TYPHON - UNDEAD TITAN
  =====================

  Y'know, I have absolutely NO idea why I didn't see this one coming, but I
  was GENUINELY surprised when this happened to me.  I mean ... Hades IS the
  Lord of the Underworld ... so why WOULDN'T he have control over anybody
  and everybody that you have slain in your quest so far ??  *slaps himself
  in the head for being such a chowderbonce*.

  Typhon's Undead Form is actually just as hard to defeat as he was in life
  unfortunately.  I would STRONGLY suggest that you try your best to lure him
  BACK into the previous room (which of course means NOT rushing in and doing
  battle with him, but trying to provoke him into stalking you back through
  the doors).  I say this because you can then use the central stone columns
  in the previous room as a shield.  His bone-attacks cannot penetrate it,
  and this can mean the difference between a swift and horrifically painful
  death, or just a nice quiet walk in the park.

  Typhon has a completely different set of attacks this time around, being :-

     > Bone Prison - he throws a skull at you which, if it touches you, will
                     form itself into a bone prison, holding you to the spot
                     until it is destroyed.
     > Spirit Breath - a cone-shaped breath attack with good range.
     > Needles - a set of needle-like bony projectiles which he throws with
                 good speed and range.
     > Bone Wave - a direct-line, rapid-moving ground-based projectile which
                   causes a wave of bone - kinda like a spinal column, to
                   arise from the ground and rush towards you, doing a LOT
                   of damage.
     > Claw-strikes

  Once Typhon has fallen to you AGAIN, open the three Small Chests and the
  Majestic Chest against the western wall to his chamber, and take your fill
  of his goodies.  When you are ready, leave through the open door in the
  north-eastern wall, to find Persephone, chained to a couch by two Ancient
  Locks.  She calls for your aid, and you should release her by destroying
  these Ancient Locks.

  Speak with her, and she will tell you that Hades' delusions of grandeur are
  what has led him to this.  When Zeus commanded that the Gods depart, Hades
  saw the opportunity to take it all for himself - EVERYTHING - and set about
  his campaign of destruction and terror.  When Persephone tried to leave him
  so that she could accompany the other Gods, Hades (unable to stand the
  thought of losing her) chained her to this place, hopeful that she would
  come around when he ultimately won, and see things his way.

  Persephone is the Breath of Spring, and not a warmonger.  She cannot abide
  what Hades has elected to do, and bids you proceed to do battle with him,
  and restore balance to the worlds.

  She updates your main quest and rewards you with three copies of a random
  scroll - I got the Scroll of the Crushing Vortex.

  Head to the north-west of the couch to activate the Hades' Palace Portal
  Shrine, and then lead Persephone's Chamber via the north-east, through
  the door she just opened for you, stopping to speak with her again on the
  way through.

  She says that you must be quick, for if Hades learns that she has been
  freed, he will surely come for her, and his wrath would be a terrible thing
  to behold.

  Descend the stairs to the north-east to enter the Dark Processional.  From
  here, activate the rebirth fountain and move through the Ornate Bronze
  Door to the north-east.  This will once again update the main quest.

  Follow the jagged path to the north-east, and then enter the open doorway
  in the north-eastern wall, to get to the Aidonean Propylon.

  Turn and head north, and then east and go through the door in the north-
  eastern wall to your first encounter with your final new type of enemy in
  Titan Quest: Immortal Throne - the Gigantes.

  ========
  GIGANTES
  ========

  Gigantes are gigantic, animated suits of armour that come in a variety of
  levels of power and danger.  The weakest of the Gigantes are Vanguard.
  They are armed with a polearm, and function just like bog-standard infantry
  really - they walk slowly, and swipe at you slowly.

  Next most-powerful are the Armorite.  Equipped with Axe and Shield, these
  guys have the Shield Charge power, enabling them to compensate for their
  slow-movement speed by rushing into combat with you.  The first couple of
  times you see this in action, it is likely to cause you some concern, and
  quite rightly so !!

  Next up come the Vindicators, who are armed with twin-axes.  They are
  quick in hand-to-hand, and can cause a wall of flame to rush towards you
  across the ground.  Since this is VERY quick, and almost certain to kill
  you within a second or so, you should ALWAYS attempt to dodge this at ALL
  costs.  On higher difficulties the Vindicators are replaced with even more
  powerful versions of themselves, but on normal, Vindicators are the most
  powerful Gigantes you will encounter.

  Head through the door in the north-western wall, and down the stairs.  Then
  go north-west, and in spite of the arrow-shaped hole in the ground, head
  north and through the large mirror in the northern-area of this room, to
  another chamber.

  Activate the rebirth fountain in this room, and continue north, and then
  north-east and down the stairs.  See the gigantic crystal being protected
  by the Gigantes on the rock mass to your north-west as you go down the
  stairs ?  That is one of the five Shards of Erebus, and we shall be kicking
  it to pieces in just a moment ;)

  ====================
  THE SHARDS OF EREBUS
  ====================

  At the foot of the stairs, follow the path to the north-west and then down
  another flight of steps.  Head through the door in the north-western wall,
  and down yet another flight of stairs.

  In the north-eastern wall of this chamber, you will find another mirror
  portal which leads you to your first of the five Shards of Erebus.  Slay
  the Gigantes in the area, and then turn your attentions to the Crystal,
  breaking it into pieces and harvesting the first of the five Crystal of
  Erebus Monster Charms for yourself ;)

  Head south-west back through the mirror portal, south-east and up the steps
  and then north-east and down the stairs to continue onward.

  Through the door in the north-eastern wall to enter the Court of Kouloures.

  Head as far as you can to the north-east in a direct line, and you will
  find you are separated from the next Shard of Erebus by a chasm.  Simply
  move around this chasm - I prefer to go to the south-east, then the north-
  east and then north-west myself - and destroy the Shard to gain your
  second Crystal of Erebus Monster Charm, and be 2/5 up on the Shards of
  Erebus ... good going so far !! :)

  From the second Shard of Erebus, keep heading north-east, through the
  Ornate Bronze Doors and down the stairs into the Winding Descent.

  At the foot of the stairs, activate the rebirth fountain to the north, and
  then head due east, and through the door in the north-eastern wall and down
  the steps to do battle with your first of the three Generals of Hades'
  Armies.

  ==========================
  HADES' GENERALS - PART ONE
  ==========================

  Dysnomion - General of Nightmares awaits you at the bottom of the stairs,
  with his horde of Machae Archers.

  At the bottom of the stairs, turn and head to the north-west - this is
  where you will find Dysnomion.

  =============================================
  DYSNOMION - MACHAE HIGH GENERAL OF NIGHTMARES
  =============================================

  Dysnomion is a master archer, and student of the Spirit School, with his
  primary attacks being :-

     > Spirit Arrow
     > Circle of Power
     > Deathchill Aura

  Using his circle of power skill to good effect means that if you are not
  careful you will wind up losing your own health and energy to sustain his
  during combat.  Dysnomion plays much like a standard-archer, however, and
  is not a huge fan of entering close-combat range.  Simply stick and move,
  and you should find he falls pretty easily - as long as you have slain his
  troop first of course - otherwise you'll look like a pin-cushion by the
  time this combat is over !!

  =========================================
  SECTION 4.21 - THE IMMORTAL THRONE CONT'D
  =========================================

  Once you are done with Dysnomion, return to the south-east, and then up
  the stairs to the south-west.

  Head to the south-west of the door which led you down to Dysnomion, and you</pre><pre id="faqspan-10">
  will find a set of stairs leading down to the south-east.  Take them, and
  then zig-zag east and then south-west again to go down another set of
  stairs.

  At the bottom of these stairs travel west and then north-west and down the
  next set of stairs.

  Head through the door in the north-western wall, and down the steps to enter
  the Prison of Souls, and an encounter with some familiar foes - the Albino
  Spiders.

  Notice how the cells to either side of the main corridor are locked ?  We
  don't have a key for them as yet, but when we ultimately get one, you might
  like to come back and release the shades from their imprisonment - just be
  careful if and when you do, for reasons I shall come to in a bit ;)

  Head north-west, through the door and into the next room, where you should
  activate the rebirth fountain immediately.

  There are four exits from this room - back the way you came (which is NOT
  an option - Spartans never retreat, remember ?) ;), south-west, north-west
  and north-east.

  ==========================
  HADES' GENERALS - PART TWO
  ==========================

  We shall start by heading north-east, so head up the stairs and on the next
  level, head through the closed door in the north-eastern wall.

  Proceed through the mirror portal to the north-east, to enter your battle
  with the second of Hades' Generals - Trophonios - the General of Darkness.

  ============================================
  TROPHONIOS - MACHAE HIGH GENERAL OF DARKNESS
  ============================================

  Like Dysnomion, Trophonios is an archer, and a very good one at that I
  might add.  He is a student of the Earth School, and can pelt you with a
  number of very powerful attacks over a short space of time.  His main
  methods of attack are :-

     > Flaming Arrow
     > Pink Energy Projectile - can slow you down
     > Eruption

  Trophonios is CONSIDERABLY harder to defeat than Dysnomion was - however
  using the same tactics as you did to waporise Dysnomion - i.e. stick-and-
  move ?  Victory SHALL be yours.

  =========================================
  SECTION 4.21 - THE IMMORTAL THRONE CONT'D
  =========================================

  Head south-west of Trophonios and through the Mirror Portal.  Then continue
  south-west and down the southernmost set of stairs, to get back to the
  room with the rebirth fountain.

  Technically-speaking, there is absolutely no need for us to head south-west,
  so if you would care to take the door in the north-western wall please, we
  can continue.

  If I were to be 100% truthful, we didn't even need to come back this way -
  you could have just taken the northern set of stairs descending to the
  south-west in the room to your north-east now, but I prefer to hang around
  the rebirth fountains wherever possible, as the walking can be a real pain
  in the butt when you die - don't you find ??

  SO !!  Through the north-western door please.

  There are FIVE exits from this room, and I shall describe each, just so
  that you get a decent feel for exactly where you are :-

     > South-east - leads you back to the room with the rebirth fountain
     > South-west - leads you up to that room I said had no merit in being
                    explored, so it can be disregarded.
     > North-west (on the western-side) - needs to be explored.
     > North-west (on the eastern-side) - need not be explored.
     > North-east - leads you up to the room adjacent to that in which you
                    fought Trophonios, so it can be disregarded.

  If you would therefore head west of the door you used to enter this chamber
  and then north-west, we shall go through the north-western door, on the
  western side of the room.

  ============================
  HADES' GENERALS - PART THREE
  ============================

  Through this door you will enter your battle with the third and last of
  Hades' Replacement Generals - Makaria - the General of Wretched Death ...

  ===============================================
  MAKARIA - MACHAE HIGH GENERAL OF WRETCHED DEATH
  ===============================================

  Makaria is arguably the second-toughest of the Generals, the hardest in my
  opinion being Trophonios.  Makaria is an archer (like his fellow Generals),
  and a student of the Rogue School.

  His primary attacks are :-

     > Poison Arrow
     > Poison Cloud - generates a small cloud of poisonous gas at your feet,
                      which remains for a few seconds.
     > Petrify - just like Medusa, he has the power to freeze you for a few
                 seconds, during which time he can unload blast after blast
                 of poison into you - DEFINITELY avoid this one !!!!!  At
                 least he doesn't turn you to stone though ;)

  As with his fellows, use the hit-and-run tactics you used with Dysnomion
  and Trophonios and Makaria will fall to your might in short-order.

  Once he has fallen, this Side Quest is complete, and you will earn yourself
  a well-deserved 45000 XP and +5% Total Damage for your character !!  WICKED
  WORK !!  =)

  =========================================
  SECTION 4.21 - THE IMMORTAL THRONE CONT'D
  =========================================

  Head up the stairs to the north-east of Makaria, to enter the Polis Daemonai
  which is the exact same area you would reach if you went through the north-
  western door on the eastern side of the room I described above, hence my
  having said that particular door did not need to be explored ;)

  Go north a few steps, and then north-east and down the stairs.  See the
  yellow icon with the black exclamation mark on the compass ?  That denotes
  the Warden of Souls - the guy that has the key for ALL the cells that the
  Shades are being held in.  He will be our next target on our way to slay
  Hades.

  From the bottom of the stairs, follow the jagged path to the north-west
  and then where it leads off to the north-east, stop.  You will want to heal
  up and make sure you are ready for what can be a reasonably tough sub-boss
  fight with the Warden of Souls.  Usually he is quite easy to defeat, but
  if he is having a bad day, it can be quite a difficult battle.

  ===================
  THE WARDEN OF SOULS
  ===================

  The Warden of Souls is a MASSIVE Gigantes Warrior, armed with a Bactrian
  Claw (a huge hammer), and an Akinakes (a large, curved blade).  He has a
  number of powers, the most important of which are as follows :-

     > Sword-swipe - strikes at you with his Akinakes
     > Hammer-thump - strikes you with his Bactrian Claw
     > Soul Push - creates a cone-shaped blast of soul energy which moves
                   out towards you like the Earth School's Flame Surge
                   Power.
     > Life Drain - just like the Spirit School Power of the same name.

  UNfortunately for him, the Warden of Souls can only travel a certain
  distance from his starting point, so retreat back towards the stairs you
  took to get down here if you are finding him rather hard-going, and dizzy
  him to get the upper-hand in this fight.

  Once the Warden of Souls has fallen, take the Key of the Warden of Souls
  which he drops, and you will find you are now able to open each and every
  cell you come across in Hades' Palace.

  ======
  BEWARE
  ======

  PLEASE be careful, however, as I found that in one of the cells past the
  area where the Warden of Souls was standing, I could open it and get inside,
  but I could not then get OUT again afterwards !!!!!  This was obviously
  REALLY really irritating, as I had to save and close and then restart the
  game, to then have to fight my way back through the bl**dy Prison of Souls
  just to get back to this point ... PLUS I had to fight the Warden of Souls
  again, as he is recreated when you save and exit !!

  *sigh*

  Anyhow - with him defeated, you can proceed.  Head to the north-east of
  where he was and through the door he was defending to get to a Mirror Portal
  which you should go through.

  ===========================
  THE SHARDS OF EREBUS CONT'D
  ===========================

  Destroy the Shard of Erebus and large number of Gigantes on this platform
  to pick up your third Crystal of Erebus Monster Charm.

  Head south-west, through the Mirror Portal Shrine, and keep going south-west
  until you get back to the main thoroughfare where you turned off to do
  battle with the Warden of Souls.

  ===========================
  HADES' TREASURY - PART FOUR
  ===========================

  Turn and head north-west, and down the stairs to do battle with the fourth
  key guardian for Hades' Treasury - The Night's Mistress - an Empusa Hero
  who holds the Soul Stone.

  The Night's Mistress is an Empusa Soul Carver, with the same powers as a
  normal Soul Carver would have - just a bit better amplified.  She therefore
  attacks with the following powers :-

     > Soul Projectile - direct line, and VERY impressive rate-of-fire.
     > Circle of Power

  First move is to take out her Gigantes Bodyguards, as they are a pain and
  then, when they are gone and you can focus all your attacks on her ?  Just
  stick-and-move (I know you have been doing an awful lot of that recently),
  and you should find that the battle with her is not as traumatic as it
  could be ;)

  IF she hits you with her Circle of Power, IMMEDIATELY fall back as she will
  be leeching HUGE quantities of your life and energy to replenish her own,
  as you are no doubt aware by now.

  Once she has fallen you will be in possession of all four of the Keys you
  need to unlock Hades' Vault and plunder HIS treasure for a change.

  You now have a difficult decision to make.  You are not far from completing
  Titan Quest: Immortal Throne, and we have done all but two side quests
  together - Hades' Treasury (which we can now finish), and the Shards of
  Erebus, which we are going to finish in a moment.

  You can teleport out of here to sort out Hades' Treasury if you wish, but
  if you teleport from Hades' Treasury back to one of the towns (which you
  WILL need to do as you will almost CERTAINLY not be able to carry all of
  his loot in one fell swoop), your portal here will be lost, so that would
  mean that after completing the Hades' Treasury Side Quest, you would have
  to either teleport back to the Hades' Palace Portal Shrine and run back
  down here, or save and exit the game to restart at the latest rebirth
  fountain, but then you would have to FIGHT your way back here.

  The alternatives are :-

     1) Go and finish the Hades' Treasury Side Quest by teleporting from here
        to the Upper City of Lost Souls, PILFER what you want from his
        treasure and disregard anything you don't like the look of, then run
        back to the Upper City of Lost Souls, do your trading and use the
        Portal Shrine there to teleport back here; or

     2) Complete Titan Quest: Immortal Throne, and then come BACK afterwards
        to complete the Hades' Treasury Side Quest.

  It's your call !!  I am going to go for option number 1 ;)

  ===============
  HADES' TREASURY
  ===============

  Teleport back to the Upper City of Lost Souls, speak with Horemwia the
  Caravan Driver to pick up the other three stones (if you deposited them
  with any of the Caravan Drivers as I believe I may have suggested to you
  earlier), and deposit all non-essential items with him, and then leave
  via the south-western archway, heading south-east and down the winding
  stairs, and then west at the foot of the stairs, and into the familiar
  chamber where you met Aristonymus.  Speak with him to peak his interest
  in the stones you have in your possession, and the place the stones on the
  four altars along the north-western wall (being, from left-to-right,
  Frost, Flame, Soul and Venom - you don't need to know that - just click
  on each one and the relevant Stone will be taken from your inventory),
  to open the north-western door that leads to Hades' Treasure Vault.

  Entering the vault and walking up to the treasure will complete the Side
  Quest and earn you a WHOPPING 100000 XP (yep - ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND XP !!).

  THAT is sure to come in handy eh !!

  Raid the three Majestic Chests and two Otherworldly Chests, and take your
  fill of his treasure.

  When you are done, RUN back to the Upper City of Lost Souls, sell your
  gubbins, pick up your stuff from Horemwia, and use the Portal Shrine
  to teleport you back to the Polis Daemonai, and your impending battle
  with the Lord of the Underworld himself ...

  ===========================
  THE SHARDS OF EREBUS CONT'D
  ===========================

  Head through the Ornate Bronze Door in the north-western wall and down the
  stairs to get into the Crystalline Stellae.

  Simply carry on heading north-west and through the doorway, and then in the
  next room head north-west again and down the corridor, and through the next
  doorway.

  This next room is the final room in the game.  To your east and west you
  will see the two remaining Shards of Erebus, which you should promptly
  destroy so as to sever Hades' control over his minions in the Lands of the
  Living, and to pick up your fourth and fifth Crystal of Erebus Monster
  Charms, completing this (not so useful, granted) Monster Charm, and adding
  it to your collection.  You will also gain 35000 XP for completing this
  Side Quest.

  Head a few steps to the north-west, and when you see the room ahead of you
  (being a large, circular room), STOP.

  Interestingly, scope out the map ... this room is shaped like ... well ...
  I don't want to say, but ... I mean DAMN - if I were the boss, this is
  what I'd shape MY throne room to look like ... LOL !!

  So ... are you ready for your final boss fight ?  This is going to be
  tough, so be prepared.  Stock up on healing and energy potions, max-out
  your offensive skills, prime yourself, prep a couple of scrolls and ready
  your most powerful weapons ... it's time to take on Hades himself.

  =======================
  HADES - GOD OF THE DEAD
  =======================

  To enter battle with Hades, head into his Throne Room.  It IS possible to
  lure him out of the Throne Room and back down towards the two now-ruined
  Shards of Erebus, but to be honest it is just as easy to employ my very
  carefully-designed technique in his throne room, so head on in.

  Hades attacks you in a number of guises - THREE to be precise.  I shall
  go through each one in turn.

  ===================================
  HADES - FIRST FORM - OLD HUMAN MALE
  ===================================

  Hades' first form is that of an old human male, with white hair and armed
  with a hooked blade.  He is reasonably slow to move in this form, and his
  primary attacks are as follows :-

     > Spinning Blade-Attack - used when you get too close, Hades spins
                               around creating a blood-red aura around him
                               and doing great damage to you.
     > Hades' Projectile - a direct-line fast-moving projectile, akin to the
                           vast majority of such powers you have seen from
                           other enemies in the past - the main difference
                           with this one appears to be the colour.
     > Push - he can knock you with the shaft of his hooked weapon if you get
              too close to him.
     > Thrown Hades Projectile - he lobs a ball of energy into the air which
                                 explodes in a multi-direction projectile
                                 attack when it hits the ground - run away
                                 from this one to make it easier to dodge
                                 the smaller projectiles.

  He isn't too too difficult to slay in this form - just keep your distance
  at all times, and use a hit-and-run attack-style to do damage whilst
  avoiding his two ranged attacks.

  Once Hades has taken 50% damage in this form, he will change forms.

  =====================================================
  HADES - SECOND FORM - ARMOURED AND MUTATED HUMAN MALE
  =====================================================

  Hades' second form is a variation on the first - his right arm changes to
  become a multi-tentacled version of its former human original, and his
  body becomes protected by bone armour.  He also gains a helmet, but he
  holds the same hooked weapon he had in his first form.

  In his second form his attacks change slightly, as follows :-

     > Spinning Blade-Attack - as per his first form.
     > Hades' Projectile - as per his first form.
     > Thrown Hades Projectile - he now lobs multiple balls of energy in the
                                 air, which will stun you for a few seconds
                                 if they hit you.
     > Hades' Vortex - he creates a vortex at his feet which he sends towards
                       you.  The vortex is slow-moving, but you do NOT want
                       to get caught in it, so steer well clear of it at all
                       times.
     > Hook Strike - a powerful hand-to-hand strike with the hooked weapon he
                     holds in his left-hand.

  Hades is quicker-moving in this form, and this actually works to his
  detriment, as he spends slightly longer getting into position for his
  ranged attacks - in the first form he was a bit more "Oh sod it - I'll just
  throw it from here" ;)

  As with his first form, just stick-and-move to wear this one down.

  When Hades has taken 100% damage, his second form will fall away and he will
  change again.

  ===========================
  HADES - THIRD FORM - SPIRIT
  ===========================

  Once his physical forms have been destroyed, you must battle Hades as a
  spirit.  THIS is where my patented, tried-and-tested "Clock Technique"
  comes into play.

  All you have to do in order to defeat Hades really quite easily in this
  form is imagine his chamber like a clock and, provided he is in the centre
  of the room (which is where he seems to like to be in this form), strike
  him, then side-step to move around either clockwise or anti-clockwise to
  the next number on the clock if you will, thus dodging his attack, and then
  strike him again - rinse, repeat, and he should fall quite easily.

  There is only really one attack he unleashes which causes you to have to
  abandon this technique (temporarily), and that is detailed below - it is
  his Spirit Orbs attack.  When he uses his Spirit Wall attack you have to
  jump a couple of numbers around the imaginary clock instead of just one ;)

  His main attacks are as follows :-

     > Spirit Projectile - a fast-moving, straight-line spirit projectile.
     > Spirit Wall - a HUGE cone-shaped wall of spirit energy that he throws
                     at you - fall away and to the sides to avoid this one.
     > Spirit Beam - a thicker, slower-moving straight-line variation of the
                     spirit projectile attack.
     > Spirit Orbs - he throws a set of five orbs up into the air, each one
                     shattering upon impact with the ground to send spirit
                     projectiles out in multiple directions - just fall back
                     away from him as far as you can to better gauge how to
                     dodge these attacks.
     > Spirit Nova - a GIGANTIC ring of spirit energy that shoots out with
                     Hades at its centre.

  Once Hades has finally been put to rest in all three of his forms, his
  wife Persephone appears.  Raid Hades' Essence, and then speak with her.

  She says :-

  "You have defeated both a Titan and an Olympian.  From this day forward you
  shall be known as Godsbane.  We leave the Afterlife in the hands of your
  human judges, for they have shown that they are just and merciful.  Truly
  the Age of Man has come, for now you govern both life and that which
  follows.  I give you my thanks and open the way, back to Greece or wherever
  the Fates will lead you."

  She will give you 32000 XP, and complete the main quest for you.

  With that, she opens a portal in the north-western wall, which you can go
  through to see the very cool credits !!

  CONGRATULATIONS - you have now completed Titan Quest: Immortal Throne on
  Normal Difficulty !!

  HADES EPILOGUE

  With Hades having been defeated, and the Gods withdrawing to leave the Fate
  of Man to its own destiny, who knows what the future will bring for us ...
  You are to be rewarded for your bravery, however, and may now proceed to
  do the WHOLE thing again (should you wish) on Epic Difficulty ... woohoo !!

==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   S I X                                                CHAPTER 6
==============================================================================
S K I L L S   O F   T H E   S C H O O L S
==============================================================================

As you already know, there are NINE different Schools of Training that you can
follow in Titan Quest - EIGHT in regular Titan Quest, and NINE in the Immortal
Throne Expansion Pack, yep ?

Well because I'm feeling generous, I think it's about time to go through, in
some more depth, the nine schools of training, each of their powers, what they
do and whether (in my opinion) they are worth their weight in gold, or plop.

Before we do so, however, I need to point out that even though I have played
the game many, many times, I have (for obvious reasons) not been able to play
every single combination of character class available and so, whilst I have
used all the skills in the game, I have not fully developed all of them, and
so whilst my thoughts are both genuine and sincere, you may not always agree
with them.

Therefore IF any of you read this and think "he's got that wrong, because xyz"
or what have you, then please do feel free to drop me a line.  If you're
respectful and make sense, I'll happily include your thoughts in this section
and give you full credit (up to the point where it becomes more like a thread
than an FAQ !!).

So without further ado, let's get cracking !!

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¦  ¦      ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦     ¦ ¦    \/    ¦
¦  ====   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦  --/  ¦ ¦\    /¦ ¦
¦     ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦  \    ¦ ¦ \  / ¦ ¦
====  ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦   \   ¦ ¦  \/  ¦ ¦
  ¦  ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦\ \  ¦ ¦      ¦ ¦
====  ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ --- ¦ ¦ ¦ \ \ ¦ ¦      ¦ ¦
¦     ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦     ¦ ¦ ¦  \ \¦ ¦      ¦ ¦
=======   ===   ------- ---   -----      ---


  Game Description : Excels at dealing massive lightning and cold damage to
                     single opponents or small groups.  The Stormcaller has
                     limited personal defences but can slow, freeze, and
                     stun enemies with frost and thunder attacks.
  Sinister says    : In my opinion Storm is one of the best schools in the
                     game.  As with all schools it has offensive and defensive
                     skills, but it has two of what are, I believe, THE best
                     skills available - chain lightning and summon wisp.
                     There are some skills that you are generally quite
                     unlikely to use, however.

  LEVEL 1 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : ICE SHARD
     Description   : Projects a deadly shard of ice at the target inflicting
                     cold damage and temporarily slowing them.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Whilst ok as a low-level projectile, it quickly loses
                     out to skills like Lightning Bolt.  You can augment it
                     at higher levels to increase the speed and number of
                     shards, but it's still not your handiest skill.
     Other Ideas   : [Viro Melchior says]
                     "I've played all the way through Normal and Epic, and up
                     through the end of Egypt with a friend (Hunter/Rogue) in
                     Legendary.  I rely almost completely on Ice Shards for
                     damage."

     Skill Name    : STORM NIMBUS
     Description   : When active, the player is imbued with the power of the
                     storm, causing their attacks to strike with cold and
                     lightning damage
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : VERY handy to have if you choose the Storm School, this
                     adds damage to EVERY attack you to.  Unfortunately it
                     places what's called a reserve on your energy, meaning
                     a block of it becomes unusable whilst the skill is in
                     effect, but in my opinion this is a VERY handy low-level
                     Storm Skill.

  LEVEL 4 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : SPELL BREAKER
     Description   : A pulse of negatively charged energy dispels hostile
                     enchantments on allies or, when cast on enemies, breaks
                     their beneficial enchantments and negates a portion of
                     their energy.  This attack inflicts bonus damage when
                     used against Magical creatures.
     My Rank (/5)  : 1
     My Comments   : In my opinion this skill is not one you will use very
                     often.  It's just easier to make spellcasters your
                     primary targets when you encounter them than faff about
                     dispelling their spells (although it CAN be quite fun if
                     you have the patience) ;)

     Skill Name    : THUNDERBALL
     Description   : Hurls a ball of electrical energy that damages and stuns
                     enemies in a small blast radius.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Whilst it looks and sounds cooler than the Ice Shard, it
                     isn't THAT much better in my opinion.  At higher levels
                     you have the option of adding mini Thunderballs to it, to
                     big-up the radius and stun-effect, but as with the Ice
                     Shard it's quite a slow-moving projectile, and sometimes
                     you will find your enemies just move away, which is quite
                     irritating.

     Skill Name    : HEART OF FROST
     Must Have     : STORM NIMBUS
     Description   : When Storm Nimbus is active, the air around the player
                     becomes icy cold and slows any attackers within its
                     perimeter.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : I think if you are going to sink points into Storm Nimbus
                     then there is absolutely NO reason not to big-up that
                     skill, by adding cold damage and slowness for your foes
                     with this skill (and lightning damage at higher levels
                     with another skill).  Bear in mind this affects you
                     ALL the time, and whilst it does mean you have to give
                     up a bit more energy in reserve, I think it's worth it.

  LEVEL 10 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : SPELL SHOCK
     Must Have     : SPELL BREAKER
     Description   : Inflicts energy burn damage and disrupts enemy spell-
                     casters' ability to use skills as their beneficial
                     enchantments are abruptly shattered by Spell Breaker.
     My Rank (/5)  : 1
     My Comments   : Whilst a nice add-on to the Spell Breaker skill, I don't
                     think it's genuinely worth sinking any more than 1 point
                     into this ability.

     Skill Name    : VELOCITY
     Must Have     : ICE SHARD
     Description   : Increasing the speed and damage of Ice Shard.  Gives each
                     shard a chance to punch through its target and keep going.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : If you're REALLY serious about keeping the Ice Shard power
                     and maxing out its effects, then you will definitely want
                     to invest in this skill.  I personally think it might be
                     worth sinking 1 point into, just to keep Ice Shard in
                     reserve (although I myself chopped the whole skill in
                     favour of higher-powered ones when I played).

     Skill Name    : SQUALL
     Description   : Creates a wind storm in the target area that decreases
                     the projectile attack accuracy of enemies caught within
                     it.
     My Rank (/5)  : 2
     My Comments   : Whilst it CAN be useful in rare situations - like when
                     you are absolutely swamped with a sea of archers or
                     spellcasters, it is rare that you will find a use for
                     the Squall power.

     Skill Name    : FREEZING BLAST
     Description   : Encases enemies in ice, immobilising them but also making
                     them more difficult to damage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Useful AND surprisingly satisfying.  Like when Jean Grey
                     freezes Toad in midair in X-Men 1.  Unfortunately you can
                     virtually FORGET smashing more powerful enemies to bits
                     though, as the ice protects them to some degree from
                     taking damage, making this a more flash-than-substance
                     power.

  LEVEL 16 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : LIGHTNING BOLT
     Description   : Calls down a powerful bolt of lightning from the heavens
                     to decimate your target.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : YES !!  Now THIS is what I'm talkin' bout !!  With a
                     judicious use of the shift key, you can call down bolts
                     of lightning to strike target WAY outside your normal
                     range, and there is very little time between casting the
                     skill and the impact from the blast, which means it is
                     easier to target enemies that are on the move.  Love it !

     Skill Name    : CONCUSSIVE BLAST
     Must Have     : THUNDERBALL
     Description   : Enhances the power of Thunderball causing sparks to leap
                     from the initial explosion.  Each spark that hits an enemy
                     inflicts lightning damage and stuns.
     My Rank (/5)  : 2
     My Comments   : Useful ONLY if you are looking to use Thunderball on a
                     repeat basis, which is kinda doubtful.  It does have a
                     satisfying effect insofar as it DOES stun enemies that
                     are close to the blast radius of the initial Thunderball,
                     but beyond that it is rather limited in its effect.

     Skill Name    : OBSCURED VISIBILITY
     Must Have     : SQUALL
     Description   : Reduced visibility inside the Squall makes it difficult
                     for enemies to effectively attack or defend themselves.
     My Rank (/5)  : 1
     My Comments   : Kinda the same effect as narrowing your eyes to slits
                     then yeah ?  Thought so.  Butt-useless unless you're
                     heavily reliant on the Squall effect.

     Skill Name    : STATIC CHARGE
     Must Have     : STORM NIMBUS
     Description   : Electrical energy builds inside the player while Storm
                     Nimbus is active and passes through enemy weapons that
                     come in contact, delivering a powerful shock.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Since this is more a reactionary power than the Storm
                     Nimbus I can't really give it a 5 - however it is a very
                     useful addition, and keeps those sonsofb!tches that want
                     to hurt you really painfully at bay somewhat :)

     Skill Name    : ENERGY SHIELD
     Description   : Creates a shield of energy that will nullify all incoming
                     damage from electrical attacks.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : I think this is a VERY useful power to have as it protects
                     you from both lightning AND cold damage, and you will come
                     across PLENTY of that in the game.  Unfortunately it does
                     nothing to protect you from physical hand-to-hand damage,
                     but it looks cool, AND you can cast it on other people
                     too !!

  LEVEL 24 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : TORRENT
     Must Have     : ICE SHARD
     Description   : Increases the number of shards cast, sending a deadly
                     torrent at enemies.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : If you are dead set on keeping Ice Shard then this is a
                     MUST-HAVE skill for you, as it increases the number of
                     shards you can throw.  At maximum level it adds another
                     4 shards to your arsenal, bringing the total you can
                     possible throw up to a whopping 5 !!

     Skill Name    : SUMMON WISP
     Description   : Summon an immortal Storm Wisp from the atmosphere to
                     battle your enemies.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : The Storm Wisp is one of the single greatest skills you
                     can master in the Storm School.  Although the little
                     fella might not LOOK like much, if you check out his
                     stats you will see that he has a LUDICROUSLY high chance
                     of dodging any attacks (hand-to-hand and projectile alike)
                     which makes him THE bane of bosses and sub-bosses let me
                     assure you.

     Skill Name    : STORM SURGE
     Description   : When activated, each enemy hit has a chance of unleashing
                     a violent squall of storm energy
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Handy to keep on as it gives you a chance of countering
                     any hand-to-hand strike you suffer with a storm blast.
                     This does combined cold and lightning damage to your foes
                     AND stuns them for a split-second as well !!  BONUS :)

  LEVEL 32 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : CHAIN LIGHTNING
     Must Have     : LIGHTNING BOLT
     Description   : Causes electricity to leap from the target of your
                     Lightning Bolt skill and strike additional nearby enemies.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : The COOLEST Skill in the Storm School.  Chain Lightning
                     causes a regular lightning bolt spell to chain to nearby
                     adversaries, causing MUCH hilarity and LOADS of damage.
                     GET ... IT ... NOW !! =)

     Skill Name    : EYE OF THE STORM
     Must Have     : SUMMON WISP
     Description   : A wisp ability that increases the lightning and cold
                     damage of all nearby allies for a duration and provides
                     protection from lightning and cold damage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Since your wisp is never going to be that far from your
                     side in combat, this is a VERY handy skill to add to your
                     repertoire.  See how handy this little guy is !! :)

     Skill Name    : REFLECTION
     Must Have     : ENERGY SHIELD
     Description   : Gives Energy Shield the ability to reflect a portion of
                     enemy attack damage back at enemies who hit it.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : If you're going to go for the Energy Shield (which I did),
                     why not go for the Reflection Spell to fling some of that
                     damage back at your enemies ?  Works for me !! ;)

  Conclusions      : The Storm School is great for those of you that like to
                     pummel enemies from afar with either spells or arrows,
                     and the Summon Wisp and Chain Lightning skills are LEGEND
                     in my opinion.  This is a school well worth considering.
                     It lets itself down a little in hand-to-hand unfortunately
                     so anybody that is big into that type of fight should
                     consider their alternatives.  The biggest drawback for
                     Storm for ME is that some of its best powers (it's going
                     to sound stupid to say) take a LONG time to get ahold of,
                     which CAN make it less gratifying than, say, the Earth
                     School where damage-dealing is THE main focus of play.
  Sphere Rating /5 : 4


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  Game Description : Adept at raining down destruction over large hordes of
                     enemies.  With most skills designed to deal damage, the
                     Pyromancer relies on a colossal Earth Elemental to hold
                     the attention of enemies.
  Sinister says    : If you like fire and earth then this is the school for
                     you, plain and simple.  Its skills are, as the game says,
                     aimed almost solely at battering and damaging your foes
                     using magic, and so there isn't a whole lot of diplomacy
                     or subterfuge ... or subtlety for that matter ... involved
                     in studying this school.

  LEVEL 1 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : EARTH ENCHANTMENT
     Description   : Imbues your weapons and the weapons of nearby allies with
                     the power of rock and flame.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Adding luscious fire damage to your weapons AND those of
                     your allies early on in the game is a simple MUST-HAVE
                     skill for any serious pyromaniac.  Get it !! ;)

     Skill Name    : FLAME SURGE
     Description   : Three jets of flame erupt from the caster's hands each
                     inflicting incinerating fire damage to enemies.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Whilst this is far from your most devastating power, and
                     you will in all likelihood wind up downsizing it later
                     in the game, it is a good skill to pick up early on, and
                     offers you the chance to get the drop on multiple enemies
                     that are bound for hand-to-hand combat with you.

  LEVEL 4 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : BRIMSTONE
     Must Have     : EARTH ENCHANTMENT
     Description   : Boosts the physical damage of attacks and provides a
                     chance of causing critical fire damage while under the
                     effects of Earth Enchantment
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : If you, like most people, are going to be using Earth
                     Enchantment religiously during your campaign, then this
                     is another must-have power for you !!

     Skill Name    : HEAT SHIELD
     Description   : Casts a protective head shield on the target that absorbs
                     damage caused by fire.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Annulling fire damage is a handy skill indeed.  It will
                     help you with traps, flaming arrows, Flame Liches and all
                     sorts of other nastiness that you will encounter, PLUS you
                     can cast it on other people to help them out too ;)

     Skill Name    : RING OF FLAME
     Description   : Encircles you in a searing ring of flames burning all
                     enemies that come within its radius.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : A great power to have, as it has a good chance of burning
                     anybody that enters hand-to-hand combat with you, in
                     addition to which it looks kinda cool.

     Skill Name    : VOLCANIC ORB
     Description   : Lobs a burning orb of fiery brimstone that explodes when
                     it hits the ground inflicting fire and physical damage to
                     enemies in a small radius.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : The Volcanic Orb is a damned handy skill, marred only by
                     the fact that it must be lobbed, hence taking a little
                     while to get to its target area.  It can be augmented at
                     higher levels making it more appealing, and should not
                     be overlooked as part of your arsenal.  Use the shift key
                     whilst throwing it to increase your target-range on
                     screen.

  LEVEL 10 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : STONE FORM
     Description   : An impervious layer of rock envelops you for a short
                     duration boosting regeneration but prohibiting movement
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : This is one of those 50/50 powers in my opinion.  It does
                     give you a FREAKY regeneration rate whilst it is in use,
                     but you are completely unable to move, meaning your foes
                     are able to get into better positions to batter you from
                     when the Stone Form is dropped.  Used sparingly, it can
                     be a life-saver.

     Skill Name    : SUMMON CORE DWELLER
     Description   : Draws forth a powerful elemental guardian from the Earth's
                     fiery depths.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : A simple must-have power for anybody in this school in my
                     opinion - the Core Dweller is a fearsome beast to behold
                     and whilst he is slow to move, he can batter your enemies
                     good and proper, plus he can be augmented at higher
                     levels.

     Skill Name    : BARRAGE
     Must Have     : FLAME SURGE
     Description   : Reduces the recharge time of Flame Surge allowing it to
                     be cast more frequently and efficiently.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : If you're going to rely on Flame Surge than consider
                     popping some points into this skill.  If, like me, you
                     downgrade your Flame Surge skill, then you should look
                     to bleed points from this skill first.

  LEVEL 16 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : STONE SKIN
     Must Have     : EARTH ENCHANTMENT
     Description   : Tempers armour, increasing protection and fire resistance
                     while under the effects of Earth Enchantment.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : A very handy skill indeed - it will make you battle-ready
                     and able to withstand a greater pounding during combat
                     than you otherwise might be able to, REGARDLESS of what
                     type of armour you are wearing.

     Skill Name    : INNER FIRE
     Must Have     : SUMMON CORE DWELLER
     Description   : Increases the Core Dweller's speed and adds fire damage
                     to its attacks.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Reducing the worst point of the Core Dweller's power - its
                     basic lack of speed - is surely a good thing.  This is a
                     very handy skill to give the big dude, and at its best
                     level you will find he becomes really quite sprightly !!

     Skill Name    : SOFTEN METAL
     Must Have     : RING OF FLAME
     Description   : Intense heat from the Ring of Flame softens the metal of
                     enemy armour and weapons, decreasing their effectiveness.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Handy insofar as it weakens the attack strength of those
                     people that are looking to batter you in hand-to-hand,
                     however the Ring of Flame will often strike those foes
                     before they strike you, and so this skill is more useful
                     for those of you that like to wade in rather than think
                     fights through before entering them.

     Skill Name    : CONFLAGRATION
     Must Have     : VOLCANIC ORB
     Description   : Increases the explosion radius of Volcanic Orb and causes
                     enemies hit by it to catch fire and suffer burn damage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : A good skill if you are heavily reliant on Volcanic Orb,
                     however if you are not, then it is one to be avoided.

  LEVEL 24 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : MOLTEN ROCK
     Must Have     : STONE FORM
     Description   : Adds retaliation fire damage to Stone Form.
     My Rank (/5)  : 1
     My Comments   : To be honest, this skill REALLY isn't worth putting any
                     more than one point in.  At best it does 15 fire
                     retaliation damage, and that just won't make much of a
                     mark on your enemies by the time you come to do battle
                     with them at level 24.  Best avoided unless you just HAVE
                     to have it ;)

     Skill Name    : WILDFIRE
     Must Have     : SUMMON CORE DWELLER
     Description   : Allows the Core Dweller to ignite an area of ground
                     causing severe burn damage to enemies within.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : A good move to give your Core Dweller, as it gives him
                     a ranged move to compliment your already brimming ... get
                     it ?  Brimming ??  Arsenal of weapons ... hehehe.

     Skill Name    : FLAME ARCH
     Must Have     : FLAME SURGE
     Description   : Increases the damage and number of flame jets created by
                     Flame Surge
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : If you keep Flame Surge on, then this is a MUST-HAVE add-
                     on for that skill.  Even if you don't put many points in
                     it, it augments (as it says) both damage AND quantity of
                     flame jets ;)

     Skill Name    : FRAGMENTATION
     Must Have     : VOLCANIC ORB
     Description   : Causes the Volcanic Orb to violently explode on impact
                     sending out fragments of rocks that each inflict physical
                     damage to the enemies they hit.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : A SERIOUSLY impressive add-on for those people that want
                     to use Volcanic Orb.  I personally only ever sink a few
                     points into it, but it really does mount up :)

  LEVEL 32 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : VOLATIVITY
     Description   : Enhanced by the volatile energy of the Earth, your fire
                     attacks have a chance of inflicting greatly increased
                     damage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Worth sinking a couple of points into just for the chance
                     of doing a damage modifier, this is a cool skill that
                     boosts all your fire attacks' chances of doing more
                     damage, and that CAN'T be a bad thing, non ?

     Skill Name    : METAMORPHOSIS
     Must Have     : SUMMON CORE DWELLER
     Description   : Under tremendous head and pressure, the composition of
                     the Core Dweller hardens making it more resistant to
                     damage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : To be honest I never put THAT much into this skill, just
                     because it's not that much more inconvenient to just
                     summon another Core Dweller when the first one dies than
                     it is to keep it in the fight longer.  Sometimes summoned
                     creatures can be a BIT of a pain (particularly if they
                     are in a provocative mood) ...

     Skill Name    : ERUPTION
     Description   : Volcanic fissures form in the ground, emitting deadly
                     geysers of molten flame and fiery chunks of brimstone.
                     Each fragment inflicts physical and fire damage to the
                     enemies it hits.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : DEFINITELY a skill to pick up.  You pick where you want
                     your miniature volcano to erupt (preferably right under</pre><pre id="faqspan-11">
                     the feet of some unsuspecting foe), and WHAMMO !!  Toast.
                     You can increase your casting range by holding the shift
                     key when you use this power to make it even BETTER !!

  Conclusions      : With damage-dealing powers coming at you left, right and
                     centre, it's hard to see the drawbacks of the Earth school
                     unless, of course, earth and fire are NOT your favourite
                     elements (as was the case with me).  The Core Dweller is
                     handy, but sluggish, and this school offers you benefits
                     in both hand-to-hand and ranged spells, so it's a good
                     damage-heavy school to follow for heavy-hitters.
  Sphere Rating /5 : 4


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  Game Description : The Warrior excels at dealing out physical damage but
                     pays little heed to defence.  With higher mastery levels
                     the Warrior can learn to deal damage to several
                     adversaries at once.
  Sinister says    : You can say THAT again !!  In my opinion there is nobody
                     better at doing large amounts of hand-to-hand damage to
                     individuals or small groups of enemies than the Warrior
                     School ... with Dream and Rogue being hot on its heels.
                     Forget range - this is about close-quarters brutality,
                     pure and simple !!

  LEVEL 1 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : WEAPON TRAINING
     Description   : Years of training with the sword, axe and club allow you
                     to attack faster and react quickly to enemy attacks.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : ANY skill that increases your attack speed is tops in my
                     book, but this one also increases your offensive ability
                     which increases your chances of doing critical strikes,
                     and general effectiveness in combat.  Coolness :)

     Skill Name    : BATTLE RAGE
     Description   : Each enemy hit has a chance of sending you into a battle
                     rage that adds bonus damage to attacks and increases
                     Offensive Ability for a short duration.
     My Rank (/5)  : 2
     My Comments   : Were it not for the very low chance of activation (even
                     at its highest level you have a paltry 12% chance of using
                     this skill), I would give it a 4.

     Skill Name    : ONSLAUGHT
     Description   : When used as your default weapon attack, Onslaught charges
                     up as you hit enemies causing increased damage.  The first
                     hit always charges Onslaught to the first level of the
                     skill and it continues to charge until it reaches your
                     current skill level.  Onslaught dissipates rapidly when
                     not actively attacking.  Apply this skill to your left
                     mouse-button.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : One of the handiest skills for the Warfare Master, and it
                     is available at level 1 !!  You can one level of charge
                     for each level of skill you have in this ability, and
                     it can HUGELY affect the amount of damage you deal in
                     combat, so it is WELL worth purchasing.

  LEVEL 4 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : DUAL WIELD
     Description   : Learn to effectively wield two weapons.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : It is a pity that only the Warfare School has this power
                     at its disposal, because it is SO very very very useful
                     it's unreal.  Wield two single-handed weapons instead of
                     just a weapon and shield combo.  This can MASSIVELY
                     increase your damage-dealing potential.

     Skill Name    : DODGE ATTACK
     Description   : Even the sturdiest armour has its chinks.  The best way
                     to stay alive is to not get hit.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Never a truer word spoke !!  At maximum level, this power
                     will give you a 21% chance to dodge attacks, which is
                     quite decent really, and worth investing in.

     Skill Name    : IGNORE PAIN
     Must Have     : ONSLAUGHT
     Description   : Total focus in the heat of battle allows you to ignore
                     physical and piercing damage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Decent resistance (15% at maximum level) to both piercing
                     and regular damage is not to be sneezed at, but it isn't
                     as glamorous as some of the other Warfare skills by ANY
                     means.

     Skill Name    : WAR HORN
     Description   : The triumphant call of your war horn temporarily stuns
                     enemies
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Good, but the duration of the stun effect is unfortunately
                     random, and will range at maximum level from 1.5 - 6.5
                     seconds, which can be PLENTY of time to inflict massive
                     amounts of pain and damage in combat, or surprisingly
                     little, depending on how lucky you are really !!

  LEVEL 10 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : HEW
     Must Have     : DUAL WIELD
     Description   : A Dual Wield technique that causes increased damage by
                     50%
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Definitely worth purchasing to compliment your regular
                     Dual Wield skill.

     Skill Name    : CRUSHING BLOW
     Must Have     : BATTLE RAGE
     Description   : Provides a chance for attacks to cause bonus damage while
                     in Battle Rage
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : IF and ONLY if you are going to rely very heavily on the
                     Battle Rage power, then this is a VERY capable addition
                     thereto.


     Skill Name    : BATTLE STANDARD
     Description   : Throw down a mighty standard to embolden the hearts of
                     nearby allies.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Battle Standard may LOOK plop at lower levels, but at
                     its highest level it gives you a SHEDLOAD of bonuses,
                     which can really help to turn the tide of battle for you
                     AND your allies.

     Skill Name    : WAR WIND
     Description   : Executes a devastating spinning attack that can damage
                     up to four enemies.  Initially each hit is not as powerful
                     as a normal attack but the effectiveness increases every
                     level.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : At its highest level, you can hit up to 7 targets at the
                     same time, making this a real crowdpleaser of a skill.
                     Attach it to the right mouse button and use it sparingly
                     to maximise the movie-style fight quality of your scraps.

  LEVEL 16 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : CROSS CUT
     Must Have     : DUAL WIELD
     Description   : A Dual Wield technique that can hit up to 2 enemies with a
                     cross-cutting scissor motion.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Reasonably good, and definitely worth putting at least a
                     couple of points into as part of your AWESOME Dual Wield
                     skill.

     Skill Name    : HAMSTRING
     Must Have     : ONSLAUGHT
     Description   : An attack aimed at the enemy's legs reduces their ability
                     to run and increases their vulnerability for a short
                     duration.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : It slows your victims, and reduces their defensive ability
                     AND armour, making it worthwhile - especially considering
                     you don't actually have to independently select it - it
                     will just be a part of your regular Onslaught skill !!

  LEVEL 24 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : COUNTER ATTACK
     Must Have     : BATTLE RAGE
     Description   : Provides a chance to counter attack an enemy after being
                     hit in Battle Rage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 1
     My Comments   : Maximum 15% chance to do a modest counter-attack ?  I
                     think you can do MUCH better at this level, so I wouldn't
                     sink more than 1-2 points into this skill personally.

     Skill Name    : TRIUMPH
     Must Have     : BATTLE STANDARD
     Description   : Seeing the inevitability of your triumph, enemies lose
                     hope and the strength of their attack diminishes.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Definitely one to add to the already impressive Battle
                     Standard, as at maximum level this baby will reduce the
                     amount of damage your enemies can inflict by 40% !!!!!

     Skill Name    : LACERATE
     Must Have     : WAR WIND
     Description   : Adds bleeding damage to War Wind and increases the
                     number of enemies hit.  Requires at least one weapon be
                     a sword or axe.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Decent attack that can hit up to 3 enemies at maximum
                     level, but which requires you to have a sword or axe in
                     your hand (which is POSSIBLE but not 100% certain given
                     your style of play obviously), reducing the appeal of
                     this power.

     Skill Name    : DOOM HORN
     Must Have     : WAR HORN
     Description   : Your War Horn heralds the doom of your enemies, shattering
                     their nerves and reducing their ability to defend
                     themselves.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Since it gives you (at maximum level) a 25% reduction in
                     your enemies' health, PLUS reduced armour, I think it is
                     worth at LEAST 2-3 points personally.  Assuming you have
                     the War Horn skill at any rate !!!!!

  LEVEL 32 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : TUMULT
     Must Have     : DUAL WIELD
     Description   : A Dual Wield technique that hits up to 3 adjacent enemies.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : A good, firm attack that perfectly rounds off what is
                     without a DOUBT one of the Warfare Master's greatest
                     skills - Dual Wield.  Definitely sink something into this,
                     even if it's just 1-2 points !!

     Skill Name    : ARDOR
     Must Have     : ONSLAUGHT
     Description   : You build momentum as you drive your attack forward,
                     attacking and moving more rapidly.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : As I have said previously, ANY skill that benefits your
                     attack speed gets two thumbs up in my book, and this one
                     works in conjunction with your Onslaught skill, meaning
                     that the more you hit people, the more powerful you
                     become AND the faster you move AND STRIKE !!!!! =)

     Skill Name    : ANCESTRAL HORN
     Description   : The ominous call on this ancient heirloom will summon
                     forth ghostly heroes of old from the Elysian Fields to do
                     battle once more.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Whilst it is undoubtedly a very impressive skill, being
                     as it is in fact the ONLY summon-skill which the Warfare
                     Master has at his disposal, it is time-limited, which
                     SUCKS in my opinion.  At maximum level you will benefit
                     from the assistance of 5 warriors for a paltry 24 seconds
                     so this skill, whilst powerful, MUST be reserved for
                     desperate situations.  It is DEFINITELY worth having, but
                     use it wisely.

  Conclusions      : If you have ever wanted to be in the movie 300 ... or
                     Gladiator ... or ANY other similar movie, then this is
                     MOST DEFINITELY the School for you.  It has virtually NO
                     ranged attacks, and can only work its wonders up-close and
                     personal, like a good warrior should ;)
  Sphere Rating /5 : 5 if you like up-close and personal, 3 if you don't.


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  Game Description : The Theurgist combines offence and defence with insidious
                     life stealing skills that leech enemies' vitality while
                     bolstering their own.  At higher levels the ability to
                     summon a powerful Liche King dramatically increases
                     damage-dealing ability.
  Sinister says    : NICE !!  This School boasts some of the most VICIOUS
                     skills in the game, with powers such as Cascading Life
                     Drain and Enslave Spirit.  It is definitely NOT one for
                     the goodies two-shoes out there, and it is HEAVILY
                     reliant on range for its powers to take full effect,
                     so those that like to wade in might want to avoid it,
                     unless it is coupled with Warfare of course.

  LEVEL 1 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : DEATHCHILL AURA
     Description   : A deathly chill radiates from the character slowing the
                     attack and movement of enemies as it diminishes their life
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : A decent aura, and a very helpful one to have early on in
                     the game.  You might wind up reducing it in favour of
                     other skills later on, but I would never want to be
                     totally without its benefit.

     Skill Name    : LIFE DRAIN
     Description   : Leeches life from an enemy to replenish your own.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : YES !!  THIS is what it's all about.  Not only does this
                     power enable you to bleed life directly from your enemy
                     from afar, but it transfers a portion of it back to you,
                     healing you in the process !!  We LOVE it !!  At maximum
                     efficiency, it converts 260% of the attack damage back
                     to you as health ;)

  LEVEL 4 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : TERNION ATTACK
     Description   : This powerful wizard's trick causes your staff to shoot
                     three projectiles by channeling magical energy into it.
                     Initially each hit is not as powerful as a normal attack
                     but the effectiveness increases every level.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4 (if playing a wizard) 1 (if playing anything else)
     My Comments   : This skill is either great or worthless, depending on the
                     type of character you want to play.  Basically, if you
                     are going to be using a staff ?  Then it can (if you have
                     a HUGE bank of energy to draw from) level large groups
                     of monsters in no time flat.  If you are playing ANY other
                     type of character (hand-to-hand, archer, assassin, etc.)
                     then it is UTTERLY worthless.

     Skill Name    : RAVAGES OF TIME
     Must Have     : DEATHCHILL AURA
     Description   : Accelerates the effects of time on adjacent enemies'
                     equipment causing weapons to dull and armour to crumble.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : If you are going to be retaining the Deathchill Aura, then
                     this is a REALLY cool skill to use to augment its power.
                     At its highest level, it will deal a whopping -36% damage
                     to your enemies when they get into hand-to-hand, and that
                     CAN'T be bad news for you.

     Skill Name    : VISION OF DEATH
     Description   : Assaults the minds of surrounding enemies with images of
                     their own death causing the weak-hearted to flee in horror
                     and more resolute foes to fight less effectively.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Purely on the basis that fleeing enemies are still going
                     to return, I have to give this a 3.  It may buy you some
                     time - perhaps time enough to destroy

     Skill Name    : SPIRIT WARD
     Description   : Casts a protective ward that will reduce the damage of
                     undead attacks on the player and nearby allies.
     My Rank (/5)  : 2
     My Comments   : Whilst it does its job well, and benefits both you AND
                     any nearby allies, at the end of the day all this power
                     actually does is protect you from Undead, so it's NO
                     use against other types of creatures.

  LEVEL 10 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : CASCADE
     Must Have     : LIFE DRAIN
     Description   : Causes Life Drain to blast through the primary target
                     and hit multiple enemies.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : WICKED skill.  This is the equivalent of Chain Lightning
                     to the Storm School, and you get it in a third of the
                     time !!  Cascade makes Life Drain snake from one target
                     to another to another and so on (depending on the level)
                     which is VERY cool.

     Skill Name    : DARK COVENANT
     Description   : Mysterious otherworldly entities offer great power to
                     Spirit Masters who can commune with them.  The cost,
                     however, is measured in life.
     My Rank (/5)  : 1
     My Comments   : To be honest the bonuses this skill imparts are poor
                     when contrasted with its cost.  Any skill that bleeds
                     you of life to keep it running should be viewed VERY
                     sceptically in my eyes.

     Skill Name    : SUMMON LICHE KING
     Description   : In ages past, powerful sorcerers learned how to cheat
                     Hades and persist as undead liches long after death had
                     robbed their bodies of life.  A dangerous practice of
                     Theurgists is to bind the souls of these ancient liches
                     to their will, thus acquiring their powers.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : This is the first of TWO summons which the Spirit School
                     has to offer, the other being the Outsider.  The Liche
                     King is a ranged unit, but a DAMNED handy one, who is
                     heavily upgradable.  Whilst he won't last long if he is
                     made the object of repeat enemy fire, he can dish out
                     PLENTY of damage considering his frail exterior, and
                     makes a worthy addition to your entourage in my opinion.

     Skill Name    : SPIRIT BANE
     Must Have     : SPIRIT WARD
     Description   : Adds damage against undead to the attacks of those under
                     the effects of Spirit Ward.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : If you're going to, then sink 1-2 points into this skill,
                     but think carefully before you put any more in, as in my
                     opinion it ISN'T all that useful.

  LEVEL 16 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : ARCANE LORE
     Must Have     : TERNION ATTACK
     Description   : The magic practitioners of older civilisations devised
                     many insidious techniques to bolster the destructive
                     capabilities of their magical staves.  Knowledge of these
                     methods will unlock the true power of your staff attacks.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4 (if you have a staff), 1 (if you do not).
     My Comments   : If you HAVE a staff and intend on relying on it almost
                     exclusively ?  Then this is a REALLY cool skill.  Its
                     only real drawback is the amount of energy that it takes
                     to cast, but this isn't so terrible at higher levels.  If
                     you have no intention of using a staff, then you can and
                     SHOULD totally avoid this skill.

     Skill Name    : NECROSIS
     Must Have     : DEATHCHILL AURA
     Description   : Weakens the constitution of adjacent enemies making them
                     more susceptible to attacks that directly damage their
                     life such as vitality damage and life leeching.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : A healthy addition to the Deathchill Aura - why not sink
                     just a couplea points into it for good measure ?  You
                     might as well, plus the benefits are quite good :)

     Skill Name    : ENSLAVE SPIRIT
     Description   : Slip through the barriers of your enemies' consciousness
                     and dominate their mind, binding them to your will.  While
                     enslaved your enemy will be forced to obey your commands
                     but eventually they will regain control of their mind and
                     turn against you.  Ineffective against monsters five or
                     more levels above you.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : I would have given this skill a 4 but the restrictions on
                     its use mean that you have to be dealing with characters
                     of your own level or only slightly higher (or much lower)
                     to get it to work, and later on in the game you will wind
                     up fighting beings that are CONSIDERABLY more powerful
                     than you are, which is when this skill comes a cropper.
                     It is DEFINITELY worth having, and it can get you out of
                     a LOT of jams ... but longer-term, think carefully about
                     it - you MIGHT want to reassign some points from it to
                     other skills.

     Skill Name    : DEATH NOVA
     Must Have     : SUMMON LICHE KING
     Description   : Emits a wave of death that will deplete life from any
                     living being it contacts.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Even if you only sink a point into this skill, it adds
                     another death-dealing attack to the repertoire of the
                     OH so cool Liche King, and that cannot be a bad thing :)

  LEVEL 24 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : UNEARTHLY POWER
     Must Have     : DARK COVENANT
     Description   : Draw upon even greater otherworldly powers to augment
                     yourself and allies in battle, but be wary of the cost
                     exacted from your own vitality.
     My Rank (/5)  : 1
     My Comments   : Again, it's OK insofar as it benefits you and your
                     buddies, but the cost is direct to you, so it cannot be
                     sustained indefinitely, and it will leave you vulnerable
                     to attack from others.  Perhaps best used (if at all),
                     in the presence of powerful allies ;)

     Skill Name    : WRAITH SHELL
     Must Have     : SUMMON LICHE KING
     Description   : Allows the Liche King to diminish its corporeal presence
                     making it less vulnerable to all types of damage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : This increases the life (or unlife) expectancy of your
                     Liche King, and that is a GREAT thing in my book.  The
                     poor lad has a tendency of dying (again) prematurely
                     otherwise =./

     Skill Name    : CIRCLE OF POWER
     Description   : Creates a circle of power that protects allies from the
                     undead and damages any undead creatures that pass within
                     it.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Compared with the Spirit Ward and its upgrade, I find
                     this to be a MUCH more useful power.  You can target a
                     specific area for it to affect, and if you are in ANY
                     doubt about just how effective it can be, just do battle
                     with some Empusa Soul Carvers, and you'll see ;)

  LEVEL 32 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : DEATH WARD
     Description   : Places a magical ward on the player that protects them
                     from death by granting additional life when their life
                     gets dangerously low.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3 (sceptical)
     My Comments   : This is going to sound REALLY stupid, but I couldn't seem
                     to get this skill to work ... I just ... died !!  I think
                     that, in order for it to work, the person hitting you
                     must knock you down below the pre-defined level of health
                     (which is calculated on the basis of your level of skill
                     with this power).  Take too much damage too quickly, and
                     you're screwed.  I think it's worth a point just for the
                     odd time it saves your life, but as I say, for ME ?  It
                     just didn't seem to want to work =./

     Skill Name    : SUMMON OUTSIDER
     Description   : Calls forth a powerful extra-dimensional entity from
                     beyond the ether.  The link can only be maintained for
                     a short time.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Although he is only available for a short period of time,
                     the Outsider can help you to turn the tide of battle in
                     your favour, as he is a BIG boy, quick, and reasonably
                     powerful to boot.  At the very least he can act as
                     cannon fodder whilst your Liche King moves into a better
                     position to zap your enemies from afar ... and you just
                     throw your head back and cackle with glee !!!!! =)

     Skill Name    : ARCANE BLAST
     Must Have     : SUMMON LICHE KING
     Description   : Drawing upon ancient arcane craft the Liche King forms
                     deadly bolts of elemental energy and launches them at
                     enemies.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : BIG ... UP ... THE LICHE ... KING !!  These things are
                     VERY cool, and have a good range to boot !!  Multiple
                     blasts and at higher levels, really quite good damage.
                     Definitely one to outfit the dead dude with.

  Conclusions      : The Spirit School boasts some impressive and powerful
                     skills, but its reliance on magic over physical attacks
                     is sure to be its greatest pitfall.  When paired with
                     something like Warfare or even Defence, it would be
                     quite interesting though !!
  Sphere Rating /5 : 4


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  Game Description : The Defender specialises in surviving battles but offers
                     little in the way of offensive enhancements.  Many skills
                     focus on utilising the shield to deflect attacks and
                     disable enemies.
  Sinister says    : Yyyyyyyyyyyyeah.  Whilst this School of Training DOES
                     have SOME natty skills ?  Like the Shield Charge ?  For
                     me it is WAY too reliant on your having a shield.  If
                     you like Eric from Dungeons and Dragons then this is
                     DEFINITELY the School for you - otherwise be VERY VERY
                     CAREFUL when picking it.  You don't want to come a
                     cropper, especially since you can't undo it later ;)

  LEVEL 1 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : CONCUSSIVE BLOW
     Description   : Adds a chance for attacks to stun enemies and increases
                     the duration of stun attacks when wielding a club type
                     weapon.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Stunning is COOL because it gives you the opportunity to
                     inflict even MORE damage on hapless opponents as they are
                     staggering about in their stupored state.

     Skill Name    : BATTLE AWARENESS
     Description   : Enter a state of heightened awareness that allows you
                     and your allies to perceive and respond to attacks more
                     effectively.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Granting a bonus to your Defensive Ability is never a
                     bad thing, and you must have this skill to be able to
                     benefit from its modifications further up the food chain.
                     I wouldn't sink TOO many skill points into it though ...

     Skill Name    : BATTER
     Description   : A shield attack that hits for increased damage and slows
                     enemies' attacks for a duration.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5 (if you rely on a shield), 1 (if you don't)
     My Comments   : A shield-only skill, but one which does have good
                     benefits.  It is good being able to use what would
                     otherwise be a solely defensive tool for a bit of an
                     ass-whupping ;)

     Skill Name    : ARMOUR HANDLING
     Description   : Understanding how to properly adjust and move in armour
                     allows you to wear heavier armour and shields than an
                     untrained warrior of equivalent strength could manage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Good Armour = Good Defence; Good Defence = Less Dying.
                     The reasons for having this skill are mathematically
                     simplistic - get it !! ;)

  LEVEL 4 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : ADRENALINE
     Description   : Each enemy hit has a chance of triggering an adrenaline
                     rush that boosts life regeneration.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Fair play whilst I don't really like the Defence School,
                     I DO love this skill.  They hit you and it makes you heal
                     quicker ?  BRING IT ON !!!!! =)

     Skill Name    : RALLY
     Description   : The resolute call of your horn can turn the tide of
                     battle, inspiring all in its range to fight with renewed
                     vitality.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : A decent skill which promotes your health regeneration
                     for a given period.  Since it benefits your allies as
                     well as yourself, it can really help to turn battles in
                     your favour.

     Skill Name    : QUICK RECOVERY
     Description   : A strong shield arm allows you to block multiple attackers
                     with amazing speed when necessary but it can only be kept
                     up for a short time.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Considering that you lack range with Defence Mastery, you
                     could benefit from being able to block physical attacks
                     in multiples, and at high speeds.  Therefore this skill
                     is well worth studying.

     Skill Name    : SHIELD SMASH
     Description   : A shield fighting technique that inflicts damage with both
                     the weapon and the shield.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Turn the shield into a WEAPON ??  BONZA !!!!!  Definitely
                     one to invest in, even if only a couple of points.

  LEVEL 10 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : RESILIENCE
     Must Have     : ADRENALINE
     Description   : Increases how often an Adrenaline rush can be triggered.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Big-up the number of times you can use the Adrenaline
                     Rush in a given period of time ?  YES PLEASE !!

     Skill Name    : FOCUS
     Must Have     : BATTLE AWARENESS
     Description   : Focus allows you and your allies to react quickly to
                     enemy attacks increasing the chance of a successful
                     shield block.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5 (if you rely on a shield), 1 (if you don't)
     My Comments   : Another very useful skill if you are going to be relying
                     on a shield.  If not then it's one to avoid really !!
                     But then if you AREN'T going to be relying on a shield,
                     why the HELL did you choose Defence Mastery !?!?! :)

     Skill Name    : SHIELD CHARGE
     Description   : A running attack that slams into the enemy with your
                     shield causing bonus damage and stunning them.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : This skill is definitely one of the best the Defence
                     School has to offer.  It enables you to close the gap
                     between you and your enemies rapidly, and to slam into
                     them causing damage and stunning them.  It is also one
                     of the most visually impressive skills in the Defence
                     repertoire.

  LEVEL 16 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : INSPIRATION
     Must Have     : RALLY
     Description   : Gradually restores lost energy to allies allowing them
                     to continue the fight.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : I like this skill.  Using an aura to bolster the health
                     recharge rate of your allies is COOL, as whilst they are
                     alive they WILL keep fighting for you.  TO THE DEATH !!

     Skill Name    : REND ARMOUR
     Must Have     : BATTER
     Description   : Increases the effectiveness of Batter causing it to hit
                     three targets with enough force to dent their armour.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5 (if you rely on a shield), 1 (if you don't)
     My Comments   : As I have said repeatedly of these types of skills, if
                     you HAVE an intent to rely on a shield in combat in
                     general ?  Then this is a cool skill to have, DEFINITELY.
                     If you do NOT ?  Then why waste the points !!

     Skill Name    : DISABLE
     Description   : A fighting technique that utilises the shield to crush
                     foes and throw them off-balance.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3 (if you rely on a shield), 1 (if you don't)
     My Comments   : To be honest I think this skill arguably loses out to
                     Shield Charge - however it does give decent slow effects
                     at higher levels ... even if the damage isn't really
                     there.
     Other Ideas   : [Viro Melchior says]
                     "Disable is amazing.  You are comparing it to Shield
                     Charge, but Disable (and the other two abilities on the
                     right hand edge of the Defender menu) are passive.
                     There is a chance every time you attack that they are
                     used, for ZERO energy.  Plus they all add your shield
                     damage into the equation, which later on gets to be +100
                     damage or more (my Defender/Pyro has a purple shield
                     that hits for 199 damage)."

  LEVEL 24 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : DEFENSIVE REACTION
     Must Have     : ADRENALINE
     Description   : Increases damage and attack speed during an adrenaline
                     rush
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Adrenaline Rush is one of your handiest skills, so if I
                     were you I would kit it out with additional powers at
                     every possible opportunity.  This skill should get MORE
                     than a 5, as it increases your attack speed and you KNOW
                     how much I love that ;)

     Skill Name    : IRON WILL
     Must Have     : BATTLE AWARENESS
     Description   : Grants allies the resolve to hold out against great
                     adversity.
     My Rank (/5)  : 2
     My Comments   : To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of this power.  It gives
                     stun resistance, reduces entrapment duration, reduces
                     freeze duration and gives skill disruption protection ...
                     but it's like Han Solo said ... it's no match for a
                     Blaster at your side ;)

     Skill Name    : DISRUPTION
     Must Have     : SHIELD CHARGE
     Description   : Increases the shock effect of Shield Charge, startling
                     adjacent enemies and disrupting spell use for a time.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5 (if you rely on a shield), 1 (if you don't)
     My Comments   : I think this is a really handy skill to have to be honest.
                     I SERIOUSLY rate the Shield Charge skill, and being able
                     to increase the number of people that you hit is ALWAYS
                     a good thing ... BRING THE NOISE !! :)

  LEVEL 32 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : DEFIANCE
     Must Have     : RALLY
     Description   : A percentage of all damage inflicted by enemies will be
                     revisited back upon them for a short time after using
                     Rally.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Using this skill you gain increased elemental resistance
                     and can reflect some damage back at your enemies.  At
                     maximum level 60% of it to be precise !!  However the
                     effects are transient, and don't last too long ...

     Skill Name    : COLOSSUS FORM
     Description   : Assume the form of a towering Colossus and lay waste to
                     your enemies.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Whilst I really do love this power ... and I do ... as
                     I cannot HELP but utter the words "Magic Sceptre ... make
                     my Monster GROW" every time I use it ... and it is REALLY
                     good for enabling you to cover distance very quickly and
                     to smite your enemies LIKE the Colossus ?  Try going
                     through a door ... or down a flight of stairs, and you
                     will very quickly learn its shortfalls.  It's CR@P at
                     that sorta thing !!

     Skill Name    : PULVERISE
     Description   : A fighting technique that utilises the shield to slam
                     into enemies, knocking them senseless.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : This power gives you the ability to strike multiple foes
                     causing damage, reducing their offensive ability, and
                     creating a skill disruption effect.  In short, ruining
                     their day.  It's not fantastic, but it ain't half bad ;)

  Conclusions      : Of the 20 skills in this School, 9 of them rely on you
                     having a shield in your possession, so if you are not
                     planning on using one, forget this school.  Also, think
                     VERY CAREFULLY before pairing Warfare and Defence.  They
                     may SOUND like they go hand-in-hand, but you will be
                     sacrificing almost all your ranged powers, PLUS you will
                     have to have two weapons on your primary, and a weapon
                     plus a shield in your secondary, to make full use of the
                     combined powers of both Schools.  Defence is a handy
                     school, so don't think I'm being TOO harsh with it, but
                     for me it just doesn't cut the mustard.
  Other Ideas      : [Thomas Graham has gotten in contact with me to give you
                     guys a different perspective on the Conqueror (Warfare+
                     Defence Mastery), as he loves it.  He says]
                     "(The Conqueror) was my very first character ... and
                     he's currently my strongest.  Basically I gave him a
                     shield and grabbed all the shield attacks from Defence
                     and buffed him up with all the other melee power from
                     Warfare - completely ignoring dual wield/war wind/
                     ancestral horn. I took War Horn though, as it's useful
                     for running out of trouble. I also ignored Concussive
                     Strike from Defence as maces are really slow as to not
                     really make it worth it (As I also prefer to hit as fast
                     as possible, gives me more chances to get a shield
                     attack in).

                     "I always keep a bow handy in the second slot. I use it
                     for overly tough boss fights (Typhon on Normal, the bull
                     on epic and legendary etc) and for pulling out groups of
                     monsters in rooms where it'd be suicide to go Shield
                     Charging in. Generally he can wipe the floor with most
                     monsters and with Armour Proficiency, Ignore Pain and
                     all those other skills, he soaks it up very nicely too.
                     Not to mention that Warfare and Defence have the most
                     Health bonuses of all the schools as you level them up.
                     I also keep Shield Charge handy for getting rid of those
                     pesky archers and casters (Especially Machae Archers),
                     and even using it in melee range to just pummel some
                     monsters.

                     "The slowing effect on Batter is great, it really
                     reduces the amount of pain coming your way and as a
                     general rule I find my shield does more damage than my
                     weapons. This also makes it great for Disable, Pulverize
                     and Shield Bash. The slowing effect on Disable is too
                     chancey to rely on, but I only max it out because it's
                     another chance of hitting with my shield instead (Which
                     tends to deal a FAIR bit more damage than my main
                     weapon.) He also has Onslaught which powers him up
                     quite considerably. With +Speed and skills like Weapons
                     Training and Ardor, I seem to have hit some kind of
                     Weapon Speed cap =(. Nothing I do can make him strike
                     any faster than now - not even activating a Battle
                     Shrine!"
                     [He also points out that, if you check out the bonuses
                     gained from levelling up your masteries, Defence gives
                     the most health of all of them).]
  Sphere Rating /5 : 2


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  Game Description : The Wanderer can call on denizens of the forest to deal
                     damage and shield them from enemies.  Healing and
                     defensive auras allow allies to survive longer and fight
                     more effectively.
  Sinister says    : Find me a RAINBOW !!  Ok so it's not that bad really -
                     Nature Mastery DOES give you control over more creatures
                     than any other School - three in total - and it has a
                     healthy emphasis on healing and restoration which can
                     compliment other schools well - it just isn't that strong
                     as an offensive school unfortunately.

  LEVEL 1 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : REGROWTH
     Description   : A wave of healing energy rapidly restores lost life to
                     the target ally.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Basically ESSENTIAL maintenance for those times when you
                     get caught with no potions left ... and you will ;)

     Skill Name    : CALL OF THE WILD
     Description   : Summons a wolf companion to fight with you in battle.  At
                     higher levels more wolves can be controlled at once.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5 to begin with ... 2 as the game progresses
     My Comments   : You can summon a wolf, which is cool because no other
                     School will give you a summon THIS quickly - however the
                     wolf is available at level 1 for a reason.  At its best
                     level, this skill will enable you to summon 2 wolves -
                     however they are EXTREMELY prone to premature death -
                     especially when they face more powerful monsters later
                     in the game.  Even when souped-up, they aren't all that,
                     unfortunately.
     Other Ideas   : [Viro Melchior says]
                     "I'd agree with (your ranking above) *until* you go to
                     Epic.  All summoned monsters are given more hp and armor
                     at the Epic and Legendary thresholds.  So while your
                     pets get ripped to shreds in the Orient and Hades of
                     basic difficulty, they are much tougher once you go up
                     to a harder mode.  And because the "difficulty" scales
                     slower in these modes (along with your levels going up
                     slower), the pets remain useful in Orient + Hades on the
                     higher difficulties."

  LEVEL 4 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : HEART OF OAK
     Description   : Bolsters the life-force of yourself and nearby allies.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Boasting a steady increase to your health regeneration
                     rate, and extending same to nearby allies, this is a
                     COOL skill to have.

     Skill Name    : ACCELERATED GROWTH
     Must Have     : REGROWTH
     Description   : Allows Regrowth to be cast more frequently.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Even if you only sink a couplea points into this skill,
                     being able to heal yourself more frequently means you are
                     likely to survive longer.

     Skill Name    : MAUL
     Must Have     : CALL OF THE WILD
     Description   : A gnawing attack that rends enemy flesh causing bleed
                     damage for a short duration.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Whilst I would only learn this skill if you are SERIOUSLY
                     a dog lover, if you DO want to keep the wolves on, then
                     I would strongly recommend it be studied.

     Skill Name    : PLAGUE
     Description   : Plague afflicts nearby enemies with a debilitating ailment</pre><pre id="faqspan-12">
                     that reduces their health and quickly spreads to other
                     nearby creatures.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Poison damage rocks - just ask the Rogue !!  Being able
                     not only to poison your enemies, but also to see that
                     poison spread to their allies, is just plain fun :)

  LEVEL 10 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : BRIAR WARD
     Description   : A protective grove of briars grows around you that
                     enemies cannot pass through.
     My Rank (/5)  : 1
     My Comments   : To be honest, most reasonably powerful enemies are just
                     going to smash their way through this, so it is of
                     SERIOUSLY limited use.  It grows all around you, so you
                     cannot really use it to escape ... it is a PLOP power.

     Skill Name    : SURVIVAL INSTINCT
     Must Have     : CALL OF THE WILD
     Description   : An instinctual will to live is triggered whenever health
                     is low.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Again - a seriously cool power but only for the hardcore
                     dog lovers out there.  It allows your poochies to absorb
                     a percentage of the damage they inflict, and to do more
                     damage than usual ... unfortunately it usually won't be
                     enough to save their furry little hides =./

     Skill Name    : FATIGUE
     Must Have     : PLAGUE
     Description   : Saps the strength from diseases enemies causing them to
                     move more slowly and fight less effectively.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Offering a myriad of nasty potential effects, this is
                     worth sinking at least a couple of points into as and
                     when you get the opportunity ... it can reduce enemies'
                     health, damage AND speed !!

  LEVEL 16 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : TRANQUILITY OF WATER
     Must Have     : HEART OF OAK
     Description   : Provides a chance to use skills at 50% reduced cost while
                     under the effect of Heart of Oak.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Giving you the POSSIBILITY (as even at maximum power it
                     is a reasonably modest 28% possibility) to use your other
                     powers at a 50% reduction to their energy cost is worth
                     taking a gamble on - even if it's just one point you
                     sink into it as a skill, non ?

     Skill Name    : DISSEMINATION
     Must Have     : REGROWTH
     Description   : Causes regrowth energy to disseminate from the initial
                     target and leap to additional nearby allies.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : VERY very useful when you are doing larger-scale combat
                     in Elysium later in the game.  This is, in fact, the
                     power that the Elysian Warriors use to heal each other.
                     I definitely recommend getting at LEAST 2-3 points in
                     this power.

     Skill Name    : STINGING NETTLE
     Must Have     : BRIAR WARD
     Description   : Causes enemies who hit the Briar Ward to suffer poisoning.
     My Rank (/5)  : 2
     My Comments   : Ok so it makes the Briar Ward a little bit more manly,
                     but still - it's a bit naff.  Stinging Nettle ?  Paleeze.

     Skill Name    : SYLVAN NYMPH
     Description   : Summons a powerful forest Nymph who can bring down enemies
                     with her magical bow and cast enchantments to strengthen
                     allies in battle.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : She's quick, she's mean-tempered and she has a VERY
                     naughty laugh when she does things she knows she shouldn't
                     like shooting monsters in the eye from afar.  Also, you
                     can choose where you want her to materialise (which is of
                     very little consequence, but a nice touch).  The Nymph
                     has a high rate of fire, but skips (SKIPS) everywhere
                     she goes, which is really NOT good if you are trying to
                     play a manly character.  She is the second (or third if
                     you sank loads of points into the Call of the Wild)
                     summon for this School.

  LEVEL 24 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : PERMANENCE OF STONE
     Must Have     : HEART OF OAK
     Description   : Protects allies from the elements, reducing the damage
                     caused by elemental based attacks.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Whilst it may SOUND naff, and even at its highest level
                     you get a maximum of 18% resistance, this is ELEMENTAL
                     resistance - i.e. resistance to ALL the elements and, as
                     such, it cannot be sneezed it.

     Skill Name    : STRENGTH OF THE PACK
     Must Have     : CALL OF THE WILD
     Description   : The howl of your wolves emboldens the hearts of those who
                     hear it causing them to fight more fiercely.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : I like this skill, as it enables the wolves to do
                     something for you and your other allies (if you have any)
                     for a change.  You will benefit from increased damage and
                     speed, and you KNOW that added speed makes me go weak at
                     the knees ... heh.

     Skill Name    : OVERGROWTH
     Must Have     : SYLVAN NYMPH
     Description   : Allows the Nymph to create a living shield around allies
                     that absorbs damage and harms enemies that strike it.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Another natty power - this enables the Nymph to give you
                     a level of protection from physical damage, PLUS it has
                     a chance to perform piercing retaliation against those
                     who would harm you whilst under its protection.
     Other Ideas   : [Viro Melchior says]
                     "Overgrowth is nearly useless.  [The Nymph] doesn't cast
                     it often, and it isn't enough damage on any difficulty
                     to really make a difference considering how fickle she
                     is with it."

     Skill Name    : SUSCEPTIBILITY
     Must Have     : PLAGUE
     Description   : Weakens the constitution of adjacent enemies making them
                     more susceptible to physical and elemental damage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Giving negative modifiers to the Damage Resistance and
                     Elemental Resistance of those people standing around an
                     afflicted (poisoned) adversary, this just makes the
                     pleasure spread like wildfire through the ranks !! :)

  LEVEL 32 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : REFRESH
     Description   : Substracts time from recharging skills allowing you to use
                     them more frequently.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : I think this is a MUST HAVE skill for the Nature Master,
                     as it can enable you to employ some of your most powerful
                     skills more often.  At its highest level it reduces the
                     recharge time of skills by 52 seconds when used, and that
                     can mean the difference between life eternal and a quick
                     and painful death on the battlefield.

     Skill Name    : SANCTUARY
     Must Have     : BRIAR WARD
     Description   : The power of the grove revitalises those within and
                     reduces the energy consumed by skill use.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : If ever you GET Briar Ward to this level, then I would
                     seriously look to invest in this skill, as it boosts both
                     Health AND Energy Regeneration whilst you are within the
                     Ward and, since you cannot go anywhere whilst it's up ?
                     That sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me !!

     Skill Name    : NATURE'S WRATH
     Must Have     : SYLVAN NYMPH
     Description   : Imbues the Nymph's attacks with the power of the elements.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Giving that tricksy little Nymph the power to fire arrows
                     through her enemies (a skill otherwise reserved for the
                     Hunting School Masters out there), and enhancing her
                     strikes with Elemental Damage is COO-WELL !! :)

  Conclusions      : Clearly NOT a School for those people that like to fight
                     in the front lines, unless backed up by something very
                     physical like Warfare or Earth, Nature can easily be as
                     much a hindrance as a help.  HOWEVER, when paired up
                     intelligently with other schools (i.e. using Nature as
                     pretty much a supporting School), it can be put to VERY
                     good use and, if you are looking to become a Druid, then
                     this is the way to go !!
  Sphere Rating /5 : 3


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  Game Description : Master of bow and spear combat.  Piercing attacks
                     penetrate enemy armour and high level bow skills will tear
                     through large groups of enemies.  The Hunter must rely on
                     speed and range to stay out of the reach of enemies.
  Sinister says    : I really like this School.  If you want to fashion your
                     character into an archer, then this is the way to go.
                     NOBODY wields a bow and arrow better than those that
                     follow the Hunting School ... NOBODY.  Of course if you
                     want to get up-close-and-personal ?  Then this is NEVER
                     going to be a school for you.

  LEVEL 1 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : ENSNARE
     Description   : Casts a weighted net around the feet of an enemy holding
                     them in place but not preventing them from attacking if
                     you are within their range.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : This is quite simply one of the single best low-level
                     skills in the whole game.  You can pin a single enemy,
                     whether a low-level grunt or even in some cases a boss,
                     in place for a given period of time, which gives you
                     (depending on the level of the skill) usually plenty of
                     time to riddle them with arrows or other attacks.  Go
                     on ... tie it to your right mouse button and have a
                     Legolas moment ;)

     Skill Name    : TAKE DOWN
     Description   : A brutal thrust from your spear delivers devastating
                     piercing damage to enemies and diminishes a portion of
                     your enemy's total life.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5 (if you wield a spear regularly), 1 (if you do not)
     My Comments   : Only of any use if you wield a spear as a regular part
                     of your arsenal.  I never do, so this skill is totally
                     lost on me.

     Skill Name    : WOOD LORE
     Description   : Central to survival in the wilderness is the ability to
                     hunt with bow and spear.  Great familiarity with these
                     weapons allows you to wield them with exceptional speed
                     and precision.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : ANY skill that increases your attack speed is quite
                     simply a must-have in my opinion, and this is one of
                     those.  Increased speed gives you increased damage-
                     dealing potential :)

  LEVEL 4 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : MARKSMANSHIP
     Description   : Marksmanship skill allows you to create and fire arrows
                     that fly faster and increase pierce damage.  Apply this
                     skill to your left mouse button.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : A very useful and improvable skill is Marksmanship.  It
                     increases the effectiveness and damage of all your regular
                     arrow attacks, and as the Hunter you will be using PLENTY
                     of those !!

     Skill Name    : ART OF THE HUNT
     Description   : Hunting experience gives you the edge when facing familiar
                     quarry such as Animals and Beastmen.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Whilst I heavily improved this skill during my playtime,
                     it is best implemented against animals and beastmen, and
                     so part of its effectiveness is lost when it is used
                     against tougher and more powerful enemies ...

     Skill Name    : HERBAL REMEDY
     Description   : Living off the land, you learn to identify and utilise
                     medicinal plants to create healing salves.  When applied
                     it will fortify against poison and healing is accelerated
                     for the duration.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : It's good to be able to use a healing skill now and
                     again, and this one is reasonably cool because it also
                     helps protect you from poison damage.  I have never ever
                     used it in-game to be truthful, largely because being a
                     ranged character you tend to try and avoid taking hits
                     wherever possible, but it's cool to know it's available
                     should you want to learn it :)

  LEVEL 10 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : BARBED NETTING
     Must Have     : ENSNARE
     Description   : Barbed hooks on the hunter's Ensnare net tear into
                     enemies as they struggle causing them to bleed.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Whilst I have never bothered to put any appreciable
                     number of points into this skill - I think I just put
                     one in for good measure - it is totally worth having,
                     as the opportunity to inflict additional damage on a
                     paralysed foe appealed to me ... and still does !!

     Skill Name    : CALL OF THE HUNT
     Description   : Those who answer the call of the hunt will fight with
                     increased speed and cunning.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : A GREAT skill which is only restricted by the time limit
                     imposed upon it - however at higher levels it runs for a
                     respectable amount of time, and can DRAMATICALLY improve
                     your fighting skills for the duration (as well as those
                     of your allies !!)

     Skill Name    : EVISCERATE
     Must Have     : TAKE DOWN
     Description   : Targeting vital weak-points on your enemy causes sustained
                     damage from bleeding.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5 (if you wield a spear regularly), 1 (if you do not)
     My Comments   : Again, if the spear is your weapon of choice, then this
                     is going to be a very popular skill for you.  If, like
                     me, however, you virtually NEVER use a spear, then this
                     skill is NEVER going to make your highlight reel.

     Skill Name    : MONSTER LURE
     Description   : Drops down a decoy to attract the attention of nearby
                     monsters.
     My Rank (/5)  : 1
     My Comments   : To be honest I think this is the worst skill in the whole
                     School.  It creates a dummy a VERY short distance away
                     from you, which lures monsters to it until they smash it
                     to pieces.  Since it's very close to you to start with,
                     they are not guaranteed to spot it and might hit you a
                     few more times until it catches their eye, so this isn't
                     a fantastic skill by any means :(

  LEVEL 16 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : STUDY PREY
     Description   : By observing your prey from a distance you may discover
                     its weakness, resulting in greater pierce damage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : This is a skill which you can use to target a small area
                     of enemies at a distance, increasing the amount of
                     piercing damage they take for a little while.  A green
                     eye appears over their heads - it's the same power the
                     centaurs use on you ALL the BL**DY TIME !!

     Skill Name    : PUNCTURE SHOT ARROWS
     Must Have     : MARKSMANSHIP
     Description   : Incorporating a more streamlined shaft into your arrows
                     allows them to pass through targets and hit additional
                     enemies in their path.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : I would give this ability MORE than 5 if I could - it is
                     DEFINITELY one to get if you use a bow-and-arrow.  The
                     chance of penetrating the bodies of your enemies and
                     hitting the people behind them increases as the skill
                     improves, as does the satisfaction of using this skill !!

     Skill Name    : GOUGE
     Description   : A combat technique that uses the spear or bow to inflict
                     deep wounds that will result in prolonged bleeding.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Increasing the amount of bleeding damage your spear OR
                     bow does, makes this a good skill to add to your
                     repertoire regardless of whether you prefer to use the
                     spear or the bow - I would recommend sinking at least
                     1-2 points into it personally.

     Skill Name    : FIND COVER
     Must Have     : ART OF THE HUNT
     Description   : Making use of available cover as you press your attack
                     allows you to avoid unnecessary damage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Since you are at range anyway, you should find you are
                     able to avoid the majority of attacks - just stick and
                     move and you will be able to avoid many projectiles.  This
                     is one of those nice to have powers, but I wouldn't say
                     it is in ANY way mandatory for this School.

  LEVEL 24 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : EXPLOIT WEAKNESS
     Must Have     : CALL OF THE HUNT
     Description   : Take full advantage of your enemy's mistakes and
                     vulnerable moments to inflict savage wounds.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : This skill enables you to inflict additional piercing and
                     bleeding damage when attacking.  Consequently it is well
                     worth investing some pointage in ;)

     Skill Name    : TRAIL BLAZING
     Must Have     : ART OF THE HUNT
     Description   : Grants those who follow the hunt endurance to relentlessly
                     track their quarry, preventing even the most tangled
                     thicket from slowing pursuit.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : This skill doesn't benefit your attack speed per se, but
                     instead it increases your movement speed.  This has
                     certain obvious advantages insofar as you can peg it away
                     from combat quickly, or take advantage of mistakes your
                     enemies make in double-quick time.

     Skill Name    : DETONATE
     Must Have     : MONSTER LURE
     Description   : Adds a hidden explosive charge to the monster lure causing
                     it to detonate when destroyed.  In order to detonate the
                     lure must be at full energy.
     My Rank (/5)  : 1
     My Comments   : Ok ... whilst I admit that love almost EVERYTHING about
                     this School, THIS and Monster Lure I just really don't
                     get.  What makes THIS power really pants in my opinion
                     is that whilst it can cause the Monster Lure to explode
                     when it reaches zero health, it doesn't always, as the
                     Monster Lure MUST HAVE full energy to discharge this
                     power !!  Why bother !?!?!  Just SHOOT your enemies -
                     don't wait in hiding for this thing to take them out ...
                     JUST ... SHOOT ... THEM !!

  LEVEL 32 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : FLUSH OUT
     Must Have     : STUDY PREY
     Description   : Draw your enemies into the open, making them more
                     vulnerable to attack.
     My Rank (/5)  : 2
     My Comments   : If you're a big fan of using Study Prey, then this power
                     should go from a 2 to a 4.  I never use it personally, so
                     this is rather lost on me.  However I can tell you that
                     it does reduce both the Defensive Ability AND the
                     Elemental Resistance of those enemies it affects.

     Skill Name    : SCATTER SHOT ARROWS
     Must Have     : MARKSMANSHIP
     Description   : A secret of master fletchers is the ability to craft
                     special arrow heads that burst on impact sending out
                     razor-sharp fragments in all directions.  Each shard
                     delivers piercing damage to the enemies it hits.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : ANOTHER power which I would cheerfully give more than 5
                     points to were I able ... this one gives you a chance to
                     have any given arrow you fire explode into a set of
                     smaller barbs, each of which does additional damage.
                     Using this with the other Marksmanship upgrades can level
                     large (and I do MEAN large) numbers of enemies in one or
                     two arrows - it's SO COOL !!!!! :)

     Skill Name    : VOLLEY
     Description   : A combat technique that uses the spear or bow to rapidly
                     strike three times in succession.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : YET ANOTHER kickass power for the Hunting School - THIS
                     little beauty enables you to fire three arrows (from
                     time to time - there is a percentage chance that it will
                     work), which means you do even MORE damage to even MORE
                     monsters with your bow and arrows ... YEEEEEEES !!!!! =)

  Conclusions      : If you are an archer or have even the SLIGHTEST liking
                     for Legolas from the Lord of the Rings, then you should
                     SERIOUSLY consider this school.  Whilst its emphasis is
                     on wielding a bow and arrow, it does have some spear
                     skills available, and some modest healing powers should
                     you want to brush up on those, so it caters to pretty
                     much two main types of warrior - the Archer and the
                     Pikeman.  The biggest drawback of this school is in its
                     total lack of summons, but apart from that I love it !!
  Sphere Rating /5 : 4


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                    / ¦
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  Game Description : The rogue is unmatched at dealing rapid damage to single
                     opponents or wearing them down with poison and bleeding.
                     Reliant on hit-and-run tactics, the Rogue is less well
                     suited for handling hordes of enemies and must employ
                     trickery to avoid being overwhelmed.
  Sinister says    : Ooh !  NASTY.  I love it !!  I agree with the game - the
                     emphasis of this School is DEFINITELY on doing large
                     amounts of damage to very specific targets.  Later on you
                     can pick up a couple of skills that will sort out larger
                     groups of enemies, but the mainstay of the skills
                     available in this School are for the Assassins out there.
                     People that single-out their targets and go for the
                     jugular.

  LEVEL 1 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : CALCULATED STRIKE
     Description   : Used in place of your normal attack, every fourth hit
                     with calculated strike will deliver increased damage.
                     Apply this skill to your left mouse button.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : This is a GREAT skill to pick up early on in the game.
                     It doesn't matter what type of weapon you wield - every
                     fourth time you strike with this power it makes a cool
                     noise, and your enemy goes DOWN ... it's cool !! :)  Of
                     course it stops being QUITE so cool when you're fighting
                     stronger adversaries later on in the game, but UP UNTIL
                     that point it rocks.

     Skill Name    : BLADE HONING
     Description   : While active, this skill ensures that the blades on the
                     swords or spears of yourself and allies will remain razor
                     sharp and inflict increased piercing damage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Similar to Marksmanship or Earth Enchantment, this power
                     can remain constantly active - however it is limited in
                     that you must be wielding either a sword or a spear for
                     it to remain on.  Therefore even if your second weapon
                     is a bow and arrow, if you switch to it (i.e. away from
                     either a sword or spear), this power will automatically
                     switch itself off, which is a pain in the butt.

     Skill Name    : ENVENOM WEAPON
     Description   : Coats your weapon with deadly poison while activated.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Adds poison damage to all your attacks, which is great !
                     BE an Assassin ... g'wan ... ;)

  LEVEL 4 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : THROWING KNIFE
     Description   : Throw a piercing blade at your opponent capable of causing
                     prolonged bleeding.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5 at the outset - 2 later on in the game
     My Comments   : When you first use this power you will throw your head
                     back and laugh with glee - I virtually guarantee it.
                     It's one of those "you think you have me ?  Well think
                     again !!" kinda powers - however when you're throwing
                     these beauties into the knees of a cyclops and he's about
                     to hammer you into the ground with his club ?  You will
                     come to see its limitations =./

     Skill Name    : DISARM TRAPS
     Description   : Expertise with traps and magical devices allows the Rogue
                     to easily disable them and avoid their damage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Even if you just put a point onto this skill, its effect
                     is passive, so you never need to activate it, and it does
                     reduce the likelihood of traps going off in your face.
                     However if you have a good sense of hearing, reduce the
                     rating I have given this skill to 1 as you will be able
                     to get around traps that way.

     Skill Name    : NIGHTSHADE
     Must Have     : ENVENOM WEAPON
     Description   : Oils harvested from deadly Nightshade plants give your
                     Envenomed Weapons the ability to slow enemies.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Since the poison effects you get from envenom weapon
                     work with your regular attacks, why not bolster them at
                     every opportunity ??

     Skill Name    : FLASH POWDER
     Description   : A magician's trick turned to more nefarious purposes,
                     flash powder blinds adjacent enemies impairing their
                     ability to hit with weapons and potentially disorienting
                     them.
     My Rank (/5)  : 1
     My Comments   : I LOVE this power, but it has all the practical use of
                     popping a balloon as a method of distraction.  You throw
                     the powder down and BOOM - where's he gone !?!?!  Oh
                     look !!  He's RIGHT where he was to begin with !!  GET
                     HIM BOYS !!!!!  It's like that ;)  It works great on
                     low-ranking enemies, so it might be worth a point or
                     two, but I wouldn't bother with any more than that ...

  LEVEL 10 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : LUCKY HIT
     Must Have     : CALCULATED STRIKE
     Description   : Uncommonly good fortune provides a chance that calculated
                     strikes will slip past enemy armour causing tremendous
                     damage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Even if you just pop a point or two into this skill, it
                     actively increases the chances of calculated strikes
                     doing more damage.  I can't do maths to save my life,
                     but it's an (x)% chance of doing more damage on every
                     1 in 4 hits ... which is kinda slim, but worth adding
                     for the crack ;)

     Skill Name    : OPEN WOUND
     Description   : Adds a chance that weapon attacks will inflict bleeding
                     damage when using a sword, spear, bow, or axe.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Given that this skill can affect your bleeding damage
                     chances with no less than FOUR main weapon groups, I
                     think it deserves a high rating.  Bleeding damage takes
                     a little while to slay your enemies, but it can weaken
                     them to the extent that they are like leaves on the
                     wind - pushovers in other words ;)

     Skill Name    : LAY TRAP
     Description   : Drops a mechanical bolt trap that will trip when enemies
                     draw near and rapidly fire out deadly bolts.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : GREAT when it comes to weakening larger numbers of enemy
                     troops (which as I have said before is something that
                     the Rogue School is a bit thin on the ground at doing
                     otherwise).  It doesn't slay huge amounts as the bolts
                     are a bit hitty-missy, but it does its job well, PLUS
                     you can lob it ... use the shift key whilst aiming to
                     increase the range ;)

     Skill Name    : POISON GAS BOMB
     Description   : Lobs a bomb that will burst on impact releasing a cloud
                     of toxic gas that damages enemies and impairs their
                     attacks.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Another lobbable weapon - this one causes a cloud of
                     toxic fumes to arise, poisoning all within the blast
                     area.  Unfortunately it doesn't do huge amounts of
                     damage until higher levels, but it can be upgraded so it
                     is definitely worth putting at least a couple of points
                     into.

  LEVEL 16 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : LETHAL STRIKE
     Description   : A single deadly hit that multiplies the damage of a normal
                     weapon attack.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : THIS skill is simply BEAUTIFUL.  Think of it as focusing
                     your hatred and energy into doing just ONE hit ... JUST
                     one ... but that hit is usually going to be powerful
                     enough to slay the enemy you are aiming for.  Simple,
                     effective ... just like an Assassin should be !


     Skill Name    : RAPID CONSTRUCTION
     Must Have     : LAY TRAP
     Description   : Expertise in assembling traps reduces the amount of time
                     it takes to create a new trap after one has been set.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : I think it's worth having even if just on a low-level,
                     as the quicker you can roll out your traps, the more
                     chance they have of damaging your enemies ... obviously !!

     Skill Name    : TOXIN DISTILLATION
     Must Have     : ENVENOM WEAPON
     Description   : Learn alchemical processes to distil natural toxins,
                     increasing the potency and duration of all poison attacks.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Increasing power and duration of ALL your poison attacks ?
                     HELL YEAH !!  BRING IT ON !!!!! :)

  LEVEL 24 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : ANATOMY
     Description   : With a deep knowledge of anatomy, attacks can be directed
                     at vital points in the body increasing the chance and
                     effectiveness of bleed damage.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Since poison and bleeding are two of the main weapons the
                     Rogue Master has at their disposal and, consequently, two
                     of the main areas which you should upgrade wherever the
                     opportunity presents itself.

     Skill Name    : MANDRAKE
     Must Have     : ENVENOM WEAPON
     Description   : Adds a chance for poison to cloud an enemy's mind, sending
                     them into a state of confusion.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : And here's another example of that !  With a chance of
                     sending your enemies loopy for a moment or two, you can
                     focus your attacks on those that are compus mentis, and
                     then pick off the stragglers afterwards.  I love it !! :)

     Skill Name    : SHRAPNEL
     Must Have     : POISON GAS BOMB
     Description   : Packed with volatile liquid and metal scraps, the Poison
                     Gas Bomb will explode violently on impact showering the
                     area with deadly Shrapnel.  Each fragment of shrapnel
                     inflicts piercing damage to the enemies it hits.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Expanding on the damage potential of the already rather
                     cool Poison Gas Bomb, once that explodes, additional
                     smaller fragments spray out in all directions, causing
                     EXTRA damage, and making a really cool snapping sound.

  LEVEL 32 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : MORTAL WOUND
     Must Have     : LETHAL STRIKE
     Description   : Stuns victims of Lethal Strike and greatly magnifies the
                     impact of poison and bleeding damage caused by the attack.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Giving you a percentage modifier to both bleeding and
                     poison damage, this is YET ANOTHER must have skill for
                     the Rogues and Assassins out there.

     Skill Name    : FLURRY OF KNIVES
     Must Have     : THROWING KNIFE
     Description   : Learn to throw additional knives at once and cut down
                     enemies with a lethal flurry of razor-sharp metal.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Being able to throw not just one, but a whole BUNCH of
                     knives has a fantastic appeal I must say.  It's kinda
                     like the ultimate in goodbye fatalities ... however
                     as with the Storm Skill Torrent, there isn't really a
                     whole lot of control you can exert over the direction
                     the additional knives go, making this a less than ideal
                     skill.  It also gives the knives additional piercing
                     damage ;)

     Skill Name    : IMPROVED FIRING MECHANISM
     Must Have     : LAY TRAP
     Description   : Modifications to the Bolt Trap increase the number of
                     bolts fired per round.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Even if you don't like to set traps, I would sink at least
                     one point into this skill, as it will benefit any and
                     all traps you create.  You never know when it might come
                     in handy, non ?

  Conclusions      : If you like the idea of being an Assassin, or just
                     focusing all your energy and attacking power into beating
                     your foes down, one at a time in devious and often brutal
                     ways ?  Then this is a SERIOUS contender as a school for
                     you.  If you like the wholesale slaughter of LARGE numbers
                     of troops at the same time ?  Then consider looking at
                     other schools before plumping for this one.
  Sphere Rating /5 : 4


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¦       ¦¦ --- ¦ ¦  ==== ¦   ¦  ¦   \  /   ¦
¦  ¦\   ¦¦     ¦ ¦  ¦    ¦   ¦  ¦    \/    ¦
¦  ¦ \  ¦¦  --/  ¦  ==  ¦  =  ¦ ¦ ¦\    /¦ ¦
¦  ¦  ¦ ¦¦  \    ¦   ¦  ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ \  / ¦ ¦
¦  ¦ /  ¦¦   \   ¦  ==  ¦  =  ¦ ¦ ¦  \/  ¦ ¦
¦  ¦/   ¦¦ ¦\ \  ¦  ¦   ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦      ¦ ¦
¦       ¦¦ ¦ \ \ ¦  ====¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦      ¦ ¦
¦      / ¦ ¦  \ \¦     ¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦      ¦ ¦
=======  ===   ============ === ===      ===

  Game Description : Expand your consciousness to draw more deeply from the
                     power of the dream realm and exert your will upon
                     physical reality.
  Sinister says    : Ah yes, the NEWCOMER School.  Dream wasn't available for
                     us to play about with in regular Titan Quest, and so it
                     is the one EVERYBODY that used to play Titan Quest wants
                     to explore.  Is it worth it ?  Read on ;)

  LEVEL 1 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : SANDS OF SLEEP
     Description   : Puts enemies to sleep, rendering them immobile for a
                     duration or until awakened by an attack.
     My Rank (/5)  : 3
     My Comments   : Oh deary ... deary me.  The first skill in this new school
                     and it's the power to send people to ... sleep ??  Truth
                     be told it's not THAT pants, but they will wake up as soon
                     as you hit them, which makes it more useful as a "let me
                     slip by" skill than a "now you DIE" skill.  Having said
                     that, it does of course enable you to get a free hit in
                     before they can counter, so it's not THAT bad really !!

     Skill Name    : PSIONIC TOUCH
     Description   : Psionic energies focused within your weapons will create
                     a bone shattering resonance when they contact your
                     enemies.  Apply this skill to your left mouse button.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : A skill which augments your regular attacks, enabling you
                     to do both Vitality Damage AND a percentage of additional
                     damage to boot ?  FAIR PLAY !!  The maximum you can do
                     using this skill is an additional 96% TOTAL Damage, in
                     3 charge levels.  Pick it up !!  PICK IT UP NOW !!!!! :)

     Skill Name    : DISTORTION WAVE
     Description   : A wave of force is projected outward that forms chaotic
                     ripples in the fabric of reality and delivers devastating
                     damage to the body and mind of enemies.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : This is the same power that the Cyclops Polyphemus uses
                     against you when you fight him - a direct-line attack
                     that sends a wave of force out towards your adversaries.
                     It's upgradable, and impressive, and should form a good
                     part of your arsenal early-on in the game.

  LEVEL 4 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : TRANCE OF EMPATHY
     Description   : Force enemies to share the damage they inflict upon you
                     by forming a telepathic link to their minds that conveys
                     only pain and siphons life in retribution.  Trance
                     Skill - Only one trance can be active at a time.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : The first of three Trance skills that are available to
                     you as a result of studying this school, none of which
                     are dependent on each other to exist.  This is one of
                     the best of them in my opinion - it converts a percentage
                     of the damage you do to your enemies back into life for
                     you, AND reflects a portion of the damage they do to you
                     back against them.  KILLER :)

     Skill Name    : LUCID DREAM
     Description   : Increased conscious control over your dream state enhances
                     abilities that derive power from the dream world.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Even if you don't heavily upgrade it, this skill will
                     add damage, electrical burn damage AND vitality damage
                     to your dream powers (all as percentages - NOT fixed
                     numbers), so it's well worth having.

     Skill Name    : PHANTOM STRIKE
     Description   : Vanish from the waking world and reappear before a target
                     enemy to deliver a monstrous attack.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : AGAIN I find myself giving a 5 to a power in this school.
                     This is an AMAZING power to watch.  You turn invisible in
                     a cloud of dream energy, and stalk your prey until you are
                     within striking distance, whereupon you decloak yourself
                     and hit them.  If your enemies are closer to you than
                     their regular starting positions, they will try and fall
                     back to their regular starting positions which can help
                     or hinder you, depending on how many enemies stand by them
                     and where they started.  Once upgraded sufficiently, you
                     can hit more than one person (six at the highest level)
                     with your strike.  GET THIS SKILL RIGHT NOW DAMMIT !! :)

  LEVEL 10 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : PREMONITION
     Must Have     : LUCID DREAM
     Description   : A precognitive sense of the imminent future allows you to
                     stay one step ahead of your enemies in combat.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Giving you bonuses to both your Offensive AND Defensive
                     Abilities is less than awe-inspiring, but you should feel
                     the benefits in battle.  It's worth picking up even if
                     you don't sink massive amounts of points into it.

     Skill Name    : SUMMON NIGHTMARE
     Description   : Calls forth a nightmarish phantasm from the dream world
                     to serve as your familiar.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : The only summon that you can have in the Dream School,
                     and he is QUITE the little devil bless him.  He can be
                     upgraded later on to give him extra powers, some of which
                     are quite unique.  You should definitely get this little
                     dude at your back.

     Skill Name    : PSIONIC BURN
     Must Have     : PSIONIC TOUCH
     Description   : Psionic energy within the target ignites and explodes
                     outward, burning through their material being and
                     inflicting severe damage to adjacent targets.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : There is absolutely NO reason not to get this skill.  It
                     gives you additional Electrical Burn Damage AND a bonus
                     percentage damage against Demons.  The only reason I
                     wouldn't give it a 5 is because the additional percentage
                     damage you get only affects Demons.  The Electrical Burn
                     bit affects everybody though ;)

     Skill Name    : DREAM STEALER
     Must Have     : PHANTOM STRIKE
     Description   : Devastate your enemies and steal their power by ripping
                     the very dreams from their minds.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Since Phantom Strike is such a cool skill, I would put
                     a few points into this skill as well.  It gives you energy
                     leech potential, stun time and additional damage for your
                     enemies, so it's the icing on an already kickass cake.

     Skill Name    : CHAOTIC RESONANCE
     Must Have     : DISTORTION WAVE
     Description   : Amplifies the physical distortion effect, causing it to
                     shatter armour and break bones
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : This skill increases the damage of the Distortion Wave,
                     and reduces the Armour Rating of your opponents.  Another
                     cool skill for the Dream School !!

  LEVEL 16 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : TRANCE OF CONVALESCENCE
     Description   : A restful state of mind causes increased life recovery
                     and damage absorption for the player and allies.  Trance
                     Skill - Only one trance can be active at a time.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Ah yes, the second Trance skill.  This one increases
                     both your health and energy regeneration (but not to
                     insane levels), and gives you the ability to absorb a
                     percentage of the damage you sustain, which is nice.  15%
                     at its highest level.

     Skill Name    : HYPNOTIC GAZE
     Must Have     : SUMMON NIGHTMARE
     Description   : The mesmerising stare of the Nightmare is able to
                     dominate lesser minds and throw them into a state of
                     confusion, causing them to wander aimlessly and attack
                     phantom images.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : There is something very satisfying about a pet that is
                     able to think for itself.  Your nightmare is quite the
                     little puppetmaster !!  He can possess your enemies,
                     just as a Spirit Master might, and cause them to fight
                     at your side for a spell.  Well worth having !!

     Skill Name    : DISTORTION FIELD
     Description   : A field of psionic power bends for fabric of reality
                     around the player, negating some of the damage from
                     enemy attacks and dealing retaliatory damage to enemies
                     that strike you.
     My Rank (/5)  : 2
     My Comments   : Warping the fabric of reality to both absorb some of the
                     damage that is dealt to you, and dealing damage to your
                     enemies in retaliation is all well and good, however at
                     its MAXIMUM level of power, there is a paltry 5% chance
                     that this skill will work ... which is MEGA plop.  I'd
                     get it, but I wouldn't rely on it too heavily.

     Skill Name    : DISTORT REALITY
     Description   : Sends out a powerful ripple of distortion around the
                     player that tears the fabric of reality, causing severe</pre><pre id="faqspan-13">
                     damage to enemies caught within it.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : THIS is, in my opinion, the best skill in this School.
                     It sends out a circular shockwave of force from you at
                     the centre through your enemies.  The amount of damage
                     that it inflicts is great at higher levels, and the
                     attack can be further upgraded so as to freeze those
                     enemies that it doesn't kill outright !!  I LOVE IT !! :)

  LEVEL 24 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : TEMPORAL FLUX
     Must Have     : LUCID DREAM
     Description   : A subtle acceleration of time around the player allows
                     them to move more quickly, anticipate attacks, and
                     negate the slowing effects of enemy skills.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Giving you the powers of additional total speed, together
                     with a chance to avoid projectiles AND a resistance to
                     being slowed is NOT something to be sneezed at.  It is
                     not the greatest of powers, but it can prove to be a VERY
                     helpful addition to your arsenal.

     Skill Name    : PSIONIC IMMOLATION
     Must Have     : DISTORTION WAVE
     Description   : Psionic energies ignite into a surge of electrical power
                     that causes horrific burning over a short duration.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Causing massive amounts of Electrical Burning Damage,
                     together with a bonus modifier when used against Demons,
                     this skill is a GREAT add-on for your Distortion Wave.

  LEVEL 32 SKILLS

     Skill Name    : TRANCE OF WRATH
     Description   : Waves of negative psionic energy emanate from the player,
                     disrupting enemy thoughts and burning through their
                     physical being.  Trance Skill - Only one trance can be
                     active at a time.
     My Rank (/5)  : 4
     My Comments   : Interestingly this skill isn't so dissimilar to the Earth
                     skill "Ring of Flame", which is available at level 4.  It
                     actively attempts to zap anybody that comes within a
                     certain distance of you, and can be maintained for as long
                     as you wish (or have the energy to support it).  It takes
                     a barely noticeable amount of energy to use, and can help
                     ward off those pesky hand-to-hand warriors that get a bit
                     too close for comfort.

     Skill Name    : MASTER MIND
     Must Have     : SUMMON NIGHTMARE
     Description   : The Nightmare is able to speak to the minds of your other
                     minions and coordinate their attacks, making them more
                     effective in combat.
     My Rank (/5)  : 1-5, depending on what other School (if any) you pick !
     My Comments   : First off, this skill ONLY affects other pets, so don't
                     misread "minions" and think it means "allies".  Therefore
                     if you pair Dream with either Hunting, Defence or Rogue
                     say ?  FORGET this skill entirely as it will do you NO
                     good at all.  If you are a Nature Master or a Storm or
                     Earth Master for example ?  Then it's well worth it, as
                     it gives your pet/s bonus Damage and increased Health
                     and Energy Regeneration rates.
                          ===============================================
                          ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS CONTRIBUTED BY JOHN JACKSON
                          ===============================================
                     John Jackson has been in touch with me to point out that
                     the Master Mind Skill does increase the regeneration and
                     the damage of the Nightmare himself as well as his efforts
                     in training up your other minions, and additionally, the
                     level of regeneration it gives is PERCENTILE-based, rather
                     than integer-based, meaning (for example) that a standard
                     12hp/sec regeneration would, if this skill were cranked-up
                     to grant a 150% bonus, result in your pets recovering over
                     30hp/sec (when you take into account the standard recovery
                     rate), which isn't bad at all !!  Thanks mon ami :)

     Skill Name    : TEMPORAL RIFT
     Must Have     : DISTORT REALITY
     Description   : Enhances the power of the distortion ripple, unleashing a
                     surge of psionic energy that causes massive damage to
                     enemies and temporarily freezes them in time.
     My Rank (/5)  : 5
     My Comments   : Petrifies those enemies that are not automatically slain
                     outright by the power of the Distort Reality skill, and
                     gives a great big fat Electrical Burn Damage bonus to
                     the latter as well.  I HIGHLY recommend this skill.

  Conclusions      : Well I have to say I am VERY ... V-E-R-Y impressed with
                     the newcomer school.  It has something for everybody
                     really.  Phantom Strike is a GREAT hand-to-hand skill,
                     the Trances serve to benefit you and your allies, the
                     Nightmare is a very clever little pet, and can help out
                     other pets as well depending on what School (if any) you
                     pair Dream with, and your ranged attacks (both mid-range
                     as Distort Reality, and long-range as Distortion Wave)
                     are among some of the most powerful in the game.  Bonza !
  Sphere Rating /5 : 4


==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   S E V E N                                            CHAPTER 7
==============================================================================
R E L I C S
==============================================================================

Relics are shards of the power of a God.  You will only ever encounter them
in pieces - never as completed items, and it is up to you to combine THREE
shards of each relic, to create a completed relic.

To use a relic, you right-click on it in your inventory, and then left-click
on whatever item you want to imbue with the relic's power.  Do not worry if
you only have a one-third or two-thirds of a completed relic, as you can
always add the other shards of the same relic to the original later, thus
increasing the power of your enchanted items as you play through the game.

Ordinarily each third of a relic contains a third of the power of the whole
relic, which makes mathematical sense - however as an incentive to complete
each relic, once it IS completed, you get a "completed relic bonus" which
is randomly selected from a list that I have tried to flesh-out at the end
of the relics section for you.

Each relic is equipment-type-specific, so for example the Essence of Artemis'
Bowstring can only be used on bows, whereas the Essence of Archimedes' Mirror
can only be used on shields.

There is nothing wrong, of course, with holding onto a relic until it is
completed - I frequently do this - with a view to keeping it.  Relics are
sometimes called for as ingredients in the creation of Artifacts.

If you decide that you have made a mistake and enchanted an item with a relic
that you would like to get back, you can visit any of the Enchanters in the
game (bearing in mind that this is not possible in Titan Quest - only in
Immortal Throne).  Enchanters, as you are aware, can separate an item and its
corresponding relic - however you will only be able to retrieve EITHER the
item OR the relic, so choose carefully.

This is also an expensive process, so don't forget THAT either !!

One final thing to note is that there are three types of relic.  There are
essences, which are the relics you will find on the normal difficulty setting,
there are embodiments, which are the relics you will find on the epic
difficulty setting, and finally there are incarnations, which are the relics
you will find on the legendary difficulty setting.

So in a bid to be helpful, I have listed as many relics as I have encountered
in Titan Quest (and Immortal Throne), together with what they look like in
terms of their depictions, what they can be used on, what level you must be
to use them, and what bonuses they confer.

Here we go !!

AMUN-RA'S GLORY
  Amun-Ra, ruler of the sun, is the greatest of the Egyptian gods.  Can
  enchant all armour.
  Appearance     : The Sun
  Required Level : 12 (Normal), 30 (Epic), 41 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 20 Health, + 20 Energy
  2/3 - + 40 Health, + 40 Energy
  3/3 - + 60 Health, + 60 Energy, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 40 Health, + 40 Energy
  2/3 - + 80 Health, + 80 Energy
  3/3 - +120 Health, +120 Energy, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 60 Health, + 60 Energy
  2/3 - +120 Health, +120 Energy
  3/3 - +180 Health, +180 Energy, completed relic bonus


ANKH OF ISIS
  Isis is queen of the Egyptian gods.  Her symbol, the ankh, is associated
  with healing and immortality.  Can enchant rings and amulets.
  Appearance     : An Ankh - symbol of Isis' Power
  Required Level : 12 (Normal), 30 (Epic), 41 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +30 Health, +30% Health Regeneration
  2/3 - +60 Health, +60% Health Regeneration
  3/3 - +90 Health, +90% Health Regeneration, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  +60 Health,  +35% Health Regeneration
  2/3 - +120 Health,  +70% Health Regeneration
  3/3 - +180 Health, +105% Health Regeneration, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +100 Health,  +40% Health Regeneration
  2/3 - +200 Health,  +80% Health Regeneration
  3/3 - +300 Health, +120% Health Regeneration, completed relic bonus


ANUBIS' WRATH
  Anubis, a jackal-headed god, is ruler of the Egyptian underworld.  Can
  enchant all weapons.
  Appearance     : A jackal-headed character with a rudimentary blade in hand.
  Required Level : 12 (Normal), 30 (Epic), 41 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 2% of Attack damage converted to Health
  2/3 - 4% of Attack damage converted to Health
  3/3 - 6% of Attack damage converted to Health, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 3% of Attack damage converted to Health
  2/3 - 6% of Attack damage converted to Health
  3/3 - 9% of Attack damage converted to Health, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  4% of Attack damage converted to Health
  2/3 -  8% of Attack damage converted to Health
  3/3 - 12% of Attack damage converted to Health, completed relic bonus


ARCHIMEDES' MIRROR
  Archimedes was one of the greatest of Greece's philosophers and
  scientists.  Can enchant shields only.
  Appearance     : A face looking into a mirrored reflection of itself.
  Required Level : 3 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 3.0% Chance of 50% Damage Reflected
  2/3 - 6.0% Chance of 50% Damage Reflected
  3/3 - 9.0% Chance of 50% Damage Reflected, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  4.0% Chance of 50% Damage Reflected
  2/3 -  8.0% Chance of 50% Damage Reflected
  3/3 - 12.0% Chance of 50% Damage Reflected, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  5.0% Chance of 50% Damage Reflected
  2/3 - 10.0% Chance of 50% Damage Reflected
  3/3 - 15.0% Chance of 50% Damage Reflected, completed relic bonus


ARTEMIS' BOWSTRING
  Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, is renowned for her skill with the
  bow.  Can enchant bows only.
  Appearance     : A bow with a long, curling bowstring
  Required Level : 3 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 3 Piercing Damage, +2% Attack Speed
  2/3 - 6 Piercing Damage, +4% Attack Speed
  3/3 - 9 Piercing Damage, +6% Attack Speed, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  8 Piercing Damage, +3% Attack Speed
  2/3 - 16 Piercing Damage, +6% Attack Speed
  3/3 - 24 Piercing Damage, +9% Attack Speed, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 14 Piercing Damage, + 4% Attack Speed
  2/3 - 28 Piercing Damage, + 8% Attack Speed
  3/3 - 42 Piercing Damage, +12% Attack Speed, completed relic bonus


BLADE OF THANATOS
  Thanatos, the incarnation of death, carries a sword with the power to rend
  the very souls of mere mortals.  Can enchant all weapons
  Appearance     : A sword
  Required Level : 24 (Normal), 36 (Epic), 46 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 3% Total Damage
  2/3 - + 6% Total Damage
  3/3 - + 9% Total Damage, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 4% Total Damage
  2/3 - + 8% Total Damage
  3/3 - +12% Total Damage, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 5% Total Damage
  2/3 - +10% Total Damage
  3/3 - +15% Total Damage, completed relic bonus


CHILL OF TARTARUS
  In the deepest pits of the underworld lies Tartarus.  Cold as the grave and
  swathed in darkness, it is here that punishment is meted out for those
  mortals foolish enough to oppose the will of the gods.  Can enchant all
  weapons.
  Appearance     : A snowflake
  Required Level : 24 (Normal), 36 (Epic), 46 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 11 Cold Damage,  5% Slowed for 3.0 Seconds
  2/3 - 22 Cold Damage, 10% Slowed for 3.0 Seconds
  3/3 - 33 Cold Damage, 15% Slowed for 3.0 Seconds, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 15 Cold Damage,  5% Slowed for 3.0 Seconds
  2/3 - 30 Cold Damage, 10% Slowed for 3.0 Seconds
  3/3 - 45 Cold Damage, 15% Slowed for 3.0 Seconds, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 20 Cold Damage,  5% Slowed for 3.0 Seconds
  2/3 - 40 Cold Damage, 10% Slowed for 3.0 Seconds
  3/3 - 60 Cold Damage, 15% Slowed for 3.0 Seconds, completed relic bonus


CODE OF HAMMURABI
  Hammurabi, king of Babylon, was revered for bringing justice to his people
  with his code of laws.  Can enchant rings and amulets.
  Appearance     : Drawings on Slate
  Required Level : 18 (Normal), 34 (Epic), 44 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  +6 Intelligence
  2/3 - +12 Intelligence
  3/3 - +18 Intelligence, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 9 Intelligence
  2/3 - +18 Intelligence
  3/3 - +27 Intelligence, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +12 Intelligence
  2/3 - +24 Intelligence
  3/3 - +36 Intelligence, completed relic bonus


CUNNING OF ODYSSEUS
  Although not as strong or swift as the other heroes of legend, Odysseus'
  formidable guile made him a match for any foe.  Can enchant head armour
  only.
  Appearance     : A scroll
  Required Level : 24 (Normal), 36 (Epic), 46 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  +5% Intelligence
  2/3 - +10% Intelligence
  3/3 - +15% Intelligence, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  +7% Intelligence
  2/3 - +14% Intelligence
  3/3 - +21% Intelligence, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +10% Intelligence
  2/3 - +20% Intelligence
  3/3 - +30% Intelligence, completed relic bonus


DIONYSUS' WINESKIN
  The drink of Dionysus, Greek god of wine and revelry, is a potent brew
  indeed.  Can enchant rings and amulets.
  Appearance     : A Wineskin
  Required Level : 3 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 2% Damage Resistance, + 15 Health
  2/3 - 4% Damage Resistance, + 30 Health
  3/3 - 6% Damage Resistance, + 45 Health, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 2% Damage Resistance, + 40 Health
  2/3 - 4% Damage Resistance, + 80 Health
  3/3 - 6% Damage Resistance, +120 Health, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 2% Damage Resistance, + 75 Health
  2/3 - 4% Damage Resistance, +150 Health
  3/3 - 6% Damage Resistance, +225 Health, completed relic bonus


DJED OF OSIRIS
  The Djed is the backbone of Osiris, lord of the dead.  Can enchant all
  weapons.
  Appearance     : A Djed ! :)  It is a representation of the backbone of
                   Osiris - Osiris' body having been rended into pieces by
                   his brother Set, and scattered around the lands.
  Required Level : 12 (Normal), 30 (Epic), 41 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  +8 Damage to Undead
  2/3 - +16 Damage to Undead
  3/3 - +24 Damage to Undead, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +15 Damage to Undead
  2/3 - +30 Damage to Undead
  3/3 - +45 Damage to Undead, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +22 Damage to Undead
  2/3 - +44 Damage to Undead
  3/3 - +66 Damage to Undead, completed relic bonus


DOMAIN OF THE DRAGON-KINGS
  The Dragon-Kings are the masters of water in China.  Ocean, rain, lake,
  and river - all are theirs to command.  Can enchant all armour.
  Appearance     : A Dragon's Head, facing right
  Required Level : 18 (Normal), 34 (Epic), 44 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  8% Fire Resistance
  2/3 - 16% Fire Resistance
  3/3 - 24% Fire Resistance, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 10% Fire Resistance
  2/3 - 20% Fire Resistance
  3/3 - 30% Fire Resistance, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 12% Fire Resistance
  2/3 - 24% Fire Resistance
  3/3 - 36% Fire Resistance, completed relic bonus


GOLDEN FLEECE
  The Golden Fleece, sought after by Jason and his Argonauts, is rumoured
  to hold great power as well as great beauty.  Can enchant torso armour
  only.
  Appearance     : A ram or sheep's head
  Required Level : 3 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  -5% Energy Cost
  2/3 - -10% Energy Cost
  3/3 - -15% Energy Cost, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  -7% Energy Cost
  2/3 - -14% Energy Cost
  3/3 - -21% Energy Cost, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - -10% Energy Cost
  2/3 - -20% Energy Cost
  3/3 - -30% Energy Cost, completed relic bonus


GUAN-YU'S GRACE
  True to the tenets of Taoism, even Guan-Yu, the Taoist god of war, only
  fights when all other options have been exhausted.  Can enchant torso
  armour only.
  Appearance     : A figure doing a tai chi-style move
  Required Level : 18 (Normal), 34 (Epic), 44 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +10 Defensive Ability, 2% Chance to Dodge Attacks
  2/3 - +20 Defensive Ability, 4% Chance to Dodge Attacks
  3/3 - +30 Defensive Ability, 6% Chance to Dodge Attacks, completed
        relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +16 Defensive Ability, 2% Chance to Dodge Attacks
  2/3 - +32 Defensive Ability, 4% Chance to Dodge Attacks
  3/3 - +48 Defensive Ability, 6% Chance to Dodge Attacks, completed
        relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +20 Defensive Ability, 2% Chance to Dodge Attacks
  2/3 - +40 Defensive Ability, 4% Chance to Dodge Attacks
  3/3 - +60 Defensive Ability, 6% Chance to Dodge Attacks, completed
        relic bonus


HECATE'S CRESCENT
  Hecate is a mysterious Greek goddess associated with the moon, childbirth,
  and magic.  Can enchant rings and amulets
  Appearance     : A crescent moon
  Required Level : 3 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  +4% Energy, +20% Energy Regeneration
  2/3 -  +8% Energy, +40% Energy Regeneration
  3/3 - +12% Energy, +60% Energy Regeneration, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  +5% Energy, +30% Energy Regeneration
  2/3 - +10% Energy, +60% Energy Regeneration
  3/3 - +15% Energy, +90% Energy Regeneration, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 6% Energy, + 40% Energy Regeneration
  2/3 - +12% Energy, + 80% Energy Regeneration
  3/3 - +18% Energy, +120% Energy Regeneration, completed relic bonus


HERAKLES' MIGHT
  Herakles was the strongest of all the Greek heroes.  Can enchant all
  armour.
  Appearance     : A muscled arm, flexing its bicep
  Required Level : 3 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  +4 Strength
  2/3 -  +8 Strength
  3/3 - +12 Strength, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  +8 Strength
  2/3 - +16 Strength
  3/3 - +24 Strength, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +12 Strength
  2/3 - +24 Strength
  3/3 - +36 Strength, completed relic bonus


IRON WILL OF AJAX
  Numbered among the greatest of the heroes of the Trojan war, Ajax was
  known not only for the strength of his arm, but even more for his
  indomitable spirit.  Can enchant all armour.
  Appearance     : An Iron Gauntlet
  Required Level : 24 (Normal), 36 (Epic), 46 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  7% Stun Resistance, +2% Health
  2/3 - 14% Stun Resistance, +4% Health
  3/3 - 21% Stun Resistance, +6% Health, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 10% Stun Resistance, 10% Slow Resistance, +2% Health
  2/3 - 20% Stun Resistance, 20% Slow Resistance, +4% Health
  3/3 - 30% Stun Resistance, 30% Slow Resistance, +6% Health, completed
        relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 13% Stun Resistance, 13% Slow Resistance, +2% Health
  2/3 - 26% Stun Resistance, 26% Slow Resistance, +4% Health
  3/3 - 39% Stun Resistance, 39% Slow Resistance, +6% Health, completed
        relic bonus


JADE EMPEROR'S SERENITY
  The Jade Emperor is the ruler of the Chinese gods.  He is a contemplative
  deity who rarely interferes with the affairs of god or man.  Can enchant
  all armour.
  Appearance     : A yin-yang symbol
  Required Level : 18 (Normal), 34 (Epic), 44 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  8% Lightning Resistance
  2/3 - 16% Lightning Resistance
  3/3 - 24%, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 10% Lightning Resistance
  2/3 - 20% Lightning Resistance
  3/3 - 30% Lightning Resistance, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 12% Lightning Resistance
  2/3 - 24% Lightning Resistance
  3/3 - 36% Lightning Resistance, completed relic bonus


LI-NEZHA'S GUILE
  Li-Nezha, a Chinese trickster god, is as nimble as he is crafty.  Can
  enchant all armour.
  Appearance     : A stylised face.
  Required Level : 18 (Normal), 34 (Epic), 44 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  +6 Dexterity
  2/3 - +12 Dexterity
  3/3 - +18 Dexterity, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 9 Dexterity
  2/3 - +18 Dexterity
  3/3 - +27 Dexterity, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +12 Dexterity
  2/3 - +24 Dexterity
  3/3 - +36 Dexterity, completed relic bonus


MONKEY KING'S TRICKERY
  The Monkey King, the most mischievous of all the Chinese gods, is also one
  of the most powerful.  His cunning has lured many an unwary foe to do his
  bidding.  Can enchant rings and amulets.
  Appearance     : A Monkey
  Required Level : 18 (Normal), 34 (Epic), 44 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  2 Reduced Resistance for 4.0 Seconds, 2% Elemental Resistance,
         5% Skill Disruption Protection
  2/3 -  4 Reduced Resistance for 4.0 Seconds, 4% Elemental Resistance,
        10% Skill Disruption Protection
  3/3 -  6 Reduced Resistance for 4.0 Seconds, 6% Elemental Resistance
        15% Skill Disruption Protection, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  3 Reduced Resistance for 4.0 Seconds, 2% Elemental Resistance,
         8% Skill Disruption Protection
  2/3 -  6 Reduced Resistance for 4.0 Seconds, 4% Elemental Resistance,
        16% Skill Disruption Protection
  3/3 -  9 Reduced Resistance for 4.0 Seconds, 6% Elemental Resistance
        24% Skill Disruption Protection, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  4 Reduced Resistance for 4.0 Seconds, 2% Elemental Resistance,
        12% Skill Disruption Protection
  2/3 -  8 Reduced Resistance for 4.0 Seconds, 4% Elemental Resistance,
        24% Skill Disruption Protection
  3/3 - 12 Reduced Resistance for 4.0 Seconds, 6% Elemental Resistance,
        36% Skill Disruption Protection, completed relic bonus


PERSEPHONE'S TEARS
  Persephone, favoured daughter of the earth goddess Demeter, was forced into
  marriage with Hades.  She now shares rule of the underworld, yet it brings
  her only sorrow.  Can enchant all jewellery
  Appearance     : A single teardrop - perfectly formed.
  Required Level : 24 (Normal), 36 (Epic), 46 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 15 Less Damage from Undead
  2/3 - + 30 Less Damage from Undead
  3/3 - + 45 Less Damage from Undead, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 40 Less Damage from Undead
  2/3 - + 80 Less Damage from Undead
  3/3 - +120 Less Damage from Undead, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 60 Less Damage from Undead
  2/3 - +120 Less Damage from Undead
  3/3 - +180 Less Damage from Undead, completed relic bonus


PROMETHEUS' FLAME
  Prometheus, son of the titan Iapetus, gave the gift of fire to mankind.  Can
  enchant all weapons
  Appearance     : Three flames licking upwards
  Required Level : 3 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)
  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  12 Burn Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +3% Fire Damage
  2/3 -  24 Burn Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +6% Fire Damage
  3/3 -  36 Burn Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +9% Fire Damage, completed
         relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  30 Burn Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +3% Fire Damage
  2/3 -  60 Burn Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +6% Fire Damage
  3/3 -  90 Burn Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +9% Fire Damage, completed
         relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  48 Burn Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +3% Fire Damage
  2/3 -  96 Burn Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +6% Fire Damage
  3/3 - 144 Burn Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +9% Fire Damage, completed
        relic bonus


RAGE OF ARES
  Ares, the Greek god of war, is venerated and feared in equal measure.  He
  is cruel, vengeful, and nearly mad - only a fool would risk his wrath.  Can
  enchant armbands and bracelets.
  Appearance     : A diagonal red line (top left-bottom right), with a curve
                   beneath it.
  Required Level : 24 (Normal), 36 (Epic), 46 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  5.0% Chance of: 150 Damage, 3.0 second(s) of Skill Disruption
  2/3 - 10.0% Chance of: 150 Damage, 3.0 second(s) of Skill Disruption
  3/3 - 15.0% Chance of: 150 Damage, 3.0 second(s) of Skill Disruption,
        completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  5.0% Chance of: 300 Damage, 3.0 second(s) of Skill Disruption
  2/3 - 10.0% Chance of: 300 Damage, 3.0 second(s) of Skill Disruption
  3/3 - 15.0% Chance of: 300 Damage, 3.0 second(s) of Skill Disruption,
        completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  5.0% Chance of: 450 Damage, 3.0 second(s) of Skill Disruption
  2/3 - 10.0% Chance of: 450 Damage, 3.0 second(s) of Skill Disruption
  3/3 - 15.0% Chance of: 450 Damage, 3.0 second(s) of Skill Disruption,
        completed relic bonus


SET'S BETRAYAL
  Set is the Egyptian god of evil.  In an attempt to take control of the
  throne of the gods, Set turned on his brother Osiris, brutally hacking
  the latter's body apart and scattering the pieces across the land.  Can
  enchant all armour.
  Appearance     : Somebody about to be knifed in the back
  Required Level : 12 (Normal), 30 (Epic), 41 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +6% Pierce Damage, 33.0% Chance of 12 Piercing Retaliation
  2/3 - +6% Pierce Damage, 33.0% Chance of 24 Piercing Retaliation
  3/3 - +6% Pierce Damage, 33.0% Chance of 36 Piercing Retaliation, completed
        relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +9% Pierce Damage, 33.0% Chance of 30 Piercing Retaliation
  2/3 - +9% Pierce Damage, 33.0% Chance of 60 Piercing Retaliation
  3/3 - +9% Pierce Damage, 33.0% Chance of 90 Piercing Retaliation, completed
        relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +11% Pierce Damage, 33.0% Chance of  50 Piercing Retaliation
  2/3 - +11% Pierce Damage, 33.0% Chance of 100 Piercing Retaliation
  3/3 - +11% Pierce Damage, 33.0% Chance of 150 Piercing Retaliation,
        completed relic bonus


SHADE OF HECTOR
  Hector, Prince of Troy, was renowned for his noble spirit and steadfast
  nature.  He fell defending his homeland, mourned even by his enemies.  Can
  enchant all shields.
  Appearance     : A shadow of a man
  Required Level : 24 (Normal), 36 (Epic), 46 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 20 Defensive Ability, +2% Chance to Avoid Projectiles
  2/3 - + 40 Defensive Ability, +4% Chance to Avoid Projectiles
  3/3 - + 60 Defensive Ability, +6% Chance to Avoid Projectiles, completed
        relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 40 Defensive Ability, +3% Chance to Avoid Projectiles
  2/3 - + 80 Defensive Ability, +6% Chance to Avoid Projectiles
  3/3 - +120 Defensive Ability, +9% Chance to Avoid Projectiles, completed
        relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 60 Defensive Ability, +3% Chance to Avoid Projectiles
  2/3 - +120 Defensive Ability, +6% Chance to Avoid Projectiles
  3/3 - +180 Defensive Ability, +9% Chance to Avoid Projectiles, completed
        relic bonus


SHEN-NONG'S DARK MEDICINE
  Shen-Nong is the Chinese god of plants and medicine.  He is a master of
  herbs - and not all are meant to cure.  Can enchant all weapons.
  Appearance     : An open vial of liquid which is spraying out.
  Required Level : 18 (Normal), 34 (Epic), 44 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  42 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds,  4 Reduced Resistance for 6.0
        Seconds
  2/3 -  84 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds,  8 Reduced Resistance for 6.0
        Seconds
  3/3 - 126 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds, 12 Reduced Resistance for 6.0
        Seconds, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  60 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds,  5 Reduced Resistance for 6.0
        Seconds
  2/3 - 120 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds, 10 Reduced Resistance for 6.0
        Seconds
  3/3 - 180 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds, 15 Reduced Resistance for 6.0
        Seconds, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  96 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds,  6 Reduced Resistance for 6.0
        Seconds
  2/3 - 192 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds, 12 Reduced Resistance for 6.0
        Seconds
  3/3 - 288 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds, 18 Reduced Resistance for 6.0
        Seconds, completed relic bonus


UDJAT OF HORUS
  The Udjat is the eye of Horus, hawk-headed god of the sky.  It symbolises
  protection and power.  Can enhance all armour.
  Appearance     : The Eye of Horus
  Required Level : 12 (Normal), 30 (Epic), 41 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  4 Armour, +2% Armour Protection
  2/3 -  8 Armour, +4% Armour Protection
  3/3 - 12 Armour, +6% Armour Protection, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  7 Armour, +2% Armour Protection
  2/3 - 14 Armour, +4% Armour Protection
  3/3 - 21 Armour, +6% Armour Protection, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 10 Armour, +2% Armour Protection
  2/3 - 20 Armour, +4% Armour Protection
  3/3 - 30 Armour, +6% Armour Protection, completed relic bonus


VALOR OF ACHILLES
  Achilles was the greatest of all the greek warrior of the Trojan War.
  His strength and speed in battle were legendary.  Can enchant all weapons.
  Appearance     : A greek warrior's helmet with plumage atop
  Required Level : 3 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 5 Damage,  +4% Attack Speed
  2/3 - 5 Damage,  +8% Attack Speed
  3/3 - 5 Damage, +12% Attack Speed, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 15 Damage,  +5% Attack Speed
  2/3 - 15 Damage, +10% Attack Speed
  3/3 - 15 Damage, +15% Attack Speed, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 25 Damage,  +6% Attack Speed
  2/3 - 25 Damage, +12% Attack Speed
  3/3 - 25 Damage, +18% Attack Speed, completed relic bonus


YEN-LO-WANG'S BLOODLETTING
  Yen-Lo-Wang is a god of Death and the ruler of Feng-Du, the Chinese Hell.
  Can enchant all weapons.
  Appearance     : Three droplets of blood
  Required Level : 18 (Normal), 34 (Epic), 44 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - 27 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, + 6% Bleeding Damage
  2/3 - 54 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +12% Bleeding Damage
  3/3 - 81 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +18% Bleeding Damage,
        completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  39 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, + 6% Bleeding Damage
  2/3 -  78 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +12% Bleeding Damage
  3/3 - 117 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +18% Bleeding Damage, completed
        relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 -  54 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, + 6% Bleeding Damage
  2/3 - 108 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +12% Bleeding Damage
  3/3 - 162 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +18% Bleeding Damage, completed
        relic bonus


ZEUS' THUNDERBOLT
  Zeus is the mightiest of the gods of Olympus.  The thunderbolt is his
  weapon and symbol.  Can enchant all weapons.
  Appearance     : A lightning bolt
  Required Level : 3 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)

  ESSENCE (NORMAL DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +3% Lightning Damage,  1- 7  Lightning Damage
  2/3 - +6% Lightning Damage,  2-14 Lightning Damage
  3/3 - +9% Lightning Damage,  3-21 Lightning Damage, completed relic bonus

  EMBODIMENT (EPIC DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - + 3% Lightning Damage,  5-15 Lightning Damage
  2/3 - + 6% Lightning Damage, 10-30 Lightning Damage
  3/3 - + 9% Lightning Damage, 15-45 Lightning Damage, completed relic bonus

  INCARNATION (LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY)
  1/3 - +3% Lightning Damage,  7-25 Lightning Damage
  2/3 - +6% Lightning Damage, 14-50 Lightning Damage
  3/3 - +9% Lightning Damage, 21-75 Lightning Damage, completed relic bonus

                                   ----------

With regard to the "completed relic bonuses" I referred to earlier, these can
range from bonuses to your attributes, damage, health, health regeneration,
energy, energy regeneration, offensive ability, defensive ability, armour,
resistances, or can include things like piercing retaliation and stun.

==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   E I G H T                                            CHAPTER 8
==============================================================================
M O N S T E R   C H A R M S
==============================================================================

In addition to relics, you will find yourself coming into possession of a fair
few Monster Charms during your average session of Titan Quest.  Monster Charms
are just like relics except, rather than being shards of a God's power, they
are fragments of the power of the animal or creature they are dropped by, so
you might come across things like turtle shells, bird feathers, crab shells,
vines, various goops and gels, and so on.

UNlike relics, however, you must combine FIVE fragments of a Monster Charm in
order to make a complete one.

Aside from that they function pretty much exactly like relics do.  You can add
a portion (i.e. 1/5, 2/5, 3/5 or 4/5) of a monster charm to an item if you
like, and then add the rest of the monster charm later ... and you can get an
Enchanter to separate the monster charm and the item for you just as you would
a regular relic, should that be your preference (same rules apply though - you
will have to forfeit either the item or the monster charm in the process).

You will, as with a completed relic, get a completed monster charm bonus when
you assemble all 5 fragments of a monster charm, and I have put as many of
those bonuses as I could find at the foot of the monster charm list as well.

As with relics, I have listed the monster charm's name, what type of creature
drops it, what level you must be to use it, what type of item it can enchant,
and what powers it bestows, for each of the monster charms I have encountered
in Titan Quest and Immortal Throne.

Here you go :-

ALBINO SPIDER WEB
  A sticky mass of webbing pulled from an Albino Spider abdomen.  Can enhance
  all armour.
  Dropped by     : Albino Spiders
  Required Level : 24 (Normal), 36 (Epic), 46 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  7.0% Chance of 180 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds
     2/5 - 14.0% Chance of 180 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds
     3/5 - 21.0% Chance of 180 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds
     4/5 - 28.0% Chance of 180 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds
     5/5 - 35.0% Chance of 180 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds,
           completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  7.0% Chance of 300 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds
     2/5 - 14.0% Chance of 300 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds
     3/5 - 21.0% Chance of 300 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds
     4/5 - 28.0% Chance of 300 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds
     5/5 - 35.0% Chance of 300 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds,
           completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  7.0% Chance of 480 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds
     2/5 - 14.0% Chance of 480 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds
     3/5 - 21.0% Chance of 480 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds
     4/5 - 28.0% Chance of 480 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds
     5/5 - 35.0% Chance of 480 Electrical Burn Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds,
           completed item bonus.


BAT FANG
  Hollow fang of a Cave Bat.  Can enhance all weapons.
  Dropped by     : Bats
  Required Level : 3 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  6 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
     2/5 - 12 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
     3/5 - 18 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
     4/5 - 24 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
     5/5 - 30 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - 18 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
     2/5 - 36 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
     3/5 - 54 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
     4/5 - 72 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
     5/5 - 90 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  27 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
     2/5 -  54 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
     3/5 -  81 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
     4/5 - 108 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
     5/5 - 135 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds, completed item bonus.


BOAR HIDE
  Toughened hide of a wild boar.  Can enhance all armour.
  Dropped by     : Ravenous Boar
  Required Level : 3 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  2 Armour
     2/5 -  4 Armour
     3/5 -  6 Armour
     4/5 -  8 Armour
     5/5 - 10 Armour, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  4 Armour
     2/5 -  8 Armour
     3/5 - 12 Armour
     4/5 - 16 Armour
     5/5 - 20 Armour, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  6 Armour
     2/5 - 12 Armour
     3/5 - 18 Armour
     4/5 - 24 Armour
     5/5 - 30 Armour, completed item bonus.


CRYSTAL OF EREBUS
  A splinter from one of the Crystals of Erebus, the source of Hades' power
  in the world of the living.  Can enhance head armour only.
  Dropped by     : The Shards of Erebus
  Required Level : 24 (Normal), 36 (Epic), 46 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  2% Vitality Damage Resistance
     2/5 -  4% Vitality Damage Resistance
     3/5 -  6% Vitality Damage Resistance
     4/5 -  8% Vitality Damage Resistance
     5/5 - 10% Vitality Damage Resistance, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  3% Vitality Damage Resistance
     2/5 -  6% Vitality Damage Resistance
     3/5 -  9% Vitality Damage Resistance
     4/5 - 12% Vitality Damage Resistance
     5/5 - 15% Vitality Damage Resistance, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  4% Vitality Damage Resistance
     2/5 -  6% Vitality Damage Resistance
     3/5 - 12% Vitality Damage Resistance
     4/5 - 16% Vitality Damage Resistance
     5/5 - 20% Vitality Damage Resistance, completed item bonus.


DEMON'S BLOOD
  The dark blood of a fallen demon.  Can enhance rings and amulets.
  Dropped by     : Eurynomus, Rime Sprites
  Required Level : 5 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  5% Vitality Damage Resistance,  5% Stun Resistance
     2/5 - 10% Vitality Damage Resistance, 10% Stun Resistance
     3/5 - 15% Vitality Damage Resistance, 15% Stun Resistance
     4/5 - 20% Vitality Damage Resistance, 20% Stun Resistance
     5/5 - 25% Vitality Damage Resistance, 25% Stun Resistance, completed
           item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  7% Vitality Damage Resistance,  7% Stun Resistance
     2/5 - 14% Vitality Damage Resistance, 14% Stun Resistance
     3/5 - 21% Vitality Damage Resistance, 21% Stun Resistance
     4/5 - 28% Vitality Damage Resistance, 28% Stun Resistance
     5/5 - 35% Vitality Damage Resistance, 35% Stun Resistance, completed
           item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - 10% Vitality Damage Resistance, 10% Stun Resistance
     2/5 - 20% Vitality Damage Resistance, 20% Stun Resistance
     3/5 - 30% Vitality Damage Resistance, 30% Stun Resistance
     4/5 - 40% Vitality Damage Resistance, 40% Stun Resistance
     5/5 - 50% Vitality Damage Resistance, 50% Stun Resistance, completed
           item bonus.


DISEASED PLUMAGE
  Feathers from a carrior bird.  Can enhance all armour.
  Dropped by     : Carrion Crows, Diseased Vultures.
  Required Level : 5 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  +2% Poison Damage
     2/5 -  +4% Poison Damage
     3/5 -  +6% Poison Damage
     4/5 -  +8% Poison Damage
     5/5 - +10% Poison Damage, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  +3% Poison Damage
     2/5 -  +6% Poison Damage
     3/5 -  +9% Poison Damage
     4/5 - +12% Poison Damage
     5/5 - +15% Poison Damage, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  +4% Poison Damage
     2/5 -  +8% Poison Damage
     3/5 - +12% Poison Damage
     4/5 - +16% Poison Damage
     5/5 - +20% Poison Damage, completed item bonus.


FURY'S HEARTBLOOD
  Blood drained from a Fury's still beating heart.  Can enhance all weapons.
  Dropped by     : Furies
  Required Level : 24 (Normal), 36 (Epic), 46 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -   7 Vitality Damage
     2/5 -  14 Vitality Damage
     3/5 -  21 Vitality Damage
     4/5 -  28 Vitality Damage
     5/5 -  35 Vitality Damage, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  15 Vitality Damage
     2/5 -  30 Vitality Damage
     3/5 -  45 Vitality Damage
     4/5 -  60 Vitality Damage
     5/5 -  75 Vitality Damage, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  20 Vitality Damage
     2/5 -  40 Vitality Damage
     3/5 -  60 Vitality Damage
     4/5 -  80 Vitality Damage
     5/5 - 100 Vitality Damage, completed item bonus.


HAG'S SKIN
  A scrap of skin from a Desert Hag.  Can enhance all armour.
  Dropped by     : Sandwing Crones.
  Required Level : 12 (Normal), 30 (Epic), 41 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - 6% Pierce Resistance,  +2 Dexterity
     2/5 - 6% Pierce Resistance,  +4 Dexterity
     3/5 - 6% Pierce Resistance,  +6 Dexterity
     4/5 - 6% Pierce Resistance,  +8 Dexterity
     5/5 - 6% Pierce Resistance, +10 Dexterity, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - 8% Pierce Resistance,  +3 Dexterity
     2/5 - 8% Pierce Resistance,  +6 Dexterity
     3/5 - 8% Pierce Resistance,  +9 Dexterity
     4/5 - 8% Pierce Resistance, +12 Dexterity
     5/5 - 8% Pierce Resistance, +15 Dexterity, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - 10% Pierce Resistance,  +4 Dexterity
     2/5 - 10% Pierce Resistance,  +8 Dexterity
     3/5 - 10% Pierce Resistance, +12 Dexterity
     4/5 - 10% Pierce Resistance, +16 Dexterity
     5/5 - 10% Pierce Resistance, +20 Dexterity, completed item bonus.


HYDRADON HIDE
  A patch of rough, durable skin ripped from the flesh of a Hydradon.  Can
  enhance all armour.
  Dropped by     : Hydradon
  Required Level : 24 (Normal), 36 (Epic), 46 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - +15 Health,  +4% Less Damage from Beasts
     2/5 - +30 Health,  +8% Less Damage from Beasts
     3/5 - +45 Health, +12% Less Damage from Beasts
     4/5 - +60 Health, +16% Less Damage from Beasts
     5/5 - +75 Health, +20% Less Damage from Beasts, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - + 25 Health,  +5% Less Damage from Beasts
     2/5 - + 50 Health, +10% Less Damage from Beasts
     3/5 - + 75 Health, +15% Less Damage from Beasts
     4/5 - +100 Health, +20% Less Damage from Beasts
     5/5 - +125 Health, +25% Less Damage from Beasts, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - + 35 Health,  +6% Less Damage from Beasts
     2/5 - + 70 Health, +12% Less Damage from Beasts
     3/5 - +105 Health, +18% Less Damage from Beasts
     4/5 - +140 Health, +24% Less Damage from Beasts
     5/5 - +175 Health, +30% Less Damage from Beasts, completed item bonus.


LUPINE CLAW
  A long, sharp claw.  Can enhance all weapons.
  Dropped by     : Hyena Beasts.
  Required Level : 12 (Normal), 30 (Epic), 41 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  2 Piercing Damage
     2/5 -  4 Piercing Damage
     3/5 -  6 Piercing Damage
     4/5 -  8 Piercing Damage
     5/5 - 10 Piercing Damage, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  4 Piercing Damage
     2/5 -  8 Piercing Damage
     3/5 - 12 Piercing Damage
     4/5 - 16 Piercing Damage
     5/5 - 20 Piercing Damage, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  6 Piercing Damage
     2/5 - 12 Piercing Damage
     3/5 - 18 Piercing Damage
     4/5 - 24 Piercing Damage
     5/5 - 30 Piercing Damage, completed item bonus.


MECHANICAL PARTS
  The intricate inner workings of an automaton.  Can enhance torso armour only.
  Dropped by     : Traps, Automatons
  Required Level : 10 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - +1% Total Speed
     2/5 - +2% Total Speed
     3/5 - +3% Total Speed
     4/5 - +4% Total Speed
     5/5 - +5% Total Speed, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - + 2% Total Speed
     2/5 - + 4% Total Speed
     3/5 - + 6% Total Speed
     4/5 - + 8% Total Speed
     5/5 - +10% Total Speed, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - + 2% Total Speed, + 2% Damage to Devices
     2/5 - + 4% Total Speed, + 4% Damage to Devices
     3/5 - + 6% Total Speed, + 6% Damage to Devices
     4/5 - + 8% Total Speed, + 8% Damage to Devices
     5/5 - +10% Total Speed, +10% Damage to Devices, completed item bonus.


PENG CLAW
  Claw of a Peng.  Can enhance all weapons.
  Dropped by     : Peng.
  Required Level : 18 (Normal), 34 (Epic), 44 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  3 -  7 Damage
     2/5 -  6 - 14 Damage
     3/5 -  9 - 21 Damage
     4/5 - 12 - 28 Damage
     5/5 - 15 - 35 Damage, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  5 -  9 Damage
     2/5 - 10 - 18 Damage
     3/5 - 15 - 27 Damage
     4/5 - 20 - 36 Damage
     5/5 - 25 - 45 Damage, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  7 - 13 Damage
     2/5 - 14 - 26 Damage
     3/5 - 21 - 39 Damage
     4/5 - 28 - 52 Damage
     5/5 - 35 - 65 Damage, completed item bonus.


PRISTINE PLUMAGE
  High quality feathers.  Can enhance all armour.
  Dropped by     : Crag Harpies</pre><pre id="faqspan-14">
  Required Level : 3 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  4% Poison Resistance
     2/5 -  8% Poison Resistance
     3/5 - 12% Poison Resistance
     4/5 - 16% Poison Resistance
     5/5 - 20% Poison Resistance, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  6% Poison Resistance
     2/5 - 12% Poison Resistance
     3/5 - 18% Poison Resistance
     4/5 - 24% Poison Resistance
     5/5 - 30% Poison Resistance, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  8% Poison Resistance
     2/5 - 16% Poison Resistance
     3/5 - 24% Poison Resistance
     4/5 - 32% Poison Resistance
     5/5 - 40% Poison Resistance, completed item bonus.


RAPTOR TOOTH
  Sharp, jagged tooth torn from a Raptor's mouth.  Can enhance amulets only.
  Dropped by     : Raptors.
  Required Level : 18 (Normal), 34 (Epic), 44 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  +2% Damage, +1 Strength
     2/5 -  +4% Damage, +2 Strength
     3/5 -  +6% Damage, +3 Strength
     4/5 -  +8% Damage, +4 Strength
     5/5 - +10% Damage, +5 Strength, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - + 2% Damage, + 3 Strength
     2/5 - + 4% Damage, + 6 Strength
     3/5 - + 6% Damage, + 9 Strength
     4/5 - + 8% Damage, +12 Strength
     5/5 - +10% Damage, +15 Strength, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - + 2% Damage, + 5 Strength
     2/5 - + 4% Damage, +10 Strength
     3/5 - + 6% Damage, +15 Strength
     4/5 - + 8% Damage, +20 Strength
     5/5 - +10% Damage, +25 Strength, completed item bonus.


RIGID CARAPACE
  The thick outer shell of an insectoid monster.  Can enhance shields only.
  Dropped by     : Fire Beetles.
  Required Level : 12 (Normal), 30 (Epic), 41 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  4% Pierce Resistance
     2/5 -  8% Pierce Resistance
     3/5 - 12% Pierce Resistance
     4/5 - 16% Pierce Resistance
     5/5 - 20% Pierce Resistance, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  6% Pierce Resistance
     2/5 - 12% Pierce Resistance
     3/5 - 18% Pierce Resistance
     4/5 - 24% Pierce Resistance
     5/5 - 30% Pierce Resistance, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  8% Pierce Resistance
     2/5 - 16% Pierce Resistance
     3/5 - 24% Pierce Resistance
     4/5 - 32% Pierce Resistance
     5/5 - 40% Pierce Resistance, completed item bonus.


SABER CLAW
  The razor-sharp claw of a Saber Lion.  Can enhance all weapons.
  Dropped by     : Saber Lions
  Required Level : 18 (Normal), 34 (Epic), 44 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  15 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, + 5 Offensive Ability
     2/5 -  30 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +10 Offensive Ability
     3/5 -  45 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +15 Offensive Ability
     4/5 -  60 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +20 Offensive Ability
     5/5 -  75 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +25 Offensive Ability,
            completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  21 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, + 7 Offensive Ability
     2/5 -  42 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +14 Offensive Ability
     3/5 -  63 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +21 Offensive Ability
     4/5 -  84 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +28 Offensive Ability
     5/5 - 105 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +35 Offensive Ability,
           completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  30 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +10 Offensive Ability
     2/5 -  60 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +20 Offensive Ability
     3/5 -  90 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +30 Offensive Ability
     4/5 - 120 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +40 Offensive Ability
     5/5 - 150 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds, +50 Offensive Ability,
           completed item bonus.


SPECTRAL MATTER
  A wispy, glowing substance.  Can enhance rings and amulets.
  Dropped by     : Sandwraiths, Shades (Thanks to Gintare for that !)
  Required Level : 5 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - 12 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 10% Energy Leech Resistance
     2/5 - 24 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 10% Energy Leech Resistance
     3/5 - 36 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 10% Energy Leech Resistance
     4/5 - 48 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 10% Energy Leech Resistance
     5/5 - 60 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 10% Energy Leech Resistance,
           completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - 18 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 15% Energy Leech Resistance
     2/5 - 36 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 15% Energy Leech Resistance
     3/5 - 54 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 15% Energy Leech Resistance
     4/5 - 72 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 15% Energy Leech Resistance
     5/5 - 90 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 15% Energy Leech Resistance,
           completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  26 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 20% Energy Leech Resistance
     2/5 -  52 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 20% Energy Leech Resistance
     3/5 -  78 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 20% Energy Leech Resistance
     4/5 - 104 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 20% Energy Leech Resistance
     5/5 - 130 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds, 20% Energy Leech Resistance,
           completed item bonus.


SPINY SHELL
  The jagged shell of a Karkinos.  Can enhance shields.
  Dropped by     : Karkinos
  Required Level : 24 (Normal), 36 (Epic), 46 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  4 Damage, +1% Shield Block
     2/5 -  8 Damage, +2% Shield Block
     3/5 - 12 Damage, +3% Shield Block
     4/5 - 16 Damage, +4% Shield Block
     5/5 - 20 Damage, +5% Shield Block, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  8 Damage, + 2% Shield Block
     2/5 - 16 Damage, + 4% Shield Block
     3/5 - 24 Damage, + 6% Shield Block
     4/5 - 32 Damage, + 8% Shield Block
     5/5 - 40 Damage, +10% Shield Block, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - 10 Damage, + 3% Shield Block
     2/5 - 20 Damage, + 6% Shield Block
     3/5 - 30 Damage, + 9% Shield Block
     4/5 - 40 Damage, +12% Shield Block
     5/5 - 50 Damage, +15% Shield Block, completed item bonus.


TORTURED SOUL
  The agonised soul of a creature of darkness.  Can enhance all jewellery.
  Dropped by     : Epiales
  Required Level : 24 (Normal), 36 (Epic), 46 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - + 5% Damage to Demons
     2/5 - +10% Damage to Demons
     3/5 - +15% Damage to Demons
     4/5 - +20% Damage to Demons
     5/5 - +25% Damage to Demons, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - + 7% Damage to Demons
     2/5 - +14% Damage to Demons
     3/5 - +21% Damage to Demons
     4/5 - +28% Damage to Demons
     5/5 - +35% Damage to Demons, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - +10% Damage to Demons
     2/5 - +20% Damage to Demons
     3/5 - +30% Damage to Demons
     4/5 - +40% Damage to Demons
     5/5 - +50% Damage to Demons, completed item bonus.


TURTLE SHELL
  A large turtle shell.  Can enhance shields only.
  Dropped by     : Turtles
  Required Level : 3 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - +1% Shield Block, -5% Shield Recovery Time
     2/5 - +2% Shield Block, -5% Shield Recovery Time
     3/5 - +3% Shield Block, -5% Shield Recovery Time
     4/5 - +4% Shield Block, -5% Shield Recovery Time
     5/5 - +5% Shield Block, -5% Shield Recovery Time, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - + 2% Shield Block, -10% Shield Recovery Time
     2/5 - + 4% Shield Block, -10% Shield Recovery Time
     3/5 - + 6% Shield Block, -10% Shield Recovery Time
     4/5 - + 8% Shield Block, -10% Shield Recovery Time
     5/5 - +10% Shield Block, -10% Shield Recovery Time, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - + 3% Shield Block, -15% Shield Recovery Time
     2/5 - + 6% Shield Block, -15% Shield Recovery Time
     3/5 - + 9% Shield Block, -15% Shield Recovery Time
     4/5 - +12% Shield Block, -15% Shield Recovery Time
     5/5 - +15% Shield Block, -15% Shield Recovery Time, completed item bonus.


VENOM SAC
  Contains a deadly poison.  Can enchant all weapons.
  Dropped by     : Spiders (of various sorts)
  Required Level : 5 (Normal), 27 (Epic), 38 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  18 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds
     2/5 -  36 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds
     3/5 -  54 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds
     4/5 -  72 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds
     5/5 -  90 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  42 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds
     2/5 -  84 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds
     3/5 - 126 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds
     4/5 - 168 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds
     5/5 - 210 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 -  72 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds
     2/5 - 144 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds
     3/5 - 216 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds
     4/5 - 288 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds
     5/5 - 360 Poison Damage over 6.0 Seconds, completed item bonus.


VILE ICHOR
  A disgusting glob of pus, blood, and bile.  Can enhance rings and amulets.
  Dropped by     : Crypt Worms, Ant Lions
  Required Level : 12 (Normal), 30 (Epic), 41 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - + 2% Vitality Damage,  5 Vitality Damage
     2/5 - + 4% Vitality Damage,  5 Vitality Damage
     3/5 - + 6% Vitality Damage,  5 Vitality Damage
     4/5 - + 8% Vitality Damage,  5 Vitality Damage
     5/5 - +10% Vitality Damage,  5 Vitality Damage, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - + 3% Vitality Damage, 10 Vitality Damage
     2/5 - + 6% Vitality Damage, 10 Vitality Damage
     3/5 - + 9% Vitality Damage, 10 Vitality Damage
     4/5 - +12% Vitality Damage, 10 Vitality Damage
     5/5 - +15% Vitality Damage, 10 Vitality Damage, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - + 4% Vitality Damage, 15 Vitality Damage
     2/5 - + 8% Vitality Damage, 15 Vitality Damage
     3/5 - +12% Vitality Damage, 15 Vitality Damage
     4/5 - +16% Vitality Damage, 15 Vitality Damage
     5/5 - +20% Vitality Damage, 15 Vitality Damage, completed item bonus.


VINY GROWTH
  A lump of dense plant matter.  Can enhance all armour.
  Dropped by     : Jungle Creeps, Quill Vines
  Required Level : 18 (Normal), 34 (Epic), 44 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - +0.5 Health Regeneration per second, +10% Health Regeneration
     2/5 - +1.0 Health Regeneration per second, +20% Health Regeneration
     3/5 - +1.5 Health Regeneration per second, +30% Health Regeneration
     4/5 - +2.0 Health Regeneration per second, +40% Health Regeneration
     5/5 - +2.5 Health Regeneration per second, +50% Health Regeneration,
           completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - +0.7 Health Regeneration per second, +15% Health Regeneration
     2/5 - +1.4 Health Regeneration per second, +30% Health Regeneration
     3/5 - +2.1 Health Regeneration per second, +45% Health Regeneration
     4/5 - +2.8 Health Regeneration per second, +60% Health Regeneration
     5/5 - +3.5 Health Regeneration per second, +75% Health Regeneration,
           completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - +1.0 Health Regeneration per second, + 20% Health Regeneration
     2/5 - +2.0 Health Regeneration per second, + 40% Health Regeneration
     3/5 - +3.0 Health Regeneration per second, + 60% Health Regeneration
     4/5 - +4.0 Health Regeneration per second, + 80% Health Regeneration
     5/5 - +5.0 Health Regeneration per second, +100% Health Regeneration,
           completed item bonus.


YETI FUR
  The thick, coarse pelt of the Yeti.  Can enhance all armour.
  Dropped by     : Yeti (bet you weren't expecting that one eh !!)
  Required Level : 18 (Normal), 34 (Epic), 44 (Legendary)
  Bonuses :-
     NORMAL DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - +5% Cold Damage,  +4% Cold Resistance
     2/5 - +5% Cold Damage,  +8% Cold Resistance
     3/5 - +5% Cold Damage, +12% Cold Resistance
     4/5 - +5% Cold Damage, +16% Cold Resistance
     5/5 - +5% Cold Damage, +20% Cold Resistance, completed item bonus.

     EPIC DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - +5% Cold Damage,  +6% Cold Resistance
     2/5 - +5% Cold Damage, +12% Cold Resistance
     3/5 - +5% Cold Damage, +18% Cold Resistance
     4/5 - +5% Cold Damage, +24% Cold Resistance
     5/5 - +5% Cold Damage, +30% Cold Resistance, completed item bonus.

     LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
     1/5 - +5% Cold Damage, + 8% Cold Resistance
     2/5 - +5% Cold Damage, +16% Cold Resistance
     3/5 - +5% Cold Damage, +24% Cold Resistance
     4/5 - +5% Cold Damage, +32% Cold Resistance
     5/5 - +5% Cold Damage, +40% Cold Resistance, completed item bonus.

                                   ----------

With regard to the "completed item bonuses" I referred to earlier, these can
range from bonuses to your attributes, damage, health, health regeneration,
energy, energy regeneration, offensive ability, defensive ability, armour,
resistances, or can include things like piercing retaliation and stun.



==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   N I N E                                              CHAPTER 9
==============================================================================
A R C A N E   F O R M U L A E
==============================================================================

Arcane Formulae are another COOL addition that has been brought in for the
Immortal Throne Expansion Pack.

Only Immortal Throne characters can use Artifacts, being the very powerful
items that are created when the recipe contained in an Arcane Formula is
followed, and the inventory slot for equipping such an Artifact is beneath
the body armour, and to the left of the bracers and greaves.

In order to create an Artifact you must :-

  1)  Find the Arcane Formula for the Artifact you wish to create
  2)  Locate the three reagents (ingredients) for the recipe
  3)  Present an Enchanter with the Arcane Formula, Reagents and MONEY; and
  4)  Reap the rewards !! :)

There are LOADS and loads of Arcane Formulae in Immortal Throne, and they are
divided up into three ranks, or levels, effectively, being :-

  1)  Lesser Artifacts  (available on All Difficulties)
  2)  Greater Artifacts (available on All Difficulties)
  3)  Divine Artifacts  (available only on Epic and Legendary Difficulties).

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out that Divine Artifacts are the
BOMB, and boast some of the most amazing powers in the game.

In an attempt to be as complete as possible, I have written out those Arcane
Formulae that I, and those people that have assisted me by contributing to this
are of my guide, have encountered in the game, together with their requirements
and effects, the level you must be to use them, and their appearance in your
inventory screen (where we have made them into artifacts proper)

===============================================================================
HELPFUL HINT
===============================================================================

I am reliably informed by DaDennis that the following is a list of which
Arcane Formulae you will be able to find whilst playing on the three difficulty
settings of the game :-

In Normal:

LESSER:  Amber Flask, Bloodrage, Chaos Cube, Cinderbolt, Crystal Tear,
        Deathrattle, Leafsong, Molten Orb,  Pale Moon, Razor Claw, Scroll of
        Oneiros, Shroud of Eternal Night, Skyfire Pendant, Song of the
        Serpent, Soul Shiver, Starheart, Sunstone, Touch of the Fool,
        Wraithguard.

GREATER: Book of Dreams, Drudic Wreath, Eye of Heavens, Fury of Ages, Shadow
        Veil, Soul Prism.

In Epic:

LESSER:  Dark Cube, Earthen Talisman, Ebony Globe, Emerald Quill, Jade Totem,
        Nexus of Insanity, Phylactery of Shadows, Raven's Shadow, Spirit
        Blight, Summoner's Totem, Tome of Transfiguration.

GREATER: Crimson Viper, Dragontongue, Effigy of Skyfire, Final Breath, Hand of
        Gaea, Blood Gem, Heart of Earth, Lionheart, Kingslayer, Sphere of
        Eternity.

DIVINE:  Blood of Ares, Crescent Moon of Artemis, Crosier of Osiris,
        Demeter's Bounty, Knot of Isis, Might of Hephaestus, Poseidon's Net.

In Legendary:

LESSER:  Effigy of the Panther, Ethereal Veil, Maiden's Kiss, Silverheart,
        Thunderfist, Tongue of Flame.

GREATER: Arcane Mirror, Conqueror's Mark, Tyrant's Fist, Glorybringer, Symbol
        of the Polymath, Elemental Rage.

DIVINE:  Eye of Ra, Golden Eye of Sun Wukong, Ikon of Zeus, Lyre of Apollo,
        Marduk's Tablet of Destiny, Morpheus' Dreamweb, Star of Ishtar,
        Talisman of the Jade Emperor, Thoth's Glory, Sigil of Bast.

===============================================================================

I shall start with the lesser, and then work may way up to the divine,
however please note that this is not, at the present time, an all-encompassing
list of all the arcane formulae in the game, and so if you encounter any that
are NOT in my guide, please fill in the blanks (if you fancy), and I shall pop
the information into my guide, and (of course) give you full credit for your
contribution !!  Cheers :)

===   ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
¦ ¦   ¦  _/ ¦   / ¦   / ¦  _/ ¦ .  ¦
¦ ¦   ¦ ¦   ¦ --  ¦ --  ¦ ¦   ¦  --
¦ ¦   ¦  -    ¦ ¦   ¦ ¦ ¦  -  ¦  \
¦ ¦_  ¦ ¦_   -- ¦  -- ¦ ¦ ¦_  ¦   \
¦   ¦ ¦   \ \   ¦ \   ¦ ¦   \ ¦ ¦\ \
===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ==  ==


AMBER FLASK
===========

Requirements  : Essence of Artemis' Bowstring
               Pristine Plummage
               Turtle Shell
               75,000 Gold

Effects       : 10 Piercing Damage
               12% Poison Resistance
               +10 Defensive Ability
               +7% Attack Speed
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl  : 10

                                ----------

CHAOS CUBE
==========

Requirements :  Essence of Dionysus' Wineskin
               Venom Sac
               Demon's Blood
               75,000 Gold

Effects      :  24 Poison Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               7% Damage Resistance
               15% Vitality Damage Resistance
               20% Stun Resistance
               +50 Health
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  15

Appearance   :  An orange globe with a cube in the center surrounded by
               purple whirley lines

                                ----------

CINDERBOLT
==========

Requirements :  Essence of Amun-Ra's Glory
               Hag's Skin
               Rigid Carapace
               75,000 Gold

Effects      :  +14% Fire Damage
               8% Pierce Resistance
               +12 Dexterity
               +75 Health
               +75 Energy
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  20

Appearance   :  An orange globe with the tip of an arrow on fire in the center

                                ----------

CRYSTAL TEAR
============

Requirements :  Essence of the Jade Emperor's Serenity
               Saber Claw
               Yeti Fur
               75,000 Gold

Effects      :  75 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               +18% Cold Damage
               +13% Lightning Damage
               +18% Vitality Damage
               50% Bleeding Resistance
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  25

Appearance   :  An orange globe with an eye covered by a silver drop
               in the center

                                ----------

DARK CORE
=========

Requirements :  Embodiment of Zeus' Thunderbolt
               Epic Rigid Carapace
               Greater Scroll of Vengeance
               150,000 Gold

Effects      :  +10% Pierce Damage
               +10% Lightning Damage
               12 - 35 Lightning Damage
               30% Pierce Damage
               +15% Intelligence
               +5% Energy
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  35

Appearance   :  An orange globe with a segment sliced out of it to reveal a
               dark (and quite possibly orange-flavoured) centre ...

                                ----------

DEATHRATTLE
===========

Requirements :  Essence of the Valor of Achilles
               Spectral Matter
               Scroll of Arcane Power
               ****-** Gold

Effects      :  10 Damage
               30 Poison Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               +30 Health
               +30 Energy
               +15% Attack Speed
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  5

Appearance   :  A fiery golden orb with a skull inside it.  The eyes glow a
               bright yellow

                                ----------

EARTHEN TALISMAN
================

Requirements :  Embodiment of Prometheus' Flame
               Epic Boar Hide
               Epid Pristine Plumage
               150,000 Gold

Effects      :  54 Burn Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               +10% Fire Damage
               15 Armour
               25% Poison Resistance
               +15 Defensive Ability
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  35

Appearance   :  An orange sphere with a beautiful almost eye-shaped talisman
               at its centre.

                                ----------

EBONY GLOBE
===========

Requirements :  Embodiment of Guan-Yu's Grace
               Embodiment of the Rage of Ares
               Epic Saber Claw
               150,000 Gold

Effects      :  90 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               10.0% Chance of 5.0 second(s) of Skill Disruption
               +30 Defensive Ability
               7% Chance to Dodge Attacks
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  40

Appearance   :  A light golden orb with a dark, marbelised centre.

                                ----------

EFFIGY OF THE PANTHER
=====================

Requirements :  Incarnation of the Monkey King's Trickery
               Legendary Boar Hide
               Incarnation of the Cunning of Odysseus
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  +15% Poison Damage
               15% Damage Resistance
               6% Elemental Resistance
               40% Skill Disruption Protection
               +15% Attack Speed
               -15% Dexterity Requirement for all Weapons
               -15% Dexterity Requirement for Armour
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  45

Appearance   :  An orange orb with a red panther's head outlined in the centre.

                                ----------

EMERALD QUILL
=============

Requirements :  Embodiment of Artemis' Bowstring
               Epic Diseased Plumage
               Greater Scroll of the Earthquake
               150,000 Gold

Effects      :  +13% Poison Damage
               20 Piercing Damage
               +18 Dexterity
               +14% Attack Speed
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  35

Appearance   :  Two green quills on a black and orange background.

                                ----------

ETHEREAL VEIL
=============

Requirements :  Incarnation of the Djed of Osiris
               Incarnation of the Chill of Tartarus
               Incarnation of the Iron Will of Ajax
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  +20% Cold Damage
               65 Cold Damage
               100% Reduced Entrapment Duration
               100% Skill Disruption Protection
               +50 Dexterity
               +50 Damage to Undead
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  45

Appearance   :  A light golden orb with a misty green centre.
5
                                ----------

LEAFSONG
========

Requirements :  Essence of the Golden Fleece
               Pristine Plumage
               Scroll of Arcane Power
               75,000 Gold

Effects      :  20% Poison Resistance
               +30 Energy
               +35 Defensive Ability
               -6% Energy Cost
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  15

Appearance   :  An orange orb with a black musical note in the centre, resting
               on a green leaf.

                                ----------

MAIDEN'S KISS
=============

Requirements :  Incarnation of Artemis' Bowstring
               Incarnation of the Ankh of Isis
               Incarnation of Guan-Yu's Grace
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  35 Piercing Damage
               +200% Health Regeneration
               +35 Offensive Ability
               +45 Defensive Ability
               +15% Attack Speed
               9% Chance to Dodge Attacks
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  45

Appearance   :  An orange orb with a red female face (side-on) looking to the
               right.

                                ----------

MOLTEN ORB
==========

Requirements :  Essence of Prometheus' Flame
               Boar Hide
               Rigid Carapace
               75,000 Gold

Effects      :  11 Damage
               36 Burn Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               +6% Fire Damage
               6% Damage Resistance
               5% Fire Resistance
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  5

Appearance   :  An orange orb with flames and molten lava inside it.

                                ----------

NEXUS OF INSANITY
=================

Requirements :  Embodiment of Set's Betrayal
               Embodiment of Amun-Ra's Glory
               Embodiment of the Djed of Osiris
               150,000 Gold

Effects      :  +10% Damage
               33.0% Chance of 30 Piercing Retaliation
               +40 Health
               +40 Energy
               +40 Damage to Undead
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  40

Appearance   :  An orange sphere with an atomic symbol at its centre.

                                ----------

PALE MOON
=========

Requirements :  Essence of Zeus’ Thunderbolt
               Turtle Shell
               Scroll of the Storm Witches
               75,000 Gold

Effects      :  6% Lightning Damage
               8 Lightning Damage
               +15 Intelligence
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  10

Appearance   :  An orange globe with a moon in the center

                                ----------

PHYLACTERY OF SHADOWS
=====================

Requirements :  Embodiment of Dionysus' Wineskin
               Epic Bat Fang
               Epic Spectral Matter
               150,000 Gold

Effects      :  +15% Poison Damage
               33 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
               54 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds
               7% Damage Resistance
               30% Life Leech Resistance
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  35

Appearance   :  A yellow sphere with a dark, steely-grey 3d cube inside it.

                                ----------

RAVEN'S SHADOW
==============

Requirements :  Embodiment of Archimedes' Mirror
               Epic Turtle Shell
               Greater Scroll of the Djinn
               150,000 Gold

Effects      :  +20% Poison Damage
               20% Pierce Resistance
               45% Stun Resistance
               +12% Shield Block
               14.0% Chance of 50% Damage Reflected
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  40

                                ----------

RAZOR CLAW
==========

Requirements :  Essence of Set's Betrayal
               Lupine Claw
               Scroll of the Stalwart Alliance
               75,000 Gold

Effects      :  +5% Pierce Damage
               15 Piercing Damage
               33.0% Chance of 25 Piercing Retaliation
               +5% Attack Speed
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  20

Appearance   :  An orange sphere with a large orange and burnt orange pawprint
               inside.  The pawprint has, slightly unusually, FIVE clawed
               toes.

                                ----------

SCROLL OF ONEIROS
=================

Requirements :  Essence of Dionysus' Wineskin
               Spectral Matter
               Demon's Blood
               75,000 Gold

Effects      :  40 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds
               +10% Sleep Damage
               4% Damage Resistance
               20% Vitality Damage Resistance
               25% Stun Resistance
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  5

Appearance   :  An orange sphere with a white scroll within.

                                ----------

SHROUD OF ETERNAL NIGHT
=======================

Requirements :  Essence of the Valor of Achilles
               Bat Fang
               Venom Sac
               75,000 Gold

Effects      :  10 Damage
               21 Poison Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               40 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds
               10 Piercing Damage
               20% Vitality Damage Resistance
               25% Stun Resistance
               +60 Health
               +10% Attack Speed
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  10

Appearance   :  An orange globe with a clear night's sky in the center

                                ----------

SILVER HEART
============

Requirements :  Incarnation of the Jade Emperor's Serenity
               Incarnation of Persephone's Tears
               Divine Scroll of the Arrow Dancer
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  +15% Cold Damage
               +15% Lightning Damage
               45% Lightning Resistance
               45% Poison Resistance
               +100 Less Damage from Undead
               +100 Less Damage from Demons
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  45

Appearance   :  A light orange sphere with a black and silver heart in the
               centre.

                                ----------

SKYFIRE PENDANT
===============

Requirements :  Essence of Zeus' Thunderbolt
               Mechanical Parts
               Spectral Matter
               ****-** Gold

Effects      :  +7% Lightning Damage
               10 Lightning Damage
               6 Vitality Damage
               +4% Total Speed
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  15

Appearance   :  Orange sphere with blue sky inside, and a pendant on a chain
               dangling in its centre.

                                ----------

SONG OF THE SERPENT
===================

Requirements :  Essence of the Udjat of Horus
               Rigid Carapace
               Scroll of Elemental Shielding
               75,000 Gold

Effects      :  +6% Poison Damage
               14 Armour
               18% Pierce Resistance
               25% Poison Resistance
               15.0% Chance of 30 Poison Retaliation over 3.0 Seconds
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  20

Appearance   :  An orange orb with a green serpent in it - its tail at the
               top, and its head at the bottom.

                                ----------

SPIRIT BLIGHT
=============

Requirements :  Embodiment of Hecate's Crescent
               Epic Venom Sac
               Greater Scroll of Unbroken Fortitude
               150,000 Gold

Effects      :  36 Poison Damge over 3.0 Seconds
               +25% Vitality Damage
               +60 Energy
               +95% Energy Regeneration
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  35

                                ----------

STAR HEART
==========

Requirements :  Essence of Prometheus' Flame
               Bat Fang
               Scroll of the Warrior's Song
               75,000 Gold

Effects      :  +4% Elemental Damage
               30 Burn Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               4% Elemental Resistance
               +4% Total Speed
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  10

Appearance   :  An orange-and-red orb with a red-and-orange star in the centre.

                                ----------

SUMMONER'S TOTEM
================

Requirements :  Embodiment of the Ankh of Isis
               Epic Hag's Skin
               Epic Lupine Claw
               150,000 Gold

Effects      :  +6% Pierce Damage
               +15 Fire Damage
               25 Piercing Damage
               +15 Dexterity
               +50% Health Regeneration
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  40

Appearance   :  An orange sphere with a purple banner inside.

                                ----------

SUNSTONE
========

Requirements :  Essence of the Domain of the Dragon-Kings
               Essence of the Monkey King's Trickery
               Raptor Tooth
               75,000 Gold

Effects      :  +10% Damage
               +10% Fire Damage
               +10% Vitality Damage
               25% Fire Resistance
               25% Skill Disruption Protection
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  25

Appearance   :  An orange sphere with a sun inside.

                                ----------

THUNDERFIST
===========

Requirements :  Incarnation of Zeus' Thunderbolt
               Incarnation of Yen-Lo-Wang's Bloodletting
               Incarnation of the Rage of Ares
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  108 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               +9% Bleeding Damage
               +15% Lightning Damage
               90 Energy Leech over 3.0 Seconds
               18-45 Lightning Damage
               20.0% Chance of 5.0 second(s) of Skill Disruption
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  45

Appearance   :  An orange orb with a raised, clenched fist in the centre.  The
               fist emanates several beams of light, like it is clutching
               something made of light ... or maybe ... thunder !?!?!

                                ----------

TONGUE OF FLAME
===============

Requirements :  Incarnation of Prometheus' Flame
               Legendary Pristine Plumage
               Divine Scroll of Armageddon
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  90 Burn Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               +15% Fire Damage
               +15% Lightning Damage
               40% Poison Resistance
               +14% Intelligence
               +10% Energy
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  45

                                ----------

TOME OF TRANSFIGURATION
=======================

Requirements :  Embodiment of the Udjat of Horus
               Epic Vile Ichor
               Greater Scroll of Vampirism

Effects      :  +15% Elemental Damage
               10 Elemental Damage
               25 Armour
               +35 Strength
               +25 Intelligence
               +10% Attack Speed
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  40

Appearance   :  A book at the centre of a purple and cream vortex of energy.

                                ----------

TOUCH OF THE FOOL
=================

Requirements :  Essence of the Golden Fleece
               Boar Hide
               Scroll of the Breaking Wheel
               75,000 Gold

Effects      :  15 Armour
               50% Skill Disruption Protection
               +10% Energy
               +30% Casting Speed
               -5% Energy Cost
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  15

Appearance   :  A yellow orb with a hand pointing a finger inside it.  The
               fingertip of that finger is green.

                                ----------

WRAITHGUARD
===========

Requirements :  Essence of Archimedes' Mirror
               Bat Fang
               Scroll of the Ice Nova
               75,000 Gold

Effects      :  18 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
               7% Vitality Damage Resistance
               12% Chance of 50% Damage Reflected
               +20 Offensive Ability
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  5

Appearance   :  A heraldic shield featuring a skull, emanating with green
               light.

                                ----------



===== =====  =====   /\   ===== ===== =====
¦   / ¦ .  ¦ ¦  _/  ¦  ¦  ¦   ¦ ¦  _/ ¦ .  ¦
¦ ¦   ¦  --  ¦ ¦    ¦  ¦  -. .- ¦ ¦   ¦  --
¦ ¦   ¦  \   ¦  -  ¦    ¦  ¦ ¦  ¦  -  ¦  \
¦ ¦-. ¦   \  ¦ ¦_  ¦ ¦¦ ¦  ¦ ¦  ¦ ¦_  ¦   \
¦   ¦ ¦ ¦\ \ ¦   \ ¦ ¦¦ ¦  ¦ ¦  ¦   \ ¦ ¦\ \
=== ¦ ==  == ===== ==  ==  ===  ===== ==  ==
  /¦
 ===


ARCANE MIRROR
=============

Requirements :  Silver Heart
               Phylactery of Shadows
               Incarnation of Archimedes' Mirror
               750,000 Gold

Effects      :  100% Life Leech Resistance
               100% Energy Leech Resistance
               15.0% Chance of 50% Damage Reflected
               +22% Energy Regeneration
               "Mirror Wall" (Activated upon taking damage)
                 A protective barrier appears around the player, reflecting
                 enemies' spells back at them for a duration.
                 12.0 Second Duration
                 150% Damage Reflected
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  45

Appearance   :  A blue sphere with a silver mirror in the centre.  The mirror
               faces towards the viewer and at an angle to the left, and has
               a green centre to it.

                                ----------

BLOOD GEM
=========

Requirements :  Razor Claw
               Emerald Quill
               Cinderbolt
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  +10% Pierce Damage
               40 Piercing Damage
               33.0% Chance of 32 Piercing Retaliation
               +6% Attack Speed
               +1 to all skills in Hunting Mastery
               "Blood Boil" (Activated on Low Health)
                 Makes the blood boil within the veins of all nearby
                 opponents, wounding them and magically replenishing
                 the player's own life at the same time.
                 6.0 Meter Radius
                 1170 Bleeding Damage over 2.0 Seconds
                 1000 - 1150 Vitality Damage
                 100% of Attack damage converted to Health
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  40

Appearance   :

                                ----------

BOOK OF DREAMS
==============

Requirements :  Scroll of Oneiros
               Shroud of Eternal Night
               Scroll of the Sky's Rage
               300,000 Gold

Effects      :  +10% Lightning Damage
               +10% Electrical Burn Damage
               +20% Sleep Damage
               10% Damage Resistance
               100% Sleep Resistance
               50% Stun Resistance
               +1 to all skills in Dream Mastery
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  25

Appearance   :

                                ----------

CONQUEROR'S MARK
================

Requirements :  Ebony Globe
               Jade Idol
               Legendary Turtle Shell
               750,000 Gold

Effects      :  120 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               16% Bleeding Resistance
               40% Skill Disruption Protection
               10% Chance to Dodge Attacks
               -10% Energy Cost
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  45

Appearance   :

                                ----------

CRIMSON VIPER
=============

Requirements :  Shroud of Eternal Night
               Raven's Shadow
               Epic Peng Claw
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  15 - 35 Damage
               +12% Pierce Damage
               +20% Poison Damage
               14% Poison Resistance
               +1 to all skills in Rogue Mastery
               "Serpent's Fang" (Activated upon taking damage)
                 Poisoned darts fire outward from the player in all
                 directions.
                 12 Projectile(s)
                 200 Bleeding Damage over 2.0 Seconds
                 200 Poison Damage over 2.0 Seconds
                 200 - 210 Piercing Damage
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  40

Appearance   :

                                ----------

DRAGONTONGUE
============

Requirements :  Star Heart
               Earthen Talisman
               Greater Scroll of Vampirism
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  60 Burn Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               +13% Fire Damage
               20 Armour
               +26 Intelligence
               +18 Defensive Ability
               +1 to all skills in Earth Mastery
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  35

Appearance   :  A blue sphere with a coiled up black dragon in the centre.  The
               black dragon has a red tongue flicking out.

                                ----------

DRUIDIC WREATH
==============

Requirements :  Leafsong
               Crystal Tear
               Viny Growth
               300,000 Gold

Effects      :  25% Poison Resistance
               +50% Health Regeneration
               +45 Energy
               +45 Offensive Ability
               -8% Energy Cost
               +1 to all skills in Nature Mastery
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  25

Appearance   :

                                ----------

ELEMENTAL RAGE
==============

Requirements :  Tongue of Flame
               Spirit Blight
               Incarnation of Anubis' Wrath
               750,000 Gold

Effects      :  +25% Elemental Damage
               10% of Attack damage converted to Health
               25% Elemental Resistance
               +30% Energy Absorption from Attacks
               "Elemental Chaos" (Activated upon taking damage)
                 Raw elemental forces of fire and ice are invoked, colliding
                 with each other in an explosion of terrific power.
                 12.0 Meter Radius
                 3300 Burn Damage over 2.0 Seconds
                 3300 Frostburn Damage over 2.0 Seconds
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  45

Appearance   :

                                ----------

EYE OF THE HEAVENS
==================

Requirements :  Skyfire Pendant
               Song of the Serpent
               Tortured Soul
               300,000 Gold

Effects      :  +10% Cold Damage
               +10% Lightning Damage
               10% Cold Resistance
               10% Lightning Resistance
               "Tidal Wave" (Activated on attack)
                 Smites your foes with three powerful jets of freezing water.
                 3 Projectiles
                 100.0% Chance to pass through enemies
                 280-300 Damage
                 400 Frostburn Damage over 2.0 Seconds
                 440-460 Cold Damage
                 50% Chance to Fumble attacks for 3.0 Seconds
               +15% Damage to Demons
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  30

Appearance   :  A blue sphere with an eye in the centre.  The eye has a blue
               iris.

                                ----------

FINAL BREATH
============

Requirements :  Deathrattle
               Phylactery of Shadows
               Embodiment of the Djed of Osiris
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  +10% Damage
               +15% Vitality Damage
               30% Vitality Damage Resistance
               +9% Attack Speed
               +1 to all skills in Spirit Mastery
               +38 Damage to Undead
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  40

Appearance   :  A blue sphere with a dark silver skull and crossbones inside.

                                ----------

FURY OF THE AGES
================

Requirements :  Amber Flask
               Cinderbolt
               Essence of the Shade of Hector
               300,000 Gold

Effects      :  +16% Pierce Damage
               10% Pierce Resistance
               10% Poison Resistance
               +5% Shield Block
               +8% Attack Speed
               +10% Chance to Avoid Projectiles
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  30

Appearance   :

                                ----------

GLORYBRINGER
============

Requirements :  Effigy of the Panther
               Silver Heart
               Nexus of Insanity
               750,000 Gold

Effects      :  8% Elemental Resistance
               -21% Dexterity Requirement for all Weapons
               -21% Dexterity Requirement for Armour
               +7% Increased Experience
               +1 to all Skills
               +28% Less Damage from Undead
               +28% Less Damage from Demons
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  45

Appearance   :  A blue sphere with a Greek helmet inside.  The helmet has red
               plumage.

                                ----------

HAND OF GAIA
============

Requirements :  Leafsong
               Jade Idol
               Embodiment of the Shade of Hector
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  +13% Elemental Damage
               +25 Defensive Ability
               +15% Chance to Avoid Projectiles
               -9% Energy Cost
               +1 to all skills in Nature Mastery
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  40

                                ----------

HEART OF EARTH
==============

Requirements :  Sunstone
               Molten Orb
               Earthen Talisman
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  30 - 60 Damage
               +14% Fire Damage
               25 Armour
               30% Fire Resistance
               +28 Defensive Ability
               "Flame Strike" (Activated on attack)
                 Calls down flaming meteorites from the sky above.
                 2.0 Meter Radius
                 100 - 120 Damage
                 180 - 220 Burn Damage over 2.0 Seconds
                 190 - 210 Fire Damage
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  40

Appearance   :  A blue sphere with a red heart in the centre.

                                ----------

KINGSLAYER
==========

Requirements :  Song of the Serpent
               Raven's Shadow
               Embodiment of Archimedes' Mirror
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  15 Damage
               66 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               9% Damage Resistance
               40% Stun Resistance
               +36 Strength
               +1 to all skills in Warfare Mastery
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  35

Appearance   :

                                ----------

LIONHEART
=========

Requirements :  Molten Orb
               Tome of Transfiguration
               Raven's Shadow
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  15% Pierce Resistance
               20% Poison Resistance
               13.0% Chance of 50% Damage Reflected
               +1 to all skills in Defense Mastery
               "Lion's Roar" (Activated upon taking melee damage)
                 Let loose a mighty roar, greatly bolstering the combat
                 skills of the player and nearby allies for a short time.
                 10.0 Second Duration
                 10.0 Meter Radius
                 +50% Total Damage
                 +100.0 Health Regeneration per second
                 +150 Defensive Ability
                 +50% Attack Speed
                 50 Armor
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  35

                                ----------

SHADOW VEIL
===========

Requirements :  Deathrattle
               Chaos Cube
               Scroll of Frailty
               300,000 Gold

Effects      :  15 Damage
               45 Poison Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               +20 Dexterity
               +30 Health
               +18% Attack Speed
               "Shadow Surge" (Activated upon taking melee damage)
                 A wave of pure darkness will blast outward from the player's
                 feet to wound all enemies in the vicinity.
                 5.0 Meter Radius
                 399 - 453 Damage
                 97 Vitality Damage
                 1.5 second(s) of Stun
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  30

Appearance   :

                                ----------

SOUL PRISM
==========

Requirements :  Touch of the Fool
               Sunstone
               Essence of Yen-Lo-Wang's Bloodletting </pre><pre id="faqspan-15">
               300,000 Gold

Effects      :  66 Bleeding Damage over 3.0 Seconds
               +15% Vitality Damage
               25% Fire Resistance
               +100 Health
               -8% Energy Cost
               "Necromancy" (Activated upon taking damage)
                 Summons forth three undead warriors to defend the player.
                 6 Summon Limit
                 Skeletal Minion Attributes:
                   Life Time 30.0 Seconds
                   850 Health
                 Skeletal Minion Abilities:
                   140-155 Damage
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  25

Appearance   :  A Blue Sphere with a light blue gemstone inside, and a ray
               of blue light passing horizontally behind it

                                ----------

SPHERE OF ETERNITY
==================

Requirements :  Chaos Cube
               Nexus of Insanity
               Epic Bat Fang
               500,000 Gold

Effects      :  +15% Damage
               36 Life Leech over 3.0 Seconds
               +20% Sleep Damage
               30% Stun Resistance
               +1 to all skills in Dream Mastery
               +50 Damage to Undead
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  35

Appearance   :

                                ----------


===   === === === === ==   == =====
¦  \  ¦ ¦ \ ¦ ¦ / ¦ ¦ ¦  \¦ ¦ ¦  _/
¦ \ \ ¦ ¦ \ ¦ ¦ / ¦ ¦ ¦     ¦ ¦ ¦
¦  , ¦¦ ¦  \\ //  ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦\  ¦ ¦  -
¦ / / ¦ ¦  \ . /  ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦_
¦  /  ¦ ¦   \ /   ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦   \
===   ===    =    === ==   == =====


BLOOD OF ARES
=============

Requirements :  Lionheart
               Fury of the Ages
               Embodiment of the Valor of Achilles
               1,000,000 Gold

Effects      :  25 Damage
               +20% Damage
               +40% Bleeding Damage
               +40 Offensive Ability
               +15% Attack Speed
               "Tears of Blood" (Activated upon taking damage)
                 Bloodfire tears of the god Ares rain down upon the Earth,
                 causing bleeding and fire damage on all who are struck.
                 8.0 Second Duration
                 8.0 Meter Radius
                 975 Bleeding Damage per Second
                 176 - 198 Burn Damage over 2.0 Seconds
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  50

Appearance   :

                                ----------

CROSIER OF OSIRIS
=================

Requirements :  Soul Prism
               Final Breath
               Epic Spectral Matter
               1,000,000 Gold

Effects      :  50 Energy Leech over 2.0 Seconds
               100% Vitality Damage Resistance
               25% Energy Leech Resistance
               "Soul Drain" (Activated on attack)
                 Attempts to drain the soul of an enemy, doing enough damage
                 to kill all but the strongest foes, and delivering their
                 health to the player.
                 100% Reduction to Enemy's Health
                 1000 Vitality Damage
                 500% of Attack damage converted to Health
               +30% Damage to Undead
               +50 Less Damage from Undead
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  50

Appearance   :   A purple sphere with a crosier in it.  The crosier emits a
                green glow.

                                ----------

DEMETER'S BOUNTY
================

Requirements :  Druidic Wreath
               Hand of Gaia
               Epic Viny Growth
               1,000,000 Gold

Effects      :  35% Poison Resistance
               +85% Health Regeneration
               -16% Energy Cost
               "Demeter's Bounty" (Activated upon taking damage)
                 Quickly restores the player to full health and energy.
                 15.0 Second Duration
                 +50.0 Health Regeneration per second
                 +400% Health Regeneration
                 +50.0 Energy Regeneration per second
                 +400% Energy Regeneration
               +50 Less Damage from Beasts
               +50 Less Damage from Beastmen
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  50

Appearance   :

                                ----------

EYE OF RA
=========

Requirements :  Dragontongue
               Heart of Earth
               Elemental Rage
               2,000,000 Gold

Effects      :  +15% Damage
               +60% Fire Damage
               60% Fire Resistance
               "Eye of Ra" (Activated on low health)
                 Blankets the area around you with scorching flames that hurt
                 only enemies.
                 15.0 Second Duration
                 6.0 Meter Radius
                 800 Fire Damage
               +35% Damage to Insectoids
               +35% Less Damage from Insectoids
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  55

Appearance   :

                                ----------

GOLDEN EYE OF SUN WUKONG
========================

Requirements :  Crimson Viper
               Shadow Veil
               Symbol of the Polymath
               2,000,000 Gold

Effects      :  +25% Pierce Damage
               +10% Elemental Damage
               +40% Poison Damage
               +50% Stun Damage
               +15% Total Speed
               "Spirit Thief" (Activated upon taking damage)
                 Steals the energy of all enemies in the vicinity, harming
                 them for every bit of energy stolen.
                 10.0 Meter Radius
                 8000% Energy Drained (200% Energy Drained causes Damage)
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  55

Appearance   :

                                ----------

KNOT OF ISIS
============

Requirements :  Druidic Wreath
               Hand of Gaia
               Embodiment of the Ankh of Isis
               1,000,000 Gold

Effects      :  +30% Poison Damage
               40% Poison Resistance
               +150% Health Regeneration
               +20% Chance to Avoid Projectiles
               -10% Energy Cost
               "Healing Cascade" (Activated on low health)
                 Restores the player and all nearby allies to full health.
                 1.0 Second Duration
                 15.0 Meter Radius
                 +10000.0 Health Restored
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  50

Appearance   :

                                ----------

IKON OF ZEUS
============

Requirements :  Eye of the Heavens
               Effigy of Skyfire
               Elemental Rage
               2,000,000 Gold

Effects      :  +30% Cold Damage
               +60% Lightning Damage
               +40% Stun Damage
               60% Lightning Resistance
               100% Stun Resistance
               "Thunderstorm" (Activated upon taking damage)
                 Invokes a storm cloud above the player--even indoors--which
                 will rain down bolts of Zeus' lightning upon all enemies.
                 Affects up to 10 targets
                 6300 - 7700 Lightning Damage
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  55

Appearance   :

                                ----------

MARDUK'S TABLET OF DESTINY
==========================

Requirements :  Final Breath
               Soul Prism
               Symbol of the Polymath
               2,000,000 Gold

Effects      :  +40% Vitality Damage
               +30% Life Leech
               15% Elemental Resistance
               +20% Intelligence
               "Shield of Destiny" (Activated on low health)
                 Makes the player completely invulnerable to all forms of
                 damage for a short duration
                 10.0 Second Duration
                 300% Damage Absorption
                 300% Sleep Resistance
                 300% Stun Resistance
                 300% Reduced Entrapment Duration
                 300% Reduced Freeze Duration
                 300% Reduced Petrify Duration
                 300% Slow Resistance
               +45 Damage to Magical
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  55

Appearance   :

                                ----------

POSEIDON'S NET
==============

Requirements :  Eye of the Heavens
               Effigy of Skyfire
               Embodiment of Zeus' Thunderbolt
               1,000,000 Gold

Effects      :  +15% Cold Damage
               +15% Lightning Damage
               25% Cold Resistance
               25% Lightning Resistance
               "Poseidon's Net" (Activated on low health)
                 Trap a large group of monsters with the power of
                 the sea god.
                 4.0 Second Duration
                 5.0 Meter Radius
                 800 - 900 Frostburn Damage per Second
                 -33$ Defensive Ability
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  50

                                ----------

SIGIL OF BAST
=============

Requirements :  Crimson Viper
               Hand of Gaia
               Incarnation of Li-Nezha's Guile
               2,000,000 Gold

Effects      :  +18% Elemental Damage
               +20% Strength
               +20% Dexterity
               "Avatar of Bast" (Activated on low health)
                 Summons the Avatar of Bast--a spectral Sabre Lion--to ravage
                 your enemies.
                 Avatar of Bast Attributes:
                   Life Time 30.0 Seconds
                   5000 Health
                 Avatar of Bast Abilities:
                   350 - 371 Damage
               +40% Damage to Beasts
               +40% Damage to Beastmen
               +100 Less Damage from Beasts
               +100 Less Damage from Beastmen
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  55

Appearance   :

                                ----------

STAR OF ISHTAR
==============

Requirements :  Tyrant's Fist
               Lionheart
               Conqueror's Mark
               2,000,000 Gold

Effects      :  5.0% Chance of 70% Slowed for 3.0 Seconds
               15% Damage Resistance
               25% Elemental Resistance
               +20% Strength
               +20% Dexterity
               "Scimitar Spirits" (Activated on low health)
                 Summons an invisible spirit armed with scimitars to fight
                 for the player.
                 Scimitar Spirit Attributes:
                   Life Time 30.0 Seconds
                   1183 Health
                   551 Energy
                 Scimitar Spirit Abilities:
                   406 - 431 Damage
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  55

Appearance   :

                                ----------

TALISMAN OF THE JADE EMPEROR
============================

Requirements :  Kingslayer
               Conqueror's Mark
               Incarnation of the Jade Emperor's Serenity
               2,000,000 Gold

Effects      :  50% Elemental Resistance
               +15% Strength
               +50 Defensive Ability
               -25% Recharge
               "Jade Emperor's Mau-D'uyhn" (Activated on Attack)
                 Makes the player and all allies immune to elemental damage
                 and ranged weaponry for a duration.
                 10.0 Second Duration
                 15.0 Meter Radius
                 +100% Chance to Avoid Projectiles
                 300% Elemental Resistance
               +1 random completion bonus

Required Lvl :  55

Appearance   :

                                ----------

==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   T E N                                               CHAPTER 10
==============================================================================
S H R I N E S
==============================================================================

There are a fair few Shrines that you will encounter in the wilderness in
Titan Quest and Immortal Throne - some of them have one-off benefits, such as
immediately recharging your health - some of them give you time-based bonuses,
such as increased experience from enemy kills for a given period of time, or
increased combat effectiveness for a given time window.

Here is a list of shrines and descriptions of their effects :-

Battle Marker (Orange Glow)
  Attack speed and damage are increased.  This is arguably the greatest
  of the shrines in Titan Quest, as it LITERALLY transforms your character
  into a Juggernaut.  ALL your combat skills go through the roof and you will
  DECIMATE large groups of enemies with relative ease.  Rate of Fire, chance
  of striking accurately, inflicting criticals, the WORKS.  It's all good !!

Energizing Shrine (White Glow - there is only one - on the Olympus Summit)
  Infuses the player with arcane power, dramatically increasing energy
  regeneration.

Frostbite Shrine (Light Blue Glow)
  The player's weapon is infused with the essence of frost, slowing enemies
  greatly and causing small amounts of damage.  This is one of the best
  shrines in the game as it DRAMATICALLY slows down your enemies, giving you
  HUGE amounts of time to inflict MASSIVE amounts of damage upon them.  It is
  particularly good for ranged-attackers, and spellcasters.  Once frosted up,
  your enemies will continue to sustain small amounts of damage until the
  effects of the frostbite wear off, or they die.

Regeneration Shrine (Purple Glow)
  Creates a regenerative circle around the shrine that lasts for approx. 45
  seconds.  Standing within the radius of this circle causes your health and
  energy bars to refill constantly for the duration of the shrine's effect,
  making it a VERY good place to stage a combat-session, if you are able to.

Shrine of Experience (White Glow)
  You have been granted great wisdom and acuity of mind, significantly
  increasing how quickly you can gain experience.

Shrine of Healing (Red Glow)
  Grants full restoration of a player's health

Shrine of Mastery (Yellow Glow)
  Grants the player improved proficiency with all skills.

Shrine of Thorns (Green Glow)
  Jagged thorns sprout from the player's body, damaging any enemies foolish
  enough to attack.



==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   E L E V E N                                         CHAPTER 11
==============================================================================
H E R O   M O N S T E R S
==============================================================================

Hero Monsters are what I would call Captains, if the game didn't already have
a dedicated term for them.  They lead their lesser-ranking allies into combat,
but ALWAYS have powers that set them above and beyond their counterparts.

Very often Hero Monsters can prove tough opponents - tougher in some cases
even than the bosses, as you are never expecting to bump into a Hero Monster -
they just hang around and you meet up with them, pretty much by chance.

Where possible I have attempted to give a description of the Hero Monsters I
have encountered whilst playing, including what type of monster they are,
where I bumped into them, and what special powers they exhibited whilst I was
fighting them.

ACT ONE - GREECE
================

Blastfang
  Type of Monster  : Flaming Orange Cave Bat
  Can be found in  : Athens Catacombs - Level One
  Attacks :-
     Swooping Bite
  Comments :-
     VERY noticeable, and probably quite safe when flying around dark
     country lanes at night, you will be under NO illusions when you are
     facing THIS guy.

Bonelord, the
  Type of Monster  : Giant Skeletal Warrior
  Can be found in  : Athens
  Attacks :-
     Sword Swipe, Earthquake
  Comments :-
     This dude is MASSIVE !!  He stands at least 2 if not 3 times the height
     of your character ... WOW !!

Cadmus the Golem King
  Type of Monster  : Automatoi
  Can be found in  : Knossos Palace, Minoan Labyrinth
  Attacks :-
     Electrify Sword, Giant Swing (rotates upper torso), Sword Strike
  Comments :-
     Cadmus is a bit faster than his normal Automatoi counterparts, and has
     GREAT range with his Giant Swing attack.

Fernos Charskin
  Type of Monster  : Fire Clan Satyr
  Can be found in  : Lower Delphi
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-


Hesperos the Flameforged
  Type of Monster  : Automatoi
  Can be found in  : Knossos Palace, Minoan Labyrinth
  Attacks :-
     Sword Strike, Spinning Strike (upper torso spins 360)
  Comments :-
     Hesperos isn't that tough a captain really.  The first time you see his
     spinning strike attack you are likely to think WOAH !!  But aside from
     that he should fall pretty quickly to your powers.  Don't stand too close
     to him when you deliver the final stroke, however, as he explodes in a
     ball of flame that scatters to the surrounding area.

Kaj Notchblade
  Type of Monster  : Minotaur
  Can be found in  : Minoan Labyrinth
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Keleos the Forktongued
  Type of Monster  : Gorgon Archer
  Can be found in  : Minoan Labyrinth
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Roughneck
  Type of Monster  : Snapping Turtle
  Can be found in  : Phocian Swamp
  Attacks :-
     Bite
  Comments :-

Thrydos Darksoul
  Type of Monster  : Wraith Spellcaster
  Can be found in  : The Ancient Tomb of Leucus
  Attacks :-
     Lightning Blast, Ternion Attack
  Comments :-
     This guy can RAPIDLY fire blasts of lightning from his staff, and is a
     low-ranking Spirit Master, as he has access to the Ternion Attack and
     Deathchill Aura Skills.

Warchief Otos
  Type of Monster  : Dark Satyr Brute
  Can be found in  : Boetia
  Attacks :-
     Onslaught
  Comments :-
     Warchief Otos has a degree of Warfare Mastery, and uses the Onslaught
     skill to great effect in close-quarters combat.  He is quite slow to
     move, however, and falls afoul of archers and mages rather easily.

Xerkos the Betrayer
  Type of Monster  : Noxious Zombie
  Can be found in  : Knossos Palace
  Attacks :-
     Traps (can create up to 2 Rogue Traps simultaneously), War Wind, Sword
     Strike, Mace Strike
  Comments :-
     Although INSANELY slow to move, Xerkos is adept at both Rogue and Warfare
     Masteries, meaning he is able to attack (by traps) at range, and up close
     with some nasty twin-weapon attacks.  He is armed with a sword and a
     mace, and can use both with good accuracy.  Attack him at range to make
     this fight MUCH easier.

ACT TWO - EGYPT
===============

Faceless One, the
  Type of Monster  : Dune Raider (Mounted Marauder)
  Can be found in  : Wadjet Canyons
  Attacks :-
     Spear Strike, Ring of Flame, Meteor Strike, Charge
  Comments :-
     The Faceless One is a master of the Earth School.  Being mounted on the
     back of a Hyena Beast gives him great speed meaning he can close the gap
     between you, himself, and his cronies rapidly.  Add to this his ability
     to call down meteor strikes AND use a ring of flame, and you have a
     decent fight on your hands.  Strike him from afar if you are able, or
     look to finish him quickly if you prefer up-close-and-personal.  Just
     watch out for the meteor strikes !!  First one rock, then a PILE of
     them ;)

Najja the Parched
  Type of Monster  : Dune Hero
  Can be found in  : Fayum Desert
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Nathifa the Unblemished
  Type of Monster  : Sandwing
  Can be found in  : Nile Floodplain
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Reshelf, Undying King of Nubia
  Type of Monster  : Zombie
  Can be found in  : Tomb of Ramses
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-


ACT THREE - THE ORIENT (AND MOUNT OLYMPUS)
==========================================

Cenon Stormborn
  Type of Monster  : Coastal Ichthian
  Can be found in  : Babylon Outskirts
  Attacks :-
     Fast Thunderball Attack, Mace Strike, Aura (either lightning or frost -
     I cannot be certain, but it swirls around his feet).
  Comments :-
     Cenon Stormborn is not a particularly dangerous adversary.  His
     projectile attacks are fast, no doubt about that, but he himself is not
     overly dangerous.  Just keep light on your toes and he should fall
     quickly.

Jun Shan, Warrior-Monk
  Type of Monster  : Tigerman
  Can be found in  : Chang'an Farmland
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Sargoth Manbane
  Type of Monster  : Dragonian Wrym-Mage
  Can be found in  : Jinghe River Valley
  Attacks :-
     Lightning, Thunderball (with 3 Concussive Blasts), Lightning Aura
     around his feet, Mini-ball of Lightning
  Comments :-
     This guys rate of fire is EXTREMELY fast, making him difficult to
     take on alone, let alone with his entourage.  Best advice I can give
     you is to slay his lesser minions and then take him on from a distance.
     Avoid a strike, send one back, rinse, repeat, and he will fall to your
     superior tactics.

Tarthon Na'Arak
  Type of Monster  : Dragonian
  Can be found in  : Shaanxi Province
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-




ACT FOUR - HADES
================

Aberkios of the Ashes
  Type of Monster  : Lost Soul
  Can be found in  : Ossuary of the Thesproti
  Attacks :-
     Summon 2 Albino Spiders (but doesn't have to wait for the last 2 to die
     before he summons 2 more), Lightning Blast from Staff, Thunderball
  Comments :-



Akhlys
  Type of Monster  : Keres
  Can be found in  : Upper City of Lost Souls, Dread Halls
  Attacks :-
     Ice Storm (rains HUGE hailstones down from the sky to crush you)
  Comments :-
     Akhlys is a Master of the Storm School, however her (for I assume it
     is female) prefers to rely upon the ice-side of the school rather than
     the lightning side.  Her Ice Storm power is VERY dangerous so you should
     keep moving at all times to avoid getting swatted ;)

Anaplekte
  Type of Monster  : Keres
  Can be found in  : Hades - Dark Grove, Lower City of Lost Souls,
                     City of Lost Souls
  Attacks :-
     Teleportation (Phantom Strike), Throw multiple Traps in VERY quick
     succession
  Comments :-
     Anaplekte ROCKS - wherever you find her, she is always sure to give you
     a satisfyingly difficult fight.  She can use Phantom Strike to teleport
     up to you, making her difficult to predict, and she can throw LOADS
     of traps which fire massive amounts of bolts at you very, very quickly.
     She is very dangerous - beware !!

General Yrrt'ik
  Type of Monster  : Formicid
  Can be found in  : Ampelian Caves
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Hekaline the Outcast
  Type of Monster  : Melinoe
  Can be found in  : Fourth Domain, Eronian Highlands
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Helike, Dark Temptress
  Type of Monster  : Empusa
  Can be found in  : Hecatean Agora
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Hilaera Stonerunner
  Type of Monster  : Lamia
  Can be found in  : Soronis
  Attacks :-
     Flaming Arrow, Throw Flaming Boulder, Meteor Shower, Claw strikes
  Comments :-
     A powerful archer who can attack at range or up-close and personal.
     Hilaera Stonerunner is an Earth Mistress, but fortunately she does
     not have a huge amount of health.

Ironskin
  Type of Monster  : Hydradon Scorcher
  Can be found in  : Tsakonian Ruins
  Attacks :-
     Throw 4 Flaming Boulders, Breathe Flame, Single-Claw Strike, Bite
  Comments :-


Mehrdad Coralskin
  Type of Monster  : Ichthian
  Can be found in  : Jingyang Woods
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Minkah
  Type of Monster  : Nightstalker
  Can be found in  : Den of the Anteok
  Attacks :-
     Phantom Strike, Dual Wield, Earthquake-strike
  Comments :-
     A giant, red-faced Nightstalker, Minkah is a very quick and powerful
     character to do battle against, not in the least because he has the
     ability to use the Dream School's Phantom Strike power to GREAT effect
     during combat.  He is a master of both Dream and Warfare Schools,
     making him a Harbinger.

Nikias, Betrayer of Sparta
  Type of Monster  : Lost Soul
  Can be found in  : Ossuary of the Thesproti, Great Hall of Propontis
  Attacks :-
     EXTREMELY powerful Flurry of Knives, Ward of Crippling, Onslaught,
     Sword Strike
  Comments :-
     Since we know Nikias has the Flurry of Knives Power (which is by far
     his most deadly attack), we know he is a Level 32 Rogue.  He is also
     a Master of the Warfare School, making him an Assassin, which is in
     keeping with his name after all.  He is VERY slow to move, but do NOT
     underestimate his power, as he can fell even tough heroes at range with
     those knives of his.  Just keep him at a distance and wear him down.

Nosos
  Type of Monster  : Keres
  Can be found in  : Upper Daemon Camp
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Queen K'kiitr
  Type of Monster  : Pale Formicid
  Can be found in  : The River Styx
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Queen Ycht'ssk'l
  Type of Monster  : Formicid
  Can be found in  : Ampelian Caves
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Sentinel Nok-hai, Guardian of the Necklace
  Type of Monster  : Machae
  Can be found in  : Second Domain, Fourth Domain
  Attacks :-
     Triple Poison Arrow, Spirit Nova (Shoots blasts of Spirit Energy (or
     it COULD be poison, but I believe it is spirit) out in multiple
     directions).
  Comments :-
     Sentinel Nok-hai is like greased lightning.  His bow-and-arrow attacks
     are VERY quick, and the additional poison damage he does can have you
     on your knees in short order.  Take out his allies first, and duck and
     weave to avoid the mainstay of his attacks.  Once he is on his own,
     he is considerably easier to defeat.

Spinebreaker
  Type of Monster  : Pale Karkinos
  Can be found in  : Stygian Marsh
  Attacks :-
     Throw two sets of four flaming boulders (one far, one near), claw-snap
  Comments :-
     Spinebreaker is quite a quick, large, orange Pale Karkinos with blue
     eyes and a SERIOUS chip on his shoulder.  His primary attack is to
     hurl two sets of four flaming boulders at you in quick succession - the
     first set goes far, the second close.  For a time I thought he was able
     to summon a Pale Karkinos Sand Runner to aid him, but I think that was
     just a random wandering enemy that sauntered by as it only happened
     once.  He is NOT insanely difficult, and cannot go further than a
     certain distance from his starting position, so it should be quite
     reasonable to take him out.

Thane Kaorak
  Type of Monster  : Troglodyte
  Can be found in  : Cave of Whispers, Erebus
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Theophrastos the Plump
  Type of Monster  : Shadow Skeleton
  Can be found in  : Epirus
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Tisiphone the Avenger
  Type of Monster  : Fury
  Can be found in  : Erebus, Delian Meadows
  Attacks :-
     Claw-strike, Dream Projectile (straight line), Dream Nova (reasonable
     radius attack around Tisiphone)
  Comments :-
     Tisiphone is a Dream Master, but beyond that he is NOT that much more
     powerful than his kin - he does not seem to use the standard wall of
     sound attack that the Matriarchs use - instead he relies on his dream
     powers, which are considerable but not really sufficient for you to
     risk losing sleep over ;)

Tribal Shaman Schlilsh Toadskin
  Type of Monster  : Pale Anouran
  Can be found in  : Stygian Marsh
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Tribal Shaman Wood-Ear
  Type of Monster  : Anouran
  Can be found in  : Tsakonian Ruins
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-

Warrag Hammerfist
  Type of Monster  : Troglodyte
  Can be found in  : Cave of Whispers, Dread Halls
  Attacks :-

  Comments :-



==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   T W E L V E                                         CHAPTER 12
==============================================================================
S I D E   Q U E S T S
==============================================================================

Whilst we have gone through each of the side quests in the game as a part of
my main walkthrough, in an attempt to be helpful so that you don't have to go
trawling through the whole guide just to find what you're looking for, I have
made a brief summary of each one here, together with confirmation of what
rewards I got for completing each mission.

I hope you find them useful.

==============================================================================
I M P O R T A N T   N O T E   B E F O R E   W E   B E G I N . . .
==============================================================================

I have been contacted by Jokerfiend, who has suggested I point out to all
you lovely peeples out there that the rewards you receive (in terms of the
ITEMS you get) are not fixed - a couple of times he has found legendary items
on Epic Difficulty where I have not, so please keep this in mind when you
are adventuring.  Just because I found something plop, that isn't to say you
won't find something AMAZING ;)  Thanks Jokerfiend !!
==============================================================================

SIDE QUESTS

ACT ONE - GREECE
================

HELOS
  Monstrous Brigands
     Speak with Nicostratus in the Village of Helos, and then find and free
     his friend Tellis from the cave just off the main road leading out of
     Helos, where you will find him a prisoner of a gang of Satyr.
     - Normal    = Random Yellow Ring,   300 XP
     - Epic      = Random Yellow Ring, 25000 XP
     - Legendary = Random Yellow Ring, 55000 XP
  The Cornered Man
     Rescue Lycus, the cornered man, from his assailants in the log camp just
     off the roadside in the Laconia Woods.
     - Normal    =   300 XP,   1500 GP
     - Epic      = 27500 XP,  60000 GP
     - Legendary = 60000 XP, 600000 GP
  Medicines Waylaid
     Speak with Euphadimus on the main road leading to Tegea, and then clear
     the route leading to Tegea so that he may pass with the precious
     medicines he carries in his cart.
     - Normal    =   350 XP,   Lesser Health Potion x 3, Health and Energy
                   Restored
     - Epic      = 27500 XP, Superior Health Potion x 3, Health and Energy
                   Restored
     - Legendary = 60000 XP,   Divine Health Potion x 3, Health and Energy
                   Restored

SPARTA
  The Lost Dowry
     Retrieve Theages' daughter's dowry necklace from a group of monsters in
     the cave nearby ... the SWINE !!
     - Normal    = Random Essence,       400 XP
     - Epic      = Random Embodiment,  30000 XP
     - Legendary = Random Incarnation, 65000 XP
  The Ancient of War
     Find Hippias on his rock to the east of the Spartan War-Camp, and deliver
     news of his safety to Euthycles in the Spartan War-Camp.
     - Normal    =   2000 GP,   500 XP
     - Epic      =  70000 GP, 25000 XP
     - Legendary = 650000 GP, 60000 XP
  The Poisoned Spring
     Purge the Fetid Lair behind the Naiad to the west of Tegea, in order to
     restore the town's water supply to a consumable state.
     - Normal    =  +75 HP,  1500 XP, Health and Energy Restored
     - Epic      = +150 HP, 30000 XP, Health and Energy Restored
     - Legendary = +200 HP, 70000 XP, Health and Energy Restored

MEGARA
  Skeleton Raiders
     Kill the three Prince-brothers Polypas (Prince of the Blade), Aristeus
     (Prince of the Storm), and Menon (Prince of the Bow) at Old Eleusis, to
     liberate the City of Megara from their constant assaults.  Old Eleusis
     lies to the north of Megara.
     - Normal    =  2500 XP
     - Epic      = 35000 XP
     - Legendary = 75000 XP
  News of a Shipwreck
     At the south-western edge of the Halcyon Coast, the treasure cargo of a
     ship bound for Athens has washed ashore, and is RIPE for the taking ...
     - Normal    =  1000 XP
     - Epic      = 18000 XP
     - Legendary = 40000 XP

DELPHI
  A Proper Offering
     A long quest which you pick up from General Leonidas at the Spartan War-
     Camp, and which sees you travel all the way to the top of the Sacred
     Olive Grove high atop the Helicos Pass north-west of the Village of
     Ambrossos.
     - Normal    = +5% Permanent Lightning Resistance
     - Epic      = +7% Permanent Cold Resistance
     - Legendary = +5% Permanent Elemental Resistance
  A Master Blacksmith
     The Master Blacksmith Termerus has set up shop away from prying eyes
     at the bridge that leads to the Crisaeos Falls.  Find him, and take full
     advantage of his skills, as they may benefit you in the DARK times ahead.
     - Normal    =  1500 XP
     - Epic      = 20000 XP
     - Legendary = 55000 XP
  Goods Abandoned
     Asimides the Merchant has had to abandon his goods outside Ambrossos, as
     he foolishly set up his camp for the night right beside a Skeletal
     hidey-hole !!  Fortunately the dullard isn't concerned with who picks
     up his loot (it's to the south-west of the Olive Grove).
     - Normal    =  1000 XP
     - Epic      = 18000 XP
     - Legendary = 40000 XP
  The Good Centaur
     The Centaur Chiron stands in a field of wheat at the northern border of
     the Ambrossos Farmlands, SERIOUSLY unhappy about the theft of his bow
     by the Maenad Priestess Ino.  Ino has fled into the nearby cave, and
     should be taught a SERIOUS lesson in manners.
     - Normal    = 2 Attribute Points,  3000 XP
     - Epic      = 2 Attribute Points, 35000 XP
     - Legendary = 2 Attribute Points, 80000 XP
  The Grieving Widow
     Iodame mourns the loss of her husband as he fell defending Delphi from
     the first batch of its assailants, at the hands of Cepharis, Master of
     the Flame - a Boarman that lives in the Parnassus Caves, to the north-
     east of Delphi, up a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig hill.  The boarman is in the
     second (back) section of the cave, in the north-western corner.
     - Normal    =  3000 XP
     - Epic      = 35000 XP
     - Legendary = 85000 XP

ATHENS
  Spartans Lost
     Isarchus needs help in finding a set of Spartan Scouts that are late in
     delivering their report to the rest of the war party.  They are lost in
     the Athens Marsh.  Find them and then report back to Isarchus.
     - Normal    =  4000 XP
     - Epic      = 37500 XP
     - Legendary = 85000 XP
  Trapped in the Ruins
     Pausanias and his Spartan contingent have trapped a Giant Limos in a ruin
     and require some aid in despatching the beast to Hades.
     - Normal    =  3000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Weapon
     - Epic      = 35000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Weapon
     - Legendary = 85000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Weapon

KNOSSOS
  Xanthippus the Healer
     Xanthippus the Healer has been up in the hills above the Village of
     Herakleion since the Telkine passed through, and they villagers really
     need him to return so that he can tend to those of them that fell to a
     virulent plague fog that followed the Telkine as he passed through.
     Find Xanthippus in the hills on Tritons Ridge by heading due south-east
     of the rebirth fountain that marks the entrance to Tritons Ridge, and
     then recover his staff from the cave nearby.
     - Normal    = Greater Energy Potion x 5, Greater Health Potion x 5,
                   Health and Energy Restored,  5000 XP
     - Epic      = Superior Energy Potion x 5, Superior Energy Potion x 5,
                   Health and Energy Restored, 40000 XP
     - Legendary = Divine Energy Potion x 5, Divine Health Potion x 5,
                   Health and Energy Restored, 90000 XP
  The Undead Tyrant
     Leucus I was a tyrant who took the Throne of Knossos by power MANY many
     years ago.  His reign of tyranny came to an abrupt end when he was
     poisoned by one of his servants, and now it seems his souls has come
     back from the dead and taken up residence in some ancient ruins due
     north of Xanthippus (south-east and then north of the rebirth fountain
     that marks the entrance to Tritons Ridge).  Find him and DESTROY him to
     avoid history repeating itself ;)
     - Normal    =  6000 XP
     - Epic      = 40000 XP
     - Legendary = 95000 XP

ACT TWO - EGYPT
===============

RHAKOTIS
  The Family Heirloom
     Explore the City of Rhakotis to find a Jackalman Elite Berzerker with
     a glow around his feet.  Bring the Family Sword of Anherru which he
     drops when you slay him to Anherru, the warrior adjacent to the rebirth
     fountain in Rhakotis.
     - Normal    = Random Essence,      6000 XP
     - Epic      = Random Embodiment,  40000 XP
     - Legendary = Random Incarnation, 95000 XP

LOWER NILE
  The Beast of Legend
     Slay the Beast of Legend - an Ancient Scorpos - in a cave to the north-
     east of the Wadjet Canyon.
     - Normal    = 2 Skill Points,  7500 XP
     - Epic      = 2 Skill Points, 40000 XP
     - Legendary = 2 Skill Points, 95000 XP
  Plight of the Nile Farmers
     Kill all the Reptilian Warriors that are marching through the marshes
     to the south-east of the Village of Sais on their way to eat the kids
     and steal the livestock (or maybe the other way around !!) in the
     village proper.
     - Normal    =   8000 XP, Random Monster Charm
     - Epic      =  40000 XP, Random Monster Charm
     - Legendary = 100000 XP, Random Green Magic Ring
  A Promethean Surrounded
     In an encampment further to the north of the Old Kingdom Ruins, Inen
     of the Order of Prometheus is pinned down by enemies, and needs a bit
     of a helping hand.
     - Normal    =  7500 XP, Random Green Magic Necklace
     - Epic      = 38000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Amulet
     - Legendary = 95000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Charm

MEMPHIS
  Lowest of the Low
     The slums around Memphis have been taken over by Shadowstalker demons,
     and the poor inhabitants of this ramshackle area are too afraid to go
     back to their low-grade homes.  Purge their homes of this infestation
     that they may go back.
     - Normal    = Random Yellow Magic Ring,   8500 XP
     - Epic      = Random Yellow Magic Ring,  40000 XP
     - Legendary = Random Yellow Magic Ring, 100000 XP
  The Missing Brother
     Tathari in Memphis is searching for her brother Unas, who has gone off
     on some fool's errand to try and get their family's ancestral guardian
     to defend them against the hordes of the Telkine.  Find Unas in a crypt
     to the east of the Portal Shrine in Giza, and put an end to his FOOLISH
     plan.
     - Normal    =  10000 XP, Random Green Magic Ring
     - Epic      =  42000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Ring
     - Legendary = 100000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Ring
  The High Priest's Request
     Zazamankh is afraid that the people are losing their faith in the ruling
     classes ability to lead them in these times of turmoil and, to that end,
     he wants you to find and bring him the Staff of Khufu from the Tomb of
     Khufu, as a gesture of their ongoing power and stability in these dark
     times.
     - Normal    = Random Essence,       9000 XP
     - Epic      = Random Embodiment,   42000 XP
     - Legendary = Random Incarnation, 100000 XP

GIZA
  Khufu's Curse
     Slay Sadiki, Champion of Anubis in the Tomb of Khufu before he and his
     minions can defile the Sarcophagus of the Pharaoh.
     - Normal    =  12500 XP
     - Epic      =  50000 XP
     - Legendary = 125000 XP

FAYUM OASIS
  A Hidden Treasure
     Find the treasure of which Asri spoke, in the tomb to the north-west of
     where you fight Iznu in the Caravan Woes quest (just outside the Fayum
     Oasis).
     - Normal    = 65000 XP
     - Epic      = 30000 XP
     - Legendary = 65000 XP
  Caravan Woes
     Just north-west of the Fayum Oasis is Iznu and his band of Dune Raider
     SCUMS.  They have been attacking caravans going to and from the Fayum
     Oasis, and it is having a devastating effect on trade in the area.
     They must be stopped ... the little sh!ts ...
     - Normal    =  12000 XP
     - Epic      =  45000 XP
     - Legendary = 100000 XP

THEBES
  The Corrupted Priest
     Neb-kemi, the Head Priest of the Order that resides in the City of
     Thebes in Egypt, lost BADLY in his battle with Aktaios, the Egyptian
     Telkine.  For his defiance, Aktaios turned Neb-kemi into a deformed
     undead monster, and his soul now needs to be laid to rest.  Look for
     Neb-kemi in the Meretseger Ridge.
     - Normal    = Random Green Magic Staff,  15000 XP
     - Epic      = Random Green Magic Staff,  50000 XP
     - Legendary = Random Green Magic Staff, 125000 XP

ACT THREE - THE ORIENT
======================

BABYLON
  The Seeds of Destruction
     Slay the Ichthian Invaders that have taken over Immeru's Farmlands, and
     he will be MOST grateful.
     - Normal    =  18000 XP
     - Epic      =  50000 XP
     - Legendary = 145000 XP

SILK ROAD
  Mystery in the Mountains
     Find Da-wa Phu-ti, son of Kilu Tem-ba in Shangshung Village, and make
     amends for his foolishly having lost the cache of weapons his Village
     might have been able to use to battle the monsters, by slaying three
     Sub-Bosses (Yurg Rattlebone, Tor Skullcrusher and Korat Bearkin), PLUS
     Barmanu, the Neanderthal High Warlord, by travelling through the cave
     to the north-west of Da-wa Phu-ti.
     - Normal    =  22000 XP
     - Epic      =  55000 XP
     - Legendary = 160000 XP
  A Gargantuan Yeti
     Find and slay the Gargantuan Yeti that is currently living in the
     Tsongmo Ice Caverns.
     - Normal    =  20000 XP
     - Epic      =  55000 XP
     - Legendary = 160000 XP
  Caravan in Trouble
     Defend Gong Li from the Rime Sprites that assail him, and he will be
     EXTREMELY happy.
     - Normal    = Random Green Magic Amulet,    18000 XP
     - Epic      = Random Yellow Magic Ring,     50000 XP
     - Legendary = Random Green Magic Talisman, 145000 XP

GREAT WALL
  The Child and the Raptor
     Save the daughter of Chang Er from being gobbled up by a powerful
     Raptor that has entered their village.
     - Normal    = Random Yellow Magic Amulet, 23000 XP
     - Epic      = Random Yellow Magic Amulet, 55000 XP
     - Legendary = Random Yellow Magic Seal,  170000 XP
  Peng Problems
     Clear all the Peng from the Great Wall of China, ESPECIALLY Xiao the
     Colossal Peng, as he is making a nuisance of himself.
     - Normal    =  23000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Weapon
     - Epic      =  55000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Weapon
     - Legendary = 175000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Weapon
  Stalker in the Woods
     Destroy Bloodfang, the Tropical Arachnos Warlord, where he lurks east
     and then south-west of the Village of Zhidan.
     - Normal    =  27000 XP
     - Epic      =  70000 XP
     - Legendary = 190000 XP
  A Lesson in Despair
     Find Yao Li, and speak repeatedly to him after slaying the monsters
     were just about to turn him to mincemeat, to get him to acknowledge
     that a pointless death would do little to help his loved ones.
     - Normal    =  25000 XP
     - Epic      =  60000 XP
     - Legendary = 180000 XP
  The Wealthy Collector
     Find the jade statuette that Lu Buwei in the Village of Zhidan is
     GAGGING to get his mitts on, in the cave to the east and south-east of
     the Village.
     - Normal    =  25000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Ring
     - Epic      =  55000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Ring
     - Legendary = 175000 XP, Random Purple Magic Ring

CHANG'AN
  The Emperor's Clay Soldiers
     Find and kill Bandari - the Terra Cotta Sorcerer - in the Chang'an
     Palace to the north-west of the main Chang'an Plaza, and then report
     back to Ma Feibai - Captain of the Chang'an Guard.
     - Normal    = Random Yellow Magic Talisman, 30000 XP
     - Epic      = 2 Attribute Points, Random Yellow Magic Pendant, 80000 XP
     - Legendary = 2 Attribute Points, Random Green Magic Talisman, 200000 XP
  Terra Cotta's At Large
     Find and wipe out all the clusters of Terra Cotta Warriors dotted about
     Chang'an to enable the City Guard to resume control over the City.
     - Normal    =  26000 XP, Random Blue Magic Weapon
     - Epic      =  60000 XP, Random Green Magic Weapon
     - Legendary = 180000 XP
  Behind the Waterfall
     Clear the cave adjacent to the waterfall to the west of Liu Xu's farm,
     so that he may once again pay his respects to his ancestors.
     - Normal    = Random Green Magic Talisman,  28000 XP
     - Epic      = Random Yellow Magic Pendant,  70000 XP
     - Legendary = Random Green Magic Talisman, 190000 XP
QIYUN
  A General in Repose
     Find the cave to the east-south-east of Rang Ju the Pensive General,
     and raid the contents of his Mahogany Chests to adorn yourself in
     some of his finery.
     - Normal    =  26000 XP
     - Epic      =  65000 XP
     - Legendary = 180000 XP
  The Hermit Mage
     Check out the now derelict home of the once present Taoist Mage to the
     east of the Qiyun Ascent.
     - Normal    =  28000 XP
     - Epic      =  70000 XP
     - Legendary = 190000 XP
  Three Sisters
     Save Ru Zhao from being slain by an entire encampment of Tigermen to
     the east of her sister Li Hua, who herself is located to the east of
     the Jade Palace.
     - Normal    =  30000 XP, Random Blue Magic Talisman
     - Epic      =  75000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Ring
     - Legendary = 200000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Talisman


ACT FOUR - HADES
================

RHODES
  An Impossible Task
     A very long side quest to save the life of a little boy, which sees you
     venturing as far as the Ixian Wood to speak with Procne - Acolyte of
     Medea's Grove, to find out that you need to obtain the Tome of the Liche
     Queen Kallixenia (who can be summoned from an altar in the Tsakonian
     Ruins).
     - Normal    =  35000 XP, Random Blue Arcane Formula (Shadow Veil)
     - Epic      =  80000 XP, Random Purple Arcane Formula (Crosier of Osiris)
     - Legendary = 220000 XP, Random Purple Arcane Formula (Sigil of Bast)
  A Crab Story
     Find and destroy the Gargantuan Karkinos in Damatria (you must travel
     from the Coastal Asomata through the Cave of Orthea to get there).
     This will enable the fishermen to once again ply their trade.
     - Normal    =  30000 XP, Random Essence
     - Epic      =  75000 XP, Random Embodiment
     - Legendary = 200000 XP, Random Incarnation
  The Torch-Lighter's Gauntlet
     Take the strapping lad from Abderus on the shoreline of the Coastal
     Asomata, and defend him in the Camirus Bluff as he re-lights the
     Torch that will signal to passing ships that it is safe to dock in
     Rhodes again.
     - Normal    =  30000 XP, Random Red Arcane Formula (Molten Orb)
     - Epic      =  75000 XP, Random Red Arcane Formula (Ebony Globe)
     - Legendary = 200000 XP, Random Red Arcane Formula (Maiden's Kiss)
  Outpost in the Woods
     Defend the Outpost in the Ixian Woods from Nightstalker attackers, and
     then find and slay their leader Surryln the Belligerent (an Anteok) in
     the Den of the Anteok just beside the waterfall to the east of the
     Outpost.
     - Normal    =  30000 XP, Random Green Magic Bracers
     - Epic      =  75000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Bracers
     - Legendary = 200000 XP, Random Green Magic Helmet

IXIAN WOODS
  The Stolen Sigil
     Travel into the Ampelian Caves and slay Queen Ycht'ssk'l, who has
     stolen the Sigil of the First Apoktisis from Semele in Medea's Grove.
     - Normal    = Random Green Magic Staff,  30000 XP
     - Epic      = Random Yellow Magic Staff, 75000 XP
     - Legendary = Random Green Magic Staff, 205000 XP
  Lampido's Potion
     Recover three ingredients - the Petal of a Nightshade Plant, a piece
     of Cybe Mushroom, and some Aestivus Tree Root, and bring them to Lampido
     in Medea's Grove for her to make you a potion of considerable power.
     - Normal    =  30000 XP,  +6 Str,  +80 HP
     - Epic      =  75000 XP,  +8 Str, +150 HP
     - Legendary = 205000 XP, +10 Str, +200 HP
  The Wealth of Ancient Kings
     Recover the Ancient Moon Key from Queen Alkiste in the Tomb of Tsakonian
     Queens, and the Ancient Sun Key from King Aegimius in the Great Tomb
     of Aegimius, and use them to move through the obstacles that await you
     in the Great Tomb of Dorus in the Tsakonian Ruins.
     - Normal    =  40000 XP
     - Epic      = 100000 XP
     - Legendary = 270000 XP
  The Treasure Hunters
     Find Nysa in the Great Tomb of Aegimius, and her brother Herodion in
     the Tsakonian Ruins.
     - Normal    =  25000 XP
     - Epic      =  60000 XP
     - Legendary = 175000 XP

EPIRUS
  Among the Ruins</pre><pre id="faqspan-16">
     Slay the monsters that have pinned down several groups of survivors in
     the City of Paseron, to enable them to make it back to Epirus, and the
     Refugee Camp there.
     - Normal    =  32000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Medallion
     - Epic      =  77000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Medallion
     - Legendary = 208000 XP, Random Yellow Jewel
  A Dangerous Mission
     Find Admetus - the young lad who had undertaken to venture back into
     the City of Paseron to obtain food and medicines that Pisistratus needs
     to tend to the wounded at the Refugee Camp of Epirus.
     - Normal    =  32000 XP,   65000 GP
     - Epic      =  77000 XP,  550000 GP
     - Legendary = 208000 XP, 1100000 GP
  The Enemy's Captain
     Destroy the Daemon Captain Proseia, who is leading the assault on the
     City of Paseron.  She is at the exit to the City of Paseron, on the far
     side.
     - Normal    = Random Yellow Magic Weapon,  32000 XP
     - Epic      = Random Yellow Magic Weapon,  77000 XP
     - Legendary = Random Yellow Magic Weapon, 208000 XP

STYX
  The Stygian Lurker
     Find and slay the Giant Stygian Hydradon Hero "Shade Feaster" in the
     Stygian Marshes - quite a way from the River Styx, and stop him from
     gobbling up poor little shades on the sly.
     - Normal    =  35000 XP, +4 Points to Str/Int/Dex
     - Epic      =  80000 XP, +6 Points to Str/Int/Dex
     - Legendary = 210000 XP, +8 Points to Str/Int/Dex
  One Who Would Lead
     Liberate Hipparchus from his imprisonment in the Monster Encampment to
     the south-east of the River Styx.  Beware Orok Skullcracker though, as
     he lies in ambush awaiting your arrival ;)
     - Normal    =  40000 XP, Random Essence
     - Epic      =  80000 XP, Random Embodiment
     - Legendary = 250000 XP, Random Incarnation

PLAINS OF JUDGMENT
  Hades' Treasury
     Find and despatch Thyia of the Stygian Frosts (in the Lower Daemon Camp),
     Canace the Serpent Queen (on the Fourth Domain of the Tower of Judgement),
     Metriche (in the Fields of the Diadochi), and the Night's Mistress (in
     the Polis Daemonai).  Retrieve the four stones they hold, and use them
     as keys to open the door to Hades' Treasure Vault, in the Upper City of
     Lost Souls (just south-west of the Portal Shrine there).
     - Normal    = 100000 XP
     - Epic      = 225000 XP
     - Legendary = 600000 XP
  The Dust of a Titan
     Find the Deep Caverns in the Far Plains, and descend to the second level
     to do battle with Krog the Toothless - the Guardian of the Urn which
     holds the ashes of the Titan that Zeus obliterated with his Thunderbolt.
     - Normal    = 2 Skill Points,  34000 XP
     - Epic      = 2 Skill Points,  78000 XP
     - Legendary = 2 Skill Points, 210000 XP
  Eurydice and Orpheus
     Recover the Mirror of Psyche from the Bloated One (a BIGASS Albino Spider)
     in the Cave of Whispers, which is north of the Troglodyte Jailers, who
     themselves are north-west of Kondor the Mighty.  Bring the Mirror to
     Eurydice, and she will direct you through a nearby mirror to find and
     rescue Orpheus from the clutches of two Cyclops'.
     - Normal    =  34000 XP, Scroll of Elemental Shielding x 3
     - Epic      =  78000 XP, Greater Scroll of the Crushing Vortex x 3
     - Legendary = 210000 XP, Divine Scroll of Magebane x 3
  An Invitation
     Find and destroy the three supply caravans in the Salt Flats, to hamper
     the Daemon offensive but BEWARE the Machae that lie in ambush, awaiting
     the destruction of the FIRST caravan ;)
     - Normal    =  25000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Medallion
     - Epic      =  50000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Weapon
     - Legendary = 140000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Ring
  The Necromanteion
     In Erebus you will find a path on the western wall just over halfway
     through which will lead you to the Necromanteion.  In the Necromanteion
     you should find and waporise the Bonescourge Soul-Feeder that is busy
     on the prowl for shades to nosh on.
     - Normal    =  34000 XP, Scroll of the Sky's Rage x 3
     - Epic      =  78000 XP, Greater Scroll of Elemental Shielding x 3
     - Legendary = 210000 XP, Divine Scroll of the Arrow Dancer x 3
  An Inside Source
     Callicrates in the Upper City of Lost Souls will direct you to Pylades,
     who stands just around the corner from him.  Pylades will tell you to go
     and visit Keuthonymos in the Lower Daemon Camp for your orders, and
     Keuthonymos will tell you that in order to complete this quest you must
     find and stop (i.e. kill) Envoy Kor-Lhrut who is en route to the
     Overworld with a message for Proseia (whom we have already slain, but
     nevermind that).  Envoy Kor-Lhrut is stalking around a monster camp in
     the Upper Daemon Camp.  Kill him and return to Keuthonymos for your
     reward.
     - Normal    =  34000 XP, Random Essence
     - Epic      =  78000 XP, Random Embodiment
     - Legendary = 210000 XP, Random Incarnation
  Admetus Among the Dead
     A long quest which starts with you finding Admetus (the lad who perished
     during his quest to the City of Paseron to bring supplies and medicines
     back to Pisistratus in Epirus), trapped in the Lower Daemon Camp.  It
     updates when you find him in the First Domain of the Tower of Judgment.
     From there you will bump into him in Elysium (after speaking with
     Agamemnon), and this will complete the quest.
     - Normal    =  34000 XP
     - Epic      =  78000 XP
     - Legendary = 210000 XP

ELYSIUM
  The Siege Striders
     Find and destroy the five VERY well signposted Siege Striders in
     Aneslasia.
     - Normal    =  35000 XP, Scroll of Frailty x 5
     - Epic      =  80000 XP, Greater Scroll of Frenzy x 5
     - Legendary = 215000 XP, Divine Scroll of the Crushing Vortex x 5
  Flight of the Messenger
     Safely escort Nestor's Messenger (an Elysian Archer) to Ajax in the
     Delian Meadows.
     - Normal   =   35000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Weapon
     - Epic      =  80000 XP, Random Green Magic Weapon
     - Legendary = 215000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Medallion
  The Achaean Pass
     Help Menelaus defend the Achaean Pass Camp, with the aid of a small group
     of Elysian Warriors that Idomeneus gives you (he's in Ajax' camp).
     - Normal    =  35000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Weapon
     - Epic      =  80000 XP, Random Green Magic Weapon
     - Legendary = 215000 XP, Random Yellow Magic Weapon
  A Noisy Diversion
     Guide the forces of Menestheus in the destruction of Blood Queen
     Leucothea - a Melinoe Heroine who is orchestrating the battle in the
     Argolis Battlefield.  This should enable Odysseus' Platoon to move into
     their position with minimum hassle.
     - Normal    =  35000 XP
     - Epic      =  80000 XP
     - Legendary = 215000 XP

PALACE OF HADES
  The Shards of Erebus
     Find and destroy the five Shards of Erebus - gemstones which enable
     Hades to retain control over his forces as they ascend to the world
     above.  With their destruction, he will lose his hold over them and
     they will be as lambs to the slaughter.
     - Normal    =  35000 XP, Completed Shard of Erebus (5/5)
     - Epic      =  80000 XP, Completed Shard of Erebus (5/5)
     - Legendary = 215000 XP, Completed Shard of Erebus (5/5)
  Hades' Generals
     In Hades' Palace, find and end the daemonic lives of his three new
     Generals - Dysnomion - General of Nightmares, Makaria - General of
     Wretched Death, and Trophonios - General of Darkness.
     - Normal    =  45000 XP, +5% Total Damage
     - Epic      =  90000 XP, +5% Total Damage
     - Legendary = 230000 XP, +5% Total Damage


==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   T H I R T E E N                                     CHAPTER 13
==============================================================================
T I P S   A N D   T R I C K S
==============================================================================

Ah yes, the Master Class.  What lesson would be complete without a few tips
and tricks to help you get through the more irritating aspects of the game ??

These are things that I have observed whilst playing, that I think may be of
some help to you :-

DIZZYING BOSSES
---------------
  When fighting bosses it is possible to almost dizzy them, as they can only
  venture a certain distance from their respective starting points, and when
  the player they are chasing strays beyond the upper-limit of their leash,
  so-to-speak ?  They turn around and head back towards their starting point.

  You can dizzy them by retreating from where you first start to draw the
  boss to you, to back outside their circle of movement and then, when they
  turn and start to head back to their starting point ?  Set foot back inside
  their circle of movement and they will turn and charge back toward you
  until they get to within striking distance of you.  If you set foot back
  OUTSIDE their sphere of movement, they will turn around and go back again.

  Simply rinse and repeat until they have fallen !!  It's biff, yes, but it
  WORKS !! ;0)

PERSONAL TELEPORTATION LIMITATIONS
----------------------------------
  Unlike certain other games *cough cough Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction
  *cough* *cough*, if you think you can rapidly get back to where you were
  before you died (which, let's face it, is GONNA happen) by creating a little
  portal to a town, and then using the portal shrine there to get home ?

  THINK AGAIN !!

  Unfortunately in Titan Quest, when YOU die ?  Any portal you have open is
  shut too.  Which sucks ... but just so's you know.

HIGHEST LEVEL
-------------
  Your character cannot level beyond level 75 in the game, so keep that in
  mind if you think you can just keep levelling-up and spending points like
  they are going outta fashion.  75 = God-like Power ;)

ENTICE BOSSES
-------------
  Fortunately whenever you are in a boss-fight, you generally do NOT have to
  run up to the boss and punch them in the face to start the fight.

  If you check your list of skills, you may well find you have something in
  there that can aid you in drawing a boss to you - like the Lightning (and
  Chain Lightning) skill from the Storm School, for example.

  The REASON for using skills like this to draw the boss to you rather than
  running up to THEM to start the fight, is because ordinarily boss fights
  take place in ROOMS, and when you ENTER a room that a boss fight is going
  to take place in ?  The door shuts behind you, locking you in.  This means
  that you are immediately restrained insofar as the amount of space you have
  to manoeuvre in is concerned.  Drawing the boss OUTSIDE the rooms
  immediately places THEM at a disadvantage, and can help swing the tide of
  battle in your favour.

REGENERATION SHRINES
--------------------
  Regeneration Shrines are, in my opinion, one of THE most useful shrines in
  the entire game.  Since they offer you approximately 45 seconds of health
  AND ENERGY regeneration, if you see a horde of monsters and a regeneration
  shrine buried somewhere in the thick of them, you can quite often survive
  the battle (especially on the lower difficulty settings) by standing within
  the effect radius of the regeneration shrine and battling your enemies from
  there.

CANNOT CARRY ANY MORE
---------------------
  If you cannot carry any more items, and want to try and squeeze that extra
  one into your inventory before heading to the nearest town or merchant to
  sell them all off, you can use the auto-sort buttons atop each of your
  inventory bags or your main inventory to ... wait for iiiiiiit ... yes
  that's right !!  TO AUTOMATICALLY SORT YOUR INVENTORY TO MAXIMISE ITS
  SPACE !!  This is only available in Immortal Throne, but I do encourage
  you to use it.  ALSO, don't forget you have TWO weapon sets available to
  you, so you might be able to fit, say, a shield onto your free arm on your
  second weapon set if you've not considered that ?

DISBANDING PETS
---------------
  If you find that your pet is becoming a liability (as they do sometimes),
  then you can always right-click on its portrait and select the "disband pet"
  option, which will remove them from play.  If you want me to give you an
  example of WHEN a pet might become a liability ?  A pet on aggressive mode
  will seek out and attack enemies in the distance if it feels able to, and
  this means those enemies will become aware of YOUR presence, which can be
  a real pain in the butt if you are trying to heal up or prepare spells or
  equip a new weapon or what have you ... hence, disbanding the pet ;)

OPERATION: HUMAN SHIELD
-----------------------
  There are times in the game when you have the luxury of backing up a set,
  or sets, of warriors who go on ahead of you to do battle.  Examples are
  the Spartans -v- Polyphemus, and the Armies of Elysium -v- the forces
  of Hades.  In SOME of these instances you will find the warriors that you
  are either backing up, or coming to the aid of, are really quite tough -
  tougher than you even !  So make full use of the fact that (for a change)
  it isn't JUST you that the monsters are attacking, and you will find that
  you can win these battles a little easier ;)

RE-MAPPING KEYS
---------------
  By default in Immortal Throne there is no key to switch between your first
  and second set of skills.  W will change your weapons from set 1 to set 2,
  but as I say by DEFAULT there isn't one to change from skill set 1 to skill
  set 2.  I suggest you map the "`" key (the one underneath the escape key
  on your keyboard), as this will enable you to rapidly switch between the
  two sets of skills.

  Whilst we are on the subject, I would suggest making keys 1 and 2 on your
  second set of skills the health and energy restore potions, as that way
  you can use ` to switch from primary to secondary, 1 (for say health) to
  heal up during combat, and then ` to switch back to your skills.

  That's what I do at any road.

SKIRMISHING FOR DUMMIES
-----------------------
  If, like me, you have opted to play as either an archer or mage-style
  character (i.e. somebody that attacks best at RANGE), then you will no
  doubt get used to the skirmishing attack very, very quickly.  For those
  of you that do not know how to skirmish shame on you - it's very simple -
  you just shoot, fall back, shoot, fall back, shoot, fall back and keep on
  doing so until your enemy falls.

  However, common sense dictates that you should NEVER skirmish and fall back
  into an area you have not yet explored, as this is a sure-fire recipe for
  disaster as you will wind up having MORE monsters on your tail than LESS.

  Therefore only EVER fall back into areas that you have already explored ;)

SPROUTING FOUNTAINS
-------------------
  Fountains will actually not just recharge over time (some of them will),
  but actually pop up on the compass without warning !  This seems to happen
  more often on the higher difficulties - perhaps as a way of trying to
  balance the game out a little bit, but it can really prove advantageous
  in certain situations - just pot luck really ;)

WATCH THE BIRDIE
----------------
  ALWAYS keen at least a cursory eye on your compass.  It will alert you to
  the presence of the most important (and powerful) monsters, lairs and other
  bits and bobs usually WELL in advance of your bumping into them, and can
  seriously reduce the likelihood of your getting lost.  It is even more
  useful than your map !!

DUPING ITEMS
------------
  Again, thanks to Michael Kier for this one !
  This is apparently very tricky to get to come off, but this is how to do
  it (and bear in mind this works with any item except the Overlord Key).  I
  am going to quote Michael verbatim as, again, I've not been able to get this
  to work but I think it's worth sharing with you in case you can :-

     1) If I have a sword that you want a copy of I open the trade window,
        put the sword in and click on the trade tab.
     2) I then type the number 1 and press enter in the chat window, then I
        press 2, and when I type 3 I immediately close the chat window and
        click on cancel in the trade window.
     3) When you see the number 3 you immediately click on the trade button
        in your trade window.  If we both clicked on the buttons at the same
        time we will both have the item.

ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF DUPING ITEMS
----------------------------------

  I have been contacted by Viro Melchior with an alternative suggestion for
  item duping, which works whether you are playing alone, or with somebody
  else.  Here we go :-

  IF YOU ARE ALONE

  Put any/all items you want duplicated onto a single character.  Go to
  My Documents/Documents/My Games/Titan Quest/SaveData/ and copy the
  character (after saving).  Put the copy in any directory of your choice.
  For example I'll use c:\charcopy\.  Start the game, put the items in the
  caravan, and then pick them up with a different character.  Close the game,
  copy the "extra" copy of the character (out of C:\charchopy\) back into
  the /SaveData/ folder.  Start the game, and he'll have the items, as well
  as your other character.

  IF YOU ARE PLAYING WITH SOMEBODY ELSE

  Instead of using the caravan, just join their multiplayer game, drop the
  items, close out, and do the copy over as above.

CHANCE-ON-HIT ATTACKS ADDING CHARGES TO CHARGE-UP ATTACKS ??
------------------------------------------------------------
  Thomas Graham has been in touch with the following comment :-
  "It seems that whenever skills like the shield attacks and dual wield
  attacks activate (The chance-on-hit ones) they seem to add an extra charge
  when it comes to skills like Calculated Strike and Psionic Touch. Just
  something I noticed. It makes sense really, since you're attacking with
  two weapons, or your shield and weapon. Doesn't work for things like
  Batter, War Wind and such of course as they're activated skills."

THE OVERLORD KEY
----------------
  I am reliably informed that when you kill Hades there is a chance that he
  will drop an item called the Overlord Key.  It doesn't happen every time,
  but apparently it does happen (I've just never had it happen to me), and
  that key unlocks the gate on the Coastal Asomata - the one leading north
  BEFORE the one that leads ultimately to Medea's Grove ?  The one that's
  locked by a guardian ;)

  Apparently once through the gate you will face MANY enemies, including a
  large eyeball which has the power to regenerate its fallen comrades.

  I have heard from Redvirus who confirms that, in his experience, the
  Overlord key has only ever been dropped on Normal Difficulty ... although
  there seems to be the possibility of also getting it on Epic and Legendary
  as this has later been confirmed by Phayreon.

  I had originally said that I would be very interested in hearing from
  anybody that got it to work, and I did !!  Andrew has made contact with
  me to confirm Michael's understanding is correct AND (very very kindly) to
  provide me with a mini-faq which I can tack onto my guide, detailing what
  you can expect to find in this new area !!

  So ... without further ado, here is Andrew's mini-faq as to the contents
  of the Secret Passage ...

  Phayreon (who has added further insight into the Secret Passage)'s comments
  follow after ...

=======================================================================
 T H E   S E C R E T   P A S S A G E   -   F A Q   B Y   A N D R E W
=======================================================================

(The following below has only been documented to normal difficulty)

Things to note before entering this area:
1) You need the overlord key (a quest item) rare drop from Hades.
2) Monsters here are all mini-bosses/bosses, so be prepared.
3) At normal difficulty, they are all level 40. (which is around where you
  should be after you beat normal difficulty in Immortal Throne)
4) Monsters here do drop items, but they immediately disappear. Hence, no
  item drops.
5) You must kill every enemy in the prison cages in order to open the
  Majestic Chest at the end.
6) Enemies here take the name of creators/developers of the game. The
  background music is the same music being played at the ending when the
  credits are rolling.

WalkThrough:
The entrance to this area is at in Coastal Asomata. To the left of the passage
that leads you to Ixian Woods.
Head there with the overlord key item in your inventory and the gate will
automatically open. Run through some narrow cliffs and enter the "Secret
Passage".  You will encounter a lvl 1 eyeball monster named ~V~. Don't let his
level fool you! He is invincible! You can try to kill him, but good luck. (I
think I stood there for 3 minutes hacking away and he just keeps coming back.)

(These 2 enemies are optional. You can run past them if they are too hard.)
After you run past him down the stairs you will encounter your first enemy, a
turtle beast named Dave. Take him down and the gate opens. Proceed down the
stairs and keep walking. You will encounter a bat named Parnell. Watch out for
his cyclop like attack as it might kill you in one hit. (I was a lvl 53 champion
and it took 3-4k life off of me). Walk some more then up a flight of stairs and
you will find a beastman centaur archer named Dave. Take him out. He usually
casts study prey on you so wait for that to wear out before moving forward. Open
the
ornate door.

After some descending steps you will come across 4 prison cages similar to the
ones found in Hades Palace. The left cage will have an antler dude (beastman)
named Ben and a (demon) named Scott. Ben has an attack that slows you down. The
right cage will have Frazier (demon), 3 small flame dudes all named Shawn, a
centaur (beastman) named Arthur, and a skeleton named Nate. Try to lure them out
one by one to prevent them from attacking you all at once. After Arthur dies, he
spawns into Toxeus the Murderer (skeleton) where he is a bit deadlier so be
careful. In addition, Cory (a device) with relatively strong ranged fire attacks
will be patrolling so take heed not to draw his aggression. Nate the skeleton
has a ton of life, but he's a pushover that won't even retaliate when you are
hitting him.

Walk further down. The 3rd cage on the left is empty. The last cage will contain
Josh (jackal), a patch of grass (plant) named Tom, and Morgan, a mini 3 headed
hydra (magical). After taking them out, proceed to the final boss Chooch
(undead) guarding the majestic chest. This majestic chest seem to have the
highest probability of good items compared to all other majestic chests/
essences in the game. In normal difficulty, I usually get at least one blue
item drop and/or partial relics. More to add for epic/legendary difficulties.

Credits:
Thanks to Mister Sinister for his wonderful FAQ.
Thanks to Michael Kier for contributing about the overlord key.

========================================================
Thanks Andrew for that very comprehensive mini-faq !! :)
========================================================

As I mentioned above, I have also been contacted by Phayreon, who has the
following comments on the secret passage :-

"I wanted to share my experience with The Overlord key item (the little
turtle) and the secret passage section.  I've now run the entire game up to
Rhodes in Act 4 on legendary, and have run the Secret Passage on all 3
difficulties (all solo, mind you).  The Overlord item originally dropped on
normal difficulty for me, so I of course ran back to the gate to use it.
Subsequently, in Epic and Legendary, the first things I did as soon as I
reached Act 4 in each difficulty I ran the secret passage to see if it
changes or got any harder. My findings with the passage are as such:

"*All tests were run with a level Harbinger class (Warfare/Dream) with dual
wield, onslaught, phantom strike, trance of convalescence, war wind, and
battle standard being the skills typically used.

"Legendary difficulty tested as a level 59 Harbinger, so not max level yet.*

"Firstly, The Overlord item does NOT only drop in normal, I've personally had
it drop in both normal and epic difficulties, and have yet to test legendary.
Boss levels inside the passage are static, based on difficulty: 41 in normal,
61 in epic, and 78 in legendary(or around there).  The behaviour of each
seems to vary slightly, but that may also be simply a time based factor, as
they live MUCH MUCH longer in legendary.

"In normal, each boss typically sticks to straight-up melee, using special
abilities rarely.  In epic, this changes slightly with a couple of the
bosses: the Anteok boss uses his rejuvination more often and his stun wave
more often; at range the hydra boss will use breath attacks, fire cold and
poison; Tyreus the murderer (I think his name is, he spawns after Arthur the
satyr is killed) uses a full range of dream skills, including phantom strike,
distortion wave, and distort reality.  In legendary, each boss' strength is
SIGNIFICANTLY ramped up, including their health and damage, and one boss
takes a major turn in attitude: Nate, the long-living but seemingly passive
boss, suddenly decides that, after around a solid minute of beating on him,
he should fight back, and each hit seems to deal right around 4000 damage.
He doesn't attack quickly, but fast enough to where just spamming potions is
often not enough to keep you alive (or me I should say).  Otherwise it's just
a difficulty hike: each boss hits harder, lives longer, and is just generally
harder to kill.

"Now, the loot.  Yes, the treasure chest at the end has great drop rates, but
there are a few things that are typically very consistent.  Firstly, though
the chest does drop blue(epic) items, most of the blue items it drops are
part of what I call the "joke sets," which is a santa suit, a sherlocke
holmes suit, a pair of cowboy boots with hat, and a pirate suit.  The santa
suit has 6 pieces, sherlocke has 5, the cowboy boots and hat are a 2 piece
(obviously...), and the pirate suit is a 3-piece set.  Each is level 35 with
no strength/dex/int requirements, and have great stats, but your character
will never look less epic, trust me.  In both epic and legendary, the chest
has a better-than-average chance for legendary gear, working at around the
same monster level loot basis as the bosses around it (with ramped up magic%
drop chance), however most epics and legendaries that drop seem to be between
35 and 50, with the latter being very rare indeed.

"Quick Note: Though the chest does have some great potential loot, in my
experience, you *will* have better luck running Hades himself in the same
difficulty you're running the treasure chest, unless you really want those
joke sets (GREAT twink items to gain some levels though).  It may be a
GINORMOUS box of loot, but it's still a box, and not an end boss.  That being
said, you may prefer the treasure chest run to Typhon, as a lot of Typhon
running involves dodging instant kill moves and attempting to wade through
20-25 minotaurs and ~10 cyclopes.

"In my experience, pretty much every boss but Tyreus and Nate(in legendary)
are laughably easy, and a very straightforward "I'm gonna hack'n'slash your
face" approach works well.  Tyreus hits WAY too hard to usually be able to do
this, and you may need to employ some hit and run tactics to take him down.
Be careful, as his distortion wave and distort reality moves stack a hefty
electrical burn DoT which has every chance to kill you even after you've
killed him.  Nate, once he finally decides to hit you, will also probably
require some hit-and-run tactics, but it's still nothing terrible.

"That should really cover it I think.  Overall a fun and typically rewarding
alternative to boss running, but in my experience, you will still have better
overall luck with a real boss, and not a box.  However, the metal remix of
the TQ song is very entertaining. =D"

Thanks Phayreon !! :)

So between the very helpful souls that have contributed that section of my
guide (as I STILL can't get it to work for me, so I'm going to go off in a
big old grump), you should be able to not only find your way around, but also
pick up some really handy hints to beat the bosses DOOOOOOOOOOOWN =)

==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   F O U R T E E N                                     CHAPTER 14
==============================================================================
P L A Y I N G   O N   E P I C   A N D / O R   L E G E N D A R Y
==============================================================================

As you would expect, the game on its higher difficulty settings is NOT just
a simple repeat of the normal game.  OH no.  The designers have thrown in a
fair few little odd's and sod's to keep you on your toes, the most noteable
of which are as follows :-

ON EPIC DIFFICULTY
==================

  - Essences are replaced with Embodiments, and give greater bonuses;
  - Monster Charms are replaced with Epic Monster Charms, and give greater
    bonuses


ON BOTH EPIC AND LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
=====================================

  - Monsters are OBVIOUSLY considerably stronger and harder to kill;
  - In Knossos Palace, the entrance to the Court of King Minos is defended by
    an EXTREMELY powerful character called "Talos".  Talos is a heauuuuuuuuuge
    gigantic massively powerful automaton, who can be heard quite a way off
    in the distance by the squeaking noise he makes ... poor lad needs oil !!
    His powers include the obvious swipes you would expect from a creature of
    his size, plus the ability to create a flamethrower-like blast of fire
    that does (shock, horror) burn damage in addition to the damage you will
    sustain from standing in its path.
  - In the Sandswept Cave (on the lowest level), you can do battle with the
    FEARSOME Manticore - a beast with the body of a lion, wings of a dragon,
    head of a human male, and tail replete with spikes.  The Manticore will
    have you for breakfast REPEATEDLY, trust me, but the satisfaction you get
    from slaying him DOES have a certain appeal.  He is VERY very quick, as
    he can fly to wherever you are.  He can attack by striking you with his
    tail, biting you with his maw of justice, pouncing on you like a cat
    with his two front paws, throwing spiked barbs at you from his tail, or
    using lightning breath on you.  BE FOREWARNED he is VERY very very very
    V-E-R-Y powerful.
  - You will find both blue and purple items on both Epic and Legendary
    difficulties, such as the following (random and rather WEIRD item, which
    the stats on which have been contributed to me by Robin Kjellberg) :-

         "The Imperator"

         134-139 damage
         10% Piercing
         Speed:Fast

         8% Attack damage converted to health
         +8% Strength
         +8% Dexterity
         480 HP
         +2.0 HP Regeneration per second
         +50% HP Regeneration
         +15% Attack speed

         Grant Skill: Song of the Carrot
         'Cries of impending doom possess enemies with terror'
         (Activated on low health)

         75 Energy cost
         12m radius
         2.0 - 4.0 sec of fear
         30% Slower movment for 4.0 sec.


ON LEGENDARY DIFFICULTY
=======================

  - Embodiments are replaced with Incarnations, and give greater bonuses;
  - Epic Monster Charms are replaced with Legendary Monster Charms, and
    give greater bonuses
  - In the Athens Marsh (on the eastern side) lurks the Lernean Hydra, who
    has made its nest there.  A seven-headed Hydra is never a walk in the
    park, and you're about to find out why.  Armed with fire, frost and poison
    breath attacks not to mention a whole HOST of biting attacks, you may
    rest assured you are in for a SERIOUS fight when you reach it.


==============================================================================
C H A P T E R   F I F T E E N                                       CHAPTER 15
==============================================================================
A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S
==============================================================================

Thanks to Michael Kier for pointing out the existance of the Lernean Hydra,
the Shrine of Zhong Kui, and the Dragon Liche to me, and also for his hints
and tips contributions.

Thanks also to Jokerfiend to pointing out that the items you receive as
quest rewards ARE random, and it wasn't just me having crappy crap luck !!

Thanks go to Andrew for very kindly not only validating Michael's information
about the Secret Passage, but also composing his mini-faq on the same area !!

Cheers to Viro Melchior for contributing not only an alternative dupe method
that suits both single- and multi-player modes, but also for his critique and
suggestions on some of the skills.  Much obliged :)

Thanks to Thomas Graham for his input into the Conqueror Character Class, his
comments on the Defence School, and his hint about chance-on-hit and charge-up
attacks.

Many, MANY thanks to DaDennis for having contributed MASSIVELY to my section
on Arcane Formulae (he provided the information for the Chaos Cube, Cinderbolt,
the Crystal Tear, Pale Moon and the Shroud of Eternal Night, together with
confirming which Arcane Formulae you should be able to pick up on which
difficulty settings - he ROCKS !! :)

Thanks also to Matt Richardson for helping to further flesh-out my guide, and
fill in yet more of the blanks (being the Lionheart, Wraithguard, Spirit
Blight, Emerald Quill, Amber Flask, Raven's Shadow, Tongue of Flame, Hand of
Gaia and Poseidon's Net).  Cheers mate !! =D

Thanks to Azkadellia for confirming the Shroud of Eternal Night as well.

Thanks to Don Korrecta (aka draktrax) for his input into a possible way of
getting Charon's Wall of Water to fall.

Cheers to Robin Kjellberg for bringing me details of the Carrotsword (the
Imperator) =).

Many thanks to Athena for providing insight into the Dragonians' Melee Iron-
Maiden Curse Ripoff Attack *spits on the Dragonians* :)

Thanks to Redvirus for his insight into the difficulties on which the Overlord
key appears to be dropped.

Big thanks to Phayreon for his insight and comments into the Secret Passage
as well !

Thanks to Gintare for confirming that Shades, as well as Sandwraiths, drop
Spectral Matter.

Thanks to John Jackson for his insight into the Master Mind Skill of the Dream
School.

Thanks to Dragon Peter for his insight into defeating Megalesios as well !! =)

As I mentioned right at the start of this guide, I have chosen to dedicate it
as a piece of work to my wonderful partner Shelfy, without whom I would be a
considerably lesser man.  Baby you mean the world to me, and I love you xxxxx

==============================================================================
                                              Copyright Mister Sinister, 2007
==============================================================================