Taylor’s Comments (group member since Jun 13, 2016)

Taylor’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Attack Sewer Rat

The bane of all young heroes, the iconic sewer rat. Biting at ankles, he makes his presence known one nip and nibble at a time. Maximum hero level of 7. Sewer rats will flee from any hero level 8 and higher.

Sir Taylor: Level 5, 6/18 HP, Level 0 Sword (0 AP), Level 2 Magic (4 AP), +3 AP (Damage Potion; expires 28 Jul 16)
Sewer Rat: 5 HP, 3 AP | Reward: 1 XP

Sir Taylor attacks Sewer Rat with Magic Staff for 7 AP. Sewer Rat dies!

+1 XP

Last killed 22 Jul 16, available again 29 Jul 16.

Discussion Questions
Prologue - Chapter 5

1. What do you think of the writing style? Does it help define the setting? Do you find it cumbersome?

I'm enjoying all the new words I'm learning and having to look up! But I think I'd prefer it more if Cho had stuck with applying the archaic language to the dialogue, and not extended it to the narration, too. I'm getting more used to it as I get further in, but I do find it a little contrived and over-the-top.

2. I was not expecting the reveal of Sir Stephen's ghost! What do you think happened the night he died? Is he Zacharias' familiar?

Oh, I hadn't thought of that possibility! I'm really not sure, but Henrietta Stapleton mentions the possibility that Leofric may have returned to Fairy, so I'm sure we'll solve some of the mystery once Zacharias goes to Fobdown Perlieu! Maybe Leofric betrayed Sir Stephen?

3. Did Zacharias make the right choice in refusing to help the sultan? What are your impressions of Mak Genggang?

Definitely! I think that any leader needs to maintain his position when it comes to doing what is the greatest good, and preventing the war from escalating severely is, to me, clearly the greatest good. I don't think Zacharias would be very likable as a character if he succumbed to threats so easily.

I'm really not sure what to make of Mak Genggang. Zacharias mentions that she is very powerful to have communicated through his crystal ball so easily from such a great distance, but she seems a bit silly so far! I think that the witches of Janda Baik might be leading a political resistance against the oppression female magic-users are experiencing, and that the English government knows of this and will benefit from helping to squelch it for whatever reason.

4. Racism and sexism will likely play a major role in the book's theme. Do you find it difficult to experience the ways Zacharias and the witches are treated?

I've never felt oppressed as a woman, only objectified, and definitely not on the society-wide scale that the witches in Sorcerer to the Crown experience. I'm a quarter black, and my family members, on the other hand, have experienced a great deal of oppression due to the pigment of their skin. Several of them were advised not to attempt to get into college or pursue their interests because of it (and all proved those "helpful" people wrong by becoming very successful in their chosen fields), so I can definitely see things from Prunella's point of view, and as others have said, Cho does a really excellent job of describing the consequences of such deeply-ingrained racism and sexism. The level to which Zacharias has learned to just ignore and accept it makes me sad. :( Hopefully some of that prejudice will be overcome by the end of the book!

5. What do you make of the declining magical resources in England? Why do the witches seem to have an abundance?

I'm not really sure what to make of it! Since England's magic originates in Fairy, and Zacharias mentions that fairies love to involve themselves in magical disputes, I'm wondering if the fairies have something to do with it. Perhaps they see that it isn't being directed towards the right purposes and that magical men and women are at odds with one another over it, and are deciding how it is distributed. It's also interesting that, as far as Zacharias knows, France isn't suffering from the same difficulty, so it may only be England that is experiencing the shortage of magic -- maybe because of something the English government is secretly up to? I'm curious to find out.

Attack Greater Sewer Rat

The larger, stupider cousin of the average Sewer Rat. These rats are bigger, smellier and have beadier eyes.

Sir Taylor: Level 5, 12/18 HP, Level 0 Sword (0 AP), Level 2 Magic (4 AP), +3 AP (Damage Potion; expires 28 Jul 16)
Sewer Rat: 20 HP, 8 AP | Reward: 2 XP and 1 rat tail

Sir Taylor attacks the Sewer Rat with Magic Staff for 7 AP. Sewer Rat loses 7 HP, 13 HP remaining.

Sewer Rat attacks Sir Taylor for 8 AP. Sir Taylor loses 8 HP, 4 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor consumes Minor Heal Potion. Sir Taylor gains 5 HP, 9 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks Greater Sewer Rat with Magic Staff for 7 AP. Sewer Rat loses 7 HP, 6 HP remaining.

Sewer Rat attacks Sir Taylor for 3 AP. Sir Taylor loses 3 HP, 6 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks Greater Sewer Rat with Magic Staff for 7 AP. Sewer Rat dies!

-1 minor heal potion
+2 XP
+1 rat tail

Last killed 21 Jul 16, available again 28 Jul 16.

Attack Brown Bat

The brown bats are much prettier than the black bats because of their grace, stamina and ability to make a lovely bat leather hat.

Sir Taylor: Level 5, 18/18 HP, Level 0 Sword (0 AP), Level 2 Magic (4 AP), +3 AP (Damage Potion; lasts until 28 Jul 16)
Brown Bat: 15 HP, 3 AP | Reward: 1 XP and 1 bat wing

Sir Taylor attacks the Brown Bat with Magic Staff for 7 AP. Brown Bat loses 7 HP, 8 HP remaining.

Brown Bat attacks Sir Taylor for 3 AP. Sir Taylor loses 3 HP, 15 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks Brown Bat with Magic Staff for 7 AP. Brown Bat loses 7 HP, 1 HP remaining.

Brown Bat attacks Sir Taylor for 3 AP. Sir Taylor loses 3 HP, 12 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks Brown Bat with Magic Staff for 7 AP. Brown Bat dies!

+1 XP
+1 bat wing

Last killed 21 Jul 16, available again 28 Jul 16.

Level Up!

Sir Taylor is now Level 5 and gains 2 HP for a total of 18 HP.

40 XP needed for Level 6.

Attack Rock (4/10)

Many people might mock you for attempting to subdue the mighty rock. It's lasted for millions of years, who are you to try to best this foul beast? But you are not cowed by this formidable task. You will persevere!

Sir Taylor: Level 4, 1/16 HP, Level 0 Sword (0 AP), Level 2 Magic (4 AP)
Rock: 20 HP, 7 AP | Reward: 10 XP, 3 gold, 1 pebble

Sir Taylor consumes Major Heal Potion. Sir Taylor gains 15 HP, 16 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor consumes Damage Potion. Sir Taylor gains 3 AP.

Sir Taylor attacks Rock with Magic Staff for 7 AP. Rock loses 7 HP, 13 HP remaining.

Rock attacks Sir Taylor for 7 AP. Sir Taylor loses 7 HP, 9 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks Rock with Magic Staff for 7 AP. Rock loses 7 HP, 6 HP remaining.

Rock attacks Sir Taylor for 7 AP. Sir Taylor loses 7 HP, 2 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks Rock with Magic Staff for 7 AP. Rock "dies"!

-1 major heal potion
-1 damage potion
+10 XP
+3 gold
+1 pebble

❀Tea❀ wrote: "Taylor wrote: "*Hands over two Potion Tokens.* May I please get two Major Heal Potions for these?"

*takes tokens and bites them. checks them under microscope. tries to scratch them with knife. pou..."

*Glances at the leaking water pipe and frowns.*

I'm not going to find out in the middle of a sortie with a goblin when my health is dwindling and I desperately need a health potion that you were just messing with the new recruit, am I?

*Hands over two Potion Tokens.* May I please get two Major Heal Potions for these?

*After tapping her lip thoughtfully for a moment, she pulls out two more Potion Tokens.* Actually, throw in a Duplication Potion and a Damage Potion, too, please!

Quest Completed - More Berries

Berry pies just don't taste very good after the first year. The innkeeper has asked you to help pick some more berries for her famous triple berry pie. You gladly agree in hopes of reaping some berry good rewards.

Spell out one of the following words with title, author, series, main character rules: YUM, BLUE, RASP, or STRAW. +1 Exp per letter, +2 Exp for completing a word (Max 1 word)

Also receive a 10 Hp instant heal upon completing the quest since berry pie has a restorative effect.

~~~

R - The Tiger's Daughter by K. Arsenault Rivera
A - The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh by Walt Disney Company
S - Savage Kingdom: The True Story of Jamestown, 1607, and the Settlement of America by Benjamin Woolley
P - Persuasion by Jane Austen

+10 HP
+ 6 XP

Attack Rock (3/10)

Many people might mock you for attempting to subdue the mighty rock. It's lasted for millions of years, who are you to try to best this foul beast? But you are not cowed by this formidable task. You will persevere!

Sir Taylor: Level 4, 16 HP, Level 0 Sword (0 AP), Level 2 Magic (4 AP)
Rock: 15 HP, 5 AP | Reward: 10 XP, 3 gold, 1 pebble

Sir Taylor attacks Rock with Magic Staff for 4 AP. Rock loses 4 HP, 11 HP remaining.

Rock attacks Sir Taylor for 5 AP. Sir Taylor loses 5 HP, 11 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks Rock with Magic Staff for 4 AP. Rock loses 4 HP, 7 HP remaining.

Rock attacks Sir Taylor for 5 AP. Sir Taylor loses 5 HP, 6 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks Rock with Magic Staff for 4 AP. Rock loses 4 HP, 3 HP remaining.

Rock attacks Sir Taylor for 5 AP. Sir Taylor loses 5 HP, 1 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks Rock with Magic Staff for 4 AP. Rock "dies"!

+10 XP
+3 gold
+1 pebble

Level Up!

Sir Taylor is now Level 4 and gains 2 HP for a total of 16 HP.

15 XP needed for Level 5.

Attack Sewer Rat

The bane of all young heroes, the iconic sewer rat. Biting at ankles, he makes his presence known one nip and nibble at a time. Maximum hero level of 7. Sewer rats will flee from any hero level 8 and higher.

Sir Taylor: Level 3, 1/14 HP, Level 0 Sword (0 AP), Level 2 Magic (4 AP)
Sewer Rat: 5 HP, 3 AP | Reward: 1 XP

Sir Taylor uses Minor Heal Potion. Sir Taylor gains 5 HP, 6 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks Sewer Rat with Magic Staff for 4 AP. Sewer Rat loses 4 HP, 1 HP remaining.

Sewer Rat attacks Sir Taylor for 3 AP. Sir Taylor loses 3 HP, 3 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks Sewer Rat with Magic Staff for 4 AP. Sewer Rat dies!

-1 minor heal potion
+1 XP

Last killed 14 Jul 16, available again 21 Jul 16.

Attack Brown Bat

The brown bats are much prettier than the black bats because of their grace, stamina and ability to make a lovely bat leather hat.

Sir Taylor: Level 3, 5/14 HP, Level 0 Sword (0 AP), Level 2 Magic (4 AP)
Brown Bat: 15 HP, 3 AP | Reward: 1 XP and 1 bat wing

Sir Taylor attacks the Brown Bat with Magic Staff for 4 AP. Brown Bat loses 4 HP, 11 HP remaining.

Brown Bat attacks Sir Taylor for 3 AP. Sir Taylor loses 3 HP, 2 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor uses Minor Heal Potion. Sir Taylor gains 5 HP, 7 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks Brown Bat with Magic Staff for 4 AP. Brown Bat loses 4 HP, 7 HP remaining.

Brown Bat attacks Sir Taylor for 3 AP. Sir Taylor loses 3 HP, 4 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks Brown Bat with Magic Staff for 4 AP. Brown Bat loses 4 HP, 3 HP remaining.

Brown Bat attacks Sir Taylor for 3 AP. Sir Taylor loses 3 HP, 1 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks Brown Bat with Magic Staff for 4 AP. Brown Bat dies!

-1 minor heal potion
+1 XP
+1 bat wing

Last killed 14 Jul 16, available again 21 Jul 16.

Level Up Magic

#1 in Earthsea Cycle - A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
#2 in Earthsea Cycle - The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K. Le Guin

Obtained Level 2 Magic

Quest Accepted - Barbie's Ken

The local farmer's wife Barbie is a treasure trove of knowledge. Her ken reaches far and wide on various topics. She challenges you to a knowledgeathon. You accept despite your better judgement.

Barbie challenges you to best her in the following ways:
Read a scientific book.
Read a non-fiction book.
Read a book with a book on the cover.
Read a book where a main character is in college.
Read a book set at least 50 years in the future.

Complete 3/5 to beat Barbie at her own game. Receive 5 Experience for beating Barbie.

If you can complete all 5 you are named Ken Champion. Receive 5 more experience and 1 Potion Token for achieving ultimate ken.

Attack Rock (2/10)

Many people might mock you for attempting to subdue the mighty rock. It's lasted for millions of years, who are you to try to best this foul beast? But you are not cowed by this formidable task. You will persevere!

Sir Taylor: Level 3, 14 HP, Level 0 Sword (0 AP), Level 1 Magic (3 AP)
Rock: 10 HP, 3 AP - reward: 10 XP, 3 gold, 1 pebble

Sir Taylor attacks the Rock with Magic Staff for 3 AP. Rock loses 3 HP, 7 HP remaining.

Rock attacks Sir Taylor for 3 AP. Sir Taylor loses 3 HP, 11 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks the Rock with Magic Staff for 3 AP. Rock loses 3 HP, 4 HP remaining.

Rock attacks Sir Taylor for 3 AP. Sir Taylor loses 3 HP, 8 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks the Rock with Magic Staff for 3 AP. Rock loses 3 HP, 1 HP remaining.

Rock attacks Sir Taylor for 3 AP. Sir Taylor loses 3 HP, 5 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks the Rock with Magic Staff for 3 AP. Rock "dies"!

+10 XP
+3 gold
+1 pebble

Level Up!

Sir Taylor is now Level 3 and gains 2 HP for a total of 14 HP.

12 XP needed for Level 4.

Attack Rock (1/10)

Many people might mock you for attempting to subdue the mighty rock. It's lasted for millions of years, who are you to try to best this foul beast? But you are not cowed by this formidable task. You will persevere!

Sir Taylor: Level 2, 12 HP, Level 0 Sword (0 AP), Level 1 Magic (3 AP)
Rock: 5 HP, 1 AP - reward: 10 XP, 3 gold, 1 pebble

Sir Taylor attacks the Rock with Magic Staff for 3 AP. Rock loses 3 HP, 2 HP remaining.

Rock attacks Sir Taylor for 1 AP. Sir Taylor loses 1 HP, 11 HP remaining.

Sir Taylor attacks the Rock with Magic Staff for 3 AP. Rock "dies"!

+10 XP
+3 gold
+1 pebble

Quest Accepted - Rocky the Rock

You know a lot of adventurers have pets... but cats and dogs and horses and bunnies and falcons and squirrels take things like food and water to stay alive. You prefer pets that do a little more giving than receiving. Plus, nothing says defense like something you could pile on top of each other about a million times to make a giant stone wall...

Acquire 5 pebbles to receive your very own Rocky the Rock pet. Rocky will subtract 1 attack point of any creature.

You may use another 5 pebbles to paint on a face and give Rocky real pet status. Rocky will then heal you 1 hp at the end of every battle.

Fibonacci Sequence Reading Challenge
9 Jun 16 - present

Level: Fern Uncurling (15 books)
Option: TBR

Completed: 0 / 15

1. Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
2. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
3. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
4. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
5. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
6. The Spell of the Sensuous: Perception and Language in a More-Than-Human World by David Abram
7. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
8. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
9. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
10. Woodland Knits: 20 enchanting projects to make and share by Stephanie Dosen
11. Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Cornelius Agrippa
12. Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser
13. Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
14. Sea Queens: Women Pirates Around the World by Jane Yolen
15. Selected Stories of Phillip K. Dick by Philip K. Dick