Keeper of the Books ★ NBRC ★’s Comments (group member since May 19, 2018)

Keeper of the Books ★ NBRC ★’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Clarification of Rules Announcement: Calculating Enemy Attack Power

As we’ve introduced various ways to lower an enemy’s attack power—such as Rocky LVL 2, the Fence, the Shield’s basic effect, an activated Blue Gem in the Shield, and Shield Potions—we need to ensure everyone calculates enemy AP consistently.

How to Calculate Your Enemy’s Attack Power:
• An enemy’s attack power (AP) can never drop below 1, regardless of reductions.
• The Blue Gem and Shield Potion halve the enemy’s AP, rounding down unless the result is below 1, in which case it rounds up to 1.


Example Calculation:
Leapy Frog (Attack: 3, Health: 10)
The hero has:
- Basic Shield (-1 AP)
- Rocky LVL 2 (-1 AP)
- Fence (-1 AP)

Calculation:
Leapy Frog’s base AP: 3
Reductions: 3 - 1 - 1 - 1 = 0
Since AP cannot be 0, the adjusted AP = 1.

This rule ensures all heroes apply reductions fairly and consistently when facing mighty foes! 💪🐸

Quest Starting 3/8/25

The Day of Women’s Wonders
Queen Skye, in all her wisdom, has declared a grand celebration in the Novel Kingdom—a day dedicated to honoring the many facets of womanhood. From the brilliant minds that shape science to the fierce warriors who defend their lands, from the artists who inspire to the lawmakers who strive for justice, the realm will pay tribute to the strength and stories of women.

But no celebration is complete without a proper royal proclamation! The queen has called upon the kingdom’s heroes (that means you!) to gather tales of remarkable women and present them at court. Only the finest books will do, and the queen has set specific tasks for you to complete.

Your Tasks:
(Both fiction and non-fiction books qualify for all tasks.)
• Read 5 books, each by or about a different female Nobel Prize winner.
• Read a book where feminism is one of the first seven genres listed on Goodreads.
• Read a book about a woman who is a scientist or a doctor.
• Read a book about a woman who is a politician or a lawyer.
• Read a book about a woman who is an author or an artist.
• Read a book about a woman who is a soldier or a warrior.

For completing this quest, you’ll earn 15 XP and 3 Roses from our graceful Queen.

Potion Quests - Part 5

The Great Easter Egg-scapade!
(view spoiler)[Spring has arrived in Novel Kingdom, and Queen Skye’s subjects are eagerly preparing for the most egg-citing celebration of the season—Easter! The festival promises grand egg hunts, chocolate feasts, and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny himself. Even the local rabbits have rehearsed a festive dance to welcome their beloved holiday hero.

But just as the final decorations are placed on the Golden Egg Display, disaster strikes. A notorious gang of mischievous chickens, known as the Peep Bandits, has stolen every single Easter egg—including the legendary Jewel Egg of Infinite Yolk. Without these sacred eggs, the Easter celebration cannot proceed.

The kingdom needs a hero—a sharp-witted, book-loving champion with a fondness for bunnies. That means you!
Your mission: Recover the stolen eggs, outwit the Peep Bandits, and restore Easter to Novel Kingdom.

Quest Rules:
- Complete each part in order. No skipping ahead—this isn’t a shortcut through a hedge maze.
- Use books from your Tote of Infinite Books that were read or first published in March or April, or select fresh books (read after the publication of this quest).
- To earn the final reward you need to complete all parts of the quest - that includes confronting the mastermind behind the heist (in Part 5).

Part 1: Crack the Case
The kingdom is in chaos. The eggs are missing, people are panicking, and local chocolatiers are in despair. To solve this mystery, you’ll need to gather clues and act fast.

1. Interview the Witnesses – The royal guards reported suspicious figures lurking near the Golden Egg Display last night. Someone must know something.
• Read a book featuring an investigation, whether it’s a detective story, conspiracy unraveling, or sleuthing adventure.

2. Consult the Town Gossip – Every kingdom has someone who knows everything. Here, it’s Madame Whispermouth, who only speaks in riddles and half-truths.
• Read a book where secrets or rumors play a major role in the plot.

3. Inspect the Crime Scene – In the Royal Egg Vault which under normal circumstances houses the Jewel Egg of Infinite Yolk, you find colorful feathers, candy wrappers, and a cryptic note. To gather the clues:
• Read a book with a bird, feather, or wings on the cover.
• Read a book where someone eats candy, cookies, or chocolate.
• Read a book in which a character breaks a code or deciphers a message.

Reward for completing Part 1: 6 XP, 6 Gold Coins (discovered under the Golden Egg Display).

Part 2: The Great Egg Hunt
Using your newly gathered information and detective skills, you pinpoint the hiding places of the stolen eggs. It’s time to track them down.

1. Recover the Chocolate Eggs – The Forest of Fiction is filled with hidden chocolate eggs, but some are booby-trapped. (Ever stepped on a melted chocolate egg? Disgusting.)
• Read a book with two or more Ts in the title (for trees) to search the area.
• To disarm the boobytraps, read a book where a bomb either explodes or somebody manages to neutralize it in time.

2. Rescue the Sugar-Coated Hostages – In the village of the Marshmallow Peeps, you discover that some of the townsfolk have been kidnapped by the Peep Bandits. They must be freed before they go stale.
• Read a book with a pink cover.
• Read a book that is heartwarming or sweet, such as a romance or fairy tale.

3. Look for the Jewel Egg of Infinite Yolk – The most powerful Easter artifact (or at least the shiniest) must be hidden somewhere high above, possibly on Cloud Nine.
• Read a book with the word "sky," "star," "cloud," or "moon" in the title or a book that is the ninth in the series.

Despite your best efforts, you recover only half of the stolen eggs and the Jewel Egg of Infinite Yolk is amongst those still missing. Queen Skye, however, appreciates your bravery and rewards you.

Reward for completing Part 2: 6 XP, 3 Find Item Potions.

Part 3: Prepare for Battle
The Peep Bandits will not surrender without a fight. You’ll need to gather supplies, form a strategy, and prepare for the final confrontation.

1. Gather Your Gear – A true hero is only as strong as their resolve (and their equipment).
• Read a book with a traditional weapon (sword, dagger, or gun) on the cover. No umbrellas, even if they can be wielded creatively.

2. Form an Attack Plan – The Peep Bandits are quick, fluffy, and fueled by sugar. You need to be prepared.
• Read a book where the main character wins a physical fight.
• To practice, defeat 20 Common monsters (!Timed monsters don't count!). All battles must take place after completing Part 2.
• To plan this complex operation, read a book featuring a character in a significant role who is a high-ranking officer, such as a colonel, general or admiral.

3. Prepare for the Sugar Rush – Battles require energy, and you’ll need plenty of it.
• Read a book with food on the cover to stock up on essential battle snacks.

Reward for completing Part 3: 6 XP, 6 Carrots (they might come in handy later).

Part 4: The Final Egg-Straction
The Peep Bandits’ secret hideout is revealed—a colossal chocolate fortress in the heart of Candy Cane Canyon. It’s time for the final showdown.

1. Infiltrate the Candy Fortress – The entrance is guarded by five rabbits kidnapped from the Forest of Fiction and brainwashed by the Peep Bandits to do their bidding. The best way to both cure their condition and sneak past unnoticed is to use carrots as bait. Your mum was right—carrots can cure a plethora of complaints.
• Read a book where the word "carrot" or "carrots" appears at least five times.
• Read a book where the main character sneaks, spies, or infiltrates a location.

2. Confront the Egg Thief – Deep within the fortress, you face the leader of the Peep Bandits gang, Sir Peepington III, a giant, fluffy, ill-tempered chicken in a tiny top hat. He has long resented Queen Skye’s favoritism toward bunnies and chocolate, and he plans to ruin Easter to make his point.
• Read a book with headwear on the cover to identify him.
• Read a book where the villain is exaggerated or over-the-top to distract Sir Peepington by placating his huge ego.

3. Recover the Remaining Eggs – With Sir Peepington distracted, you seize the Jewel Egg of Infinite Yolk and the rest of the stolen eggs and make your escape.
• Read a book where the protagonist is a runner—either an athlete or someone running from responsibility.

Reward for completing Part 4: 6 XP, 3 Heal Potions.

Part 5: Defeat the Egg-Napper Extraordinaire
Just when you think the mission is complete, Sir Peepington consumes a Jellybean of Doom and transforms into his ultimate form: Sir Peepocalypse

1. Defeat Sir Peepocalypse

Stats: 33 attack, 99 health.
This huge marshmallow-padded chicken uses its inherent special ability, Sugar Crash, against you. It overwhelms you with sugary sweetness, muddling your mind and rendering magic and advanced weaponry useless. Your primary weapon's base attack is reduced to one third of its original power (e.g., sword LVL 15 hits for 5 AP + 2 weapon bonus + pets + inventory and other bonuses). Magic and other weapons don't work against this hopped-up-on-sugar menace at all.
Tactical tip: To reduce Sir Peepocalypse's attack power, throw a carrot at him at the beginning of each turn. This offsets the sugar overload with something healthy, reducing his attack by 10 AP.

2. Return all the eggs to the Royal Egg Vault – So that the Kingdom might prepare the celebration in time for Easter.
• Read a book with an egg on the cover or "Easter" in the title.

3. Celebrate your victory!
• Announce your victory in the Local Tavern thread.

Reward for completing Part 5: 15 XP, 3 Duplication Potions.

Final Celebration
With the stolen eggs safely returned, the kingdom rejoices. Queen Skye proclaims you the official Easter Champion, and the Easter Bunny himself acknowledges your heroic deeds. As a token of gratitude, you receive an additional reward: 5 XP and 3 of the Easter Bunny’s finest decorated eggs. Your name is forever etched in the annals of Novel Kingdom’s history, and Easter is saved once more.

Note: The Easter Bunny Egg is a magical treat that restores up to 15 HP. It can be eaten in portions and remains fresh for one month after the first bite. Cannot be duplicated by the Magical Pumpkin. (hide spoiler)]

The Theatre of War: A Play in Too Many Acts
(view spoiler)[Queen Skye, ever the sensible ruler, preferred her kingdom to be a place of peace, prosperity, and only the occasional riot when the bakery ran out of pastries. Sadly, the rest of the world seemed committed to the idea that war was just diplomacy with extra bloodshed. Beyond her borders, armies marched, kingdoms clashed, and rulers—some wise, some profoundly not—kept flinging their soldiers into battles over territory, grudges, and the occasional royal insult involving someone’s choice of headwear.

But war, as Queen Skye knew, was not just a thing of generals and kings. It was a storm that swept through villages and cities, shattering lives and reshaping history. If her kingdom was to remain at peace, her people had to understand war—not just its battles, but its causes, its costs, and the scars it leaves behind. Your quest is to uncover the tales of war and share your findings so that others may also learn. For if enough people understand war, perhaps fewer will choose to wage it.

So, grab your books, sharpen your wits, and embark upon this noble quest. After all, history has a habit of repeating itself… unless, of course, someone stops it.

1. The Fires of the Present – War is not just a relic of history; it continues to shape the world today.
• Read two books by authors from or set in countries or territories that have experienced war in the 21st century (e.g., Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Chechnya (Russia), Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia). NATO countries are excluded from this task.

2. The Scars of Civil War – Some wars are fought between nations, but others tear apart a country from within.
• Read a book by an author from or set in a country that has recently endured the devastation of civil war (e.g., Myanmar, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Syria, Yemen, Nigeria, Libya). NATO countries are excluded from this task. Recently means from 1990s till now.

3. Echoes of the 20th Century – The last century was marked by conflicts that reshaped the world in fire and steel.
• Read two books about or set during a 20th-century war or civil war, where the conflict plays a major role in the story.

4. Battles of the Past – History is filled with wars that shaped civilizations, empires, and entire continents.
• Read three books about or set during different major wars or civil wars from before the 20th century, where the conflict is a central theme.

5. War Beyond the Stars and Realms – Even in worlds of magic and distant galaxies, war is a force that shapes destinies.
• Read two fantasy or science fiction books set during a war, where the conflict is a major part of the story.

6. Chronicle Your Knowledge – Queen Skye values the lessons you have learned.
• Share your reading list in the Local Tavern thread (mark the setting/author's nationality for tasks 1 and 2, and the conflict for tasks 3, 4 and 5) so that others may learn from your wisdom.

For completing this quest, you earn 12 XP and 3 Shield Potions. (hide spoiler)]

Check out the March Update in the Notice Board thread.

5 new quests for you to participate in. :)

Please, let me know which one you like the most.

Quests Starting 3/1/25

Equinox Shenanigans and Solstice Silliness
In the Novel Kingdom, the equinoxes and solstices weren’t just dates—they were excuses for unmitigated chaos. During the vernal equinox, villagers held the Great Balance Games, where they balanced eggs on spoons and occasionally on their heads, while claiming it aligned perfectly with the day-night harmony. The summer solstice, however, was the time for Runaway Sun Day, a festival where everyone blamed the heat for their bad decisions, including Sir Horace attempting to joust a sunflower. The autumn equinox brought Leaf Wars, with teams hurling armfuls of colorful leaves at one another, claiming it was an ancient tradition (though no one could agree who started it). Winter solstice, naturally, was the Festival of Shadows, where villagers competed to cast the longest shadow before sunset—unfortunately, last year’s winner had been a tree.

Queen Skye declared that every festival must include a story, quipping, “If we’re absurd, let’s be literary about it.”
• Vernal Equinox (Balance): Read two books with an identical number of pages.
• Summer Solstice (Sun): Read a book set primarily on a beach or in a desert.
• Autumn Equinox (Harvest): Read a book with the word "harvest" or "fall" in the book title or series name.
• Winter Solstice (Shadows): Read a dark mystery or thriller written by a Scandinavian author.

For completing all four tasks, you'll receive 5 XP and 3 Heal Potions.

The Novel Kingdom’s Golden Moving Scroll Awards
The Kingdom is abuzz with excitement as the annual Golden Moving Scroll Awards draw near, the most prestigious celebration of stories, heroes, and unforgettable performances across the lands. This event encourages adventurers to read books that embody the spirit of award-worthy storytelling.

Lady Stardust, the glamorous host of the awards, greets you with a dazzling smile as you enter the gleaming ceremony hall. “Ah, dear reader! Your presence honors us. As an esteemed member of the audience, I invite you to participate in the festivities by diving into stories that would make even the Academy proud. Explore these categories, and who knows? You might leave here with more than just applause!”

Read books that fit the following categories:
• Best Picture – Read a book that has been adapted into a movie or TV show.
• Best Actor/Actress in a Leading Role – Read a book where the main character holds a leadership role in their country, such as a king, queen, president, or prime minister.
• Best Supporting Role – Read a book featuring an ensemble cast, where multiple characters play significant and prominent roles in the story.
• Best Original Screenplay – Read a fantasy book with a unique or creative world-building.
• Best Adapted Screenplay – Read a retelling or a book inspired by another work (e.g., fairytales, myths, or classics).
• Best Animated Feature – Read a graphic novel, manga, or any comic book.
• Best Costume Design – Read a book with clothing featured on the cover (not people wearing clothes, but standalone pieces of clothing).
• Best Soundtrack – Read a book whose title or series name contains the title of a song or piece of music. Be sure to note the song and artist (e.g., Good Girl, Bad Blood—Taylor Swift’s Bad Blood).
• Best Cinematography – Read a book where shooting a movie or TV show plays a significant role in the story.
• Best Documentary – Read a nonfiction book that teaches you something new or delves into a fascinating subject.
• The Lifetime Achievement Award – Read a book by an author whose works have stood the test of time—someone considered a literary legend (e.g., Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, or Agatha Christie).

For completing this quest, you’ll receive 12 XP and 3 Duplication Potions.

Lady Stardust adds with a wink, “Remember, my dear reader, the true reward is the stories you experience along the way. Now, take your seat and let the awards season begin!”

Cheep-skate: a Budget-Friendly Bounty
In the bustling Open Market of the Novel Kingdom, a peculiar character has set up shop: Sir Bargainbeak, a chatty magpie with an eye for shiny deals and a knack for sniffing out literary treasures. Wearing an oversized pair of roller skates and a feathered hat far too fancy for a bird of his size, he glides around the stalls chirping, “Why pay full price when you can CHEEP your way to glory?”

Sir Bargainbeak has a dilemma, though. His “Library of Legendary Steals” has grown so large he can no longer remember which books were acquired where. Was The Tome of Forgotten Tales a bargain-bin find, or did he win it in a high-stakes poker game against a squirrel?

“Help a humble bird out!” he squawks, flapping his wings. “Fetch me proof of how you scored your books on the cheap, and I’ll make it worth your while. Oh, and one more thing—any book featuring a skate is just... well, chef’s kiss. Consider it a bonus!”

Complete these tasks by reading books acquired in the following ways:
• Secondhand Treasure: Read a book you acquired secondhand, like from a thrift store, garage sale, or flea market.
• Borrowed Brilliance: Read a book borrowed from a library, friend, or that one cousin who still hasn’t returned your copy of The Dragon’s Cookbook.
• Gifted Glory: Read a book that was gifted to you.
• Bargain Bliss: Read a book you snagged for a bargain. Dollar shelves, promo codes, and “Buy 2, Get 5” deals count! Share the bargain with the Local Tavern patrons.
• Free as the Wind: Read a book that cost you absolutely nothing. Project Gutenberg, free Kindle downloads, and LibriVox are fair game. Once again, share your find in the Local Tavern thread.
• Skates and Silliness: Read a book with a skate on the cover—roller, ice, or otherwise. Sir Bargainbeak insists this is purely for his aesthetic satisfaction.

Now, strap on your metaphorical skates and get rolling—Sir Bargainbeak is counting on you!

Rewards: 10 XP + Sir Bargainbeak’s Lucky Feather (Guarantees a 50% discount on 1 item purchased from Jack’s Store. Don't forget to notify Jack when you're placing your order. Just to be clear, Sir Bargainbeak’s Lucky Feather cannot be duplicated by the Magical Pumpkin.)

As you complete the quest, Sir Bargainbeak skates circles around you, chirping happily. “You’ve done me proud, friend! These books may be cheap, but their value is priceless. Remember, the best stories come at the best prices—or for free! Cheep-cheep!”

The Tiny Tome Tantrum
You stroll through the Novel Kingdom’s Grand Library when a cacophony of tiny voices breaks the silence. A group of children, armed with stacks of small books and determined expressions, marches up to the librarian's desk.

“It’s not fair!” one tiny protester declares, stomping their foot. “Why don’t our little books count for quests? They may be short, but they’re full of big adventures!”

The head librarian looks frazzled, but before you can retreat unnoticed, the children spot you.

“An adventurer!” a bespectacled child exclaims. “You’ll help us, right? Show everyone that tiny books matter just as much as big ones!"

The children cheer as you accept the quest, and one particularly small warrior wields their little book like a shield. “Good luck, adventurer! Don’t let anyone underestimate the power of tiny tales!”

To champion the cause of tiny books (50-99 pages), complete the following tasks:
• Link tiny books by their titles. The last letter of the first book must be the first letter of the next book. Complete 3 pairs of title-linked tiny books. (The, A, An do count for this task)
• Read 3 tiny books where somebody goes on an adventure or takes on a quest.
• Read 3 tiny books where a young child (up to 12 years of age) plays a significant role (they don’t have to be the main character, but their presence should be important).
• Revisit your childhood by reading a tinier than tiny illustrated book (under 50 pages) designed for young children. These short stories can be quickly enjoyed in just a few minutes—perfect for a brief escape while browsing your favorite bookstore!

For completing this quest, you’ll receive 15 XP and the everlasting gratitude of the tiniest adventurers in the kingdom!


Quotable Quests

Quotable Quests: Part 1
You have been doing great! You've been questing, slaying monsters, and helping out all the residents of Novel Kingdom. But now... you're in a rut. What to do next? You need to advance your skills to continue your adventures. You hear tell of an old archivist deep in the woods that has sage advice for blossoming heroes. You travel to the shack to find Voltaire. Without preamble he states: "Is there anyone so wise as to learn by the experience of others?”

• Choose a friend or fellow adventurer.
• Visit their Goodreads profile and use the 'compare books' feature.
• Change your shelf to 'to-read' and their shelf to 'read'.
• Read 5 books you have in common. (you can use one profile or multiple, the more friends the merrier)

Reward: +1 XP for each book read

Quotable Quests: Part 2
You have taken Voltaire's advice and are eager to get back to the woods to share everything you have learned. But before you can pass on the story of your adventures, you notice another man in the room. Confucius looks up at you and says, "Study the past if you would define the future.”

Quotable Quests Part 1 must be complete

• Reread a book (must be one year since last read)
• Read a book set in the past
• Read a book set in the future
• Read a book with dual time frames
• Read a book involving time travel

Reward: +1 XP each prompt

Quotable Quests: Part 3
You head back into the woods yet again. You have taken upon you the knowledge of friends, studied the past, and ruminated on the prospects of the future. Surely you're ready to impress the brilliant philosophers with these great achievements. You approach the clearing where you will find the shack, but... where is it? Everything is gone- the shack, the little garden out front, and Voltaire is no where to be found. The only thing that remains is a slab with a table resting at it's center. You approach the table to find this note: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” ― Aristotle

Quotable Quests Part 2 must be complete

• Read a book by one of your favorite authors.
• Read a book in your favorite genre.
• Read a book whose cover is a favorite color.
• Read a book involving a favorite hobby, sport, game, or past time.
• Read a book that inspires reflection (upon yourself, government/social/religious relations, etc.)

Reward: +1 XP each prompt

***Bonus*** Receive +5 XP and 1 Major Heal Potion for completing all 15 books.

Note: Thanks to Lyssa and Meg for creating this lovely quest.

Cathy M. wrote: "For the Fiery Imp, are the Little Flames summoned at the beginning of the round? "

The Little Flames are summoned at the beginning of every round. I added it to the description to make it super clear. :)

Done!

I hope you'll enjoy the Valentine's Day inspired monster The Rose Thorne, quest Get classy with classics and scrounger hunt "Scrounge, Sweet Scrounge".

Uncommon Monsters - Each of these monsters only has a limited population left. After exhausting the remaining population they will be extinct. Since there are so few of these monsters, they stick around each other like glue. Killing one won't scare off the others.

The Rose Thorne (25 attack, 150 health)

A sinister creature that appears around Valentine’s Day, the Rose Thorne takes the form of a massive rose bush with thorny, twisting vines and a wicked, mocking grin. Its petals shimmer in a soft, romantic glow, but beneath that beauty lies danger—the thorns are razor-sharp, capable of piercing even the bravest heart. The Rose Thorne hides in the shadows, waiting to ambush adventurers searching for love, feeding on the sorrow of unrequited feelings. As you raise your mightiest weapon to strike, it lashes out with its thorned vines, wrestling it from your grasp.

You can only use your weaker weapon or cast spells to battle this fiend. The Rose Thorne, like many plant-based monsters, has a notable vulnerability to Fire spells. (Population: 3)

Reward: 15 XP, 1 Mercenary Coupon, 1 Rose Bush Seed

Check out the February Update in the Notice Board thread.

NEW MONSTERS:
new uncommon monster: The Rose Thorne
new magical monster: Fiery Imp (Timed: Monthly)

NEW QUESTS:
Thaddeus vs. Gravity
Get classy with classics
"Scrounge, Sweet Scrounge"
D-O-D-G-E

TRAINING YARD (new thread - fighting arena)

Monster Updates Starting 2/1/25

Uncommon Monsters - Each of these monsters only has a limited population left. After exhausting the remaining population they will be extinct. Since there are so few of these monsters, they stick around each other like glue. Killing one won't scare off the others.

The Rose Thorne (25 attack, 150 health)

A sinister creature that appears around Valentine’s Day, the Rose Thorne takes the form of a massive rose bush with thorny, twisting vines and a wicked, mocking grin. Its petals shimmer in a soft, romantic glow, but beneath that beauty lies danger—the thorns are razor-sharp, capable of piercing even the bravest heart. The Rose Thorne hides in the shadows, waiting to ambush adventurers searching for love, feeding on the sorrow of unrequited feelings. As you raise your mightiest weapon to strike, it lashes out with its thorned vines, wrestling it from your grasp.

You can only use your weaker weapon or cast spells to battle this fiend. The Rose Thorne, like many plant-based monsters, has a notable vulnerability to Fire spells. (Population: 3)

Reward: 15 XP, 1 Mercenary Coupon, 1 Rose Bush Seed

Magical Monsters - Your staff, sword or any other physical weapons won't help against these beasts. Time to get practicing your magic! Magical Monsters can be of a common, timed, uncommon or rare variety.

Fiery Imp (Timed: Monthly)

Small, mischievous, and entirely too flammable for comfort. Fiery Imps have all the charm of a lit firecracker and are just as difficult to handle. To make matters worse, at the beginning of every round (starting from the first), the Fiery Imp summons two Little Flames to assist him. These flickering nuisances aren’t particularly strong but can quickly overwhelm even the most prepared adventurer if ignored. Fiery Imps appear once every month.

Fiery Imps and their minions are strong to Earth spells but weak to Water magik, which extinguishes their blaze. Swords, staffs and other physical weapons are useless against them, unable to pierce their fiery form, for they are not flesh but living flame. Each round you may only attack one creature unless you are using area-of-effect abilities, then your attack hits all creatures currently in the battle.

Fiery Imp - 12 attack, 50 health
Little Flame - 5 attack, 5 health (Little Flames are also magical creatures, your physical weapons don't affect them.)

The defeated Fiery Imp drops an Ember Shard, a glowing fragment of its fiery essence that can be used to craft powerful fire-based spells.

Reward: 5 XP, 1 Ember Shard


***************************
Quests Starting 2/1/25

Thaddeus vs. Gravity
In the snowbound hills of the Novel Kingdom, Thaddeus the Slightly Less Mad spent his days inventing ways to cross snow without walking—a pointless chore inflicted by gravity, in his opinion. First came the Icebound Chariot, which hurled its rider downhill at “terminal enthusiasm.” Next were the Fence-Feet, inspired by fence planks and the idea that “snow isn’t slippery enough,” gliding their users straight into trees. Finally, Thaddeus unveiled the Snow Surfer that combined speed, balance, and confusion about where to sit.



When asked why he created such bone-breaking contraptions, Thaddeus replied, “One day we’ll need to flee downhill from dragons.” The townsfolk let him be, watching from a safe distance as Thaddeus hurtled past, laughing manically and bouncing like a badly thrown sack of potatoes. In the end, his inventions didn’t quite replace walking, but they did provide endless winter entertainment, and the hill where he tested them was later named Bonebreak Bluff in his honor.

To honor Thaddeus' bold inventions and questionable survival instincts read 6 books:

• The Icebound Chariot Ride – Read a book that kicks off with an action-packed scene (e.g., a fight, a chase, a heated argument, etc.).
• The Fence-Feet Experiment – Read a book featuring a character who invents something or solves a practical problem. Be sure to note what they invented or solved!
• The Snow Surfer Wipeout – Read a book with a setting in the mountains, or a snow-covered landscape.
• Bonebreak Bluff – Read a book where somebody is injured due to a fall.
• The Final Glide – Read a book where the protagonist escapes danger or disaster in a thrilling or unexpected way. Take note of how they managed to escape!
• Fleeing Dragons – Read a book about dragons. (has to be a major theme, not only a short appearance)

Complete all six tasks to earn 5 XP, 3 Minor Heal Potions, and the prestigious title of Honorary Mad Scientist of the Novel Kingdom.

Get classy with classics
After months of mingling with goblins, trolls, and other unsavory creatures, the hero finally carves out an evening for a proper date. You scrub yourself clean, don your finest clothes, and head to the fanciest tavern in the city—famous for not including rat meat on the menu. But once seated with your charming companion, years of rough living betray you. You use the soup spoon to attack the bread, tear into your Merely Kat steak with all the grace of a starving ogre, and punctuate the meal with a loud, appreciative belch.

Your date, eyes wide and clearly traumatized, escorts you home with a polite smile and a vague promise to “catch up sometime.” The next morning, the post delivers a package: a pristine copy of The Ladies' and Gentlemen's Books of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness. Your jaw drops. Mortified, you clutch the book, realizing that maybe, just maybe, it’s time to polish up on your manners. After all, even trolls and yetis deserve a polite pre-battle conversation.

Prove to your date that you do have class by reading the following books. (Stick to authors of the same sex as yourself for this challenge.)
• Read 3 classics first published in the 19th century.
• Read 2 classics first published in the first half of the 20th century.
• Read 1 modern classic first published in the second half of the 20th century.
• Finally, to ensure your next date is a success, read a book where a couple goes on a romantic date.

If you're unsure what to read for this challenge, check out these lists for inspiration: Best Books of the 19th Century and Best Books of the 20th Century.

Congratulations, you've proven that even the roughest adventurer can polish up their manners! You’re rewarded with 10 XP to reflect your newfound social standing, 1 Potion Token, and 1 Rose. With these in hand, you're ready to woo your next date—or at least impress the innkeeper!

Bonus: Earn an extra 3 XP for reading a real book on etiquette!

"Scrounge, Sweet Scrounge"
As Valentine's Day approaches, Queen Skye grows increasingly restless, determined to make it absolutely perfect. She’s offering reward potions to those who can gather the items on her scrounger list—essential things to ensure an unforgettable date night. Will you help her create the ultimate evening of romance?

Scrounger List (20 items)
• Bath Bombs
• Bathrobe
• Box of Chocolates
• Bouquet
• Champagne bottle
• Chocolate Cake
• Cupid figurine
• Diamond
• Engagement Ring
• Hankerchief
• Hearth Rug
• Heart Pendant
• Ice Bucket
• Jewelry
• Lace
• Lingerie
• Necklace
• Perfume
• Strawberry
• Wine Glass

Each scrounger list item may only be found once. Items are found in the text or title of a book. Only one item may be found per book. The word may be plural. Each potion is listed with the number of scrounger items needed to win it. You may trade in items for potions at any time.

• Minor Heal Potion - 1 Item
• Heal Potion - 2 Items
• Major Heal Potion - 3 Items
• Minor Poison Potion - 2 Items
• Enhanced Weapon Potion - 3 Items
• Damage Potion - 4 Items
• Find Items Potion - 2 Items
• Time Walking Potion - 3 Items
• Duplication Potion - 4 Items
• Weakening Potion - 2 Items (must be unlocked through Alchemy That! quest)
• Transmogrification Potion - 1 Item (must be unlocked through Alchemy That! quest)
• Pet Plus Potion - 4 Items (must be unlocked through Alchemy That! quest)

D-O-D-G-E
You're walking through the woods when a monster suddenly rushes towards you. You D-O-D-G-E but the monster keeps rushing towards you. You dodge again and tell the monster they are in for a fierce B-A-T-T-L-E if they don't stop trying to rush you. The monster immediately stops and pulls out something from behind their back. It's the very important bundle of potions you have been looking for so long. T-H-A-N-K the monster and continue on your way satisfied with the outcome.

Spell out these words using basic spell-out rules:
• DODGE
• BATTLE
• THANK
You may use 1 book for two letters.

After D-O-D-G-E, receive 2 XP and 1 Minor Heal Potion.
After B-A-T-T-L-E, receive 2 XP and 1 Heal Potion.
After T-H-A-N-K, receive 3 XP and 1 Major Heal Potion.

Note: Thanks to Natasha & Cat for this amazing quest.

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New Feature Starting 2/1/25

Introducing: The Training Yard!
Sharpen your skills and prepare for the challenges ahead! The Training Yard is now open, offering adventurers a dedicated space to practice strategies, test abilities, and face unique training scenarios.

Whether you're a seasoned hero or just starting your journey, The Training Yard is here to help you grow stronger. Stop by and see how it can elevate your adventure!

Sarah, that little story turned out really nice. Good job! :)

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BTW here's a little visual preview of rare monsters that are gonna appear in the Kingdom this year.

Success! After enduring what felt like an epic quest of verifying bicycles, traffic lights, and cars across ten screens to prove I'm indeed human, I finally managed to post the new thread.

The Training Yard is officially complete and will open its gates on February 1st.

Feel free to check it out! If you have any questions, drop them here in the tavern. (And yes, they’ll count toward the Should I Know It? quest if you haven’t wrapped that one up yet!)

FAQ:

Example:

The Training Yard will officially open its gates 2/1/25

Welcome to the Training Yard!




Ah, the smell of sweat, the clang of swords, and the faint sound of someone arguing that actually, their chicken companion was essential to defeating a fire-breathing dragon. Welcome, brave adventurer, to the bustling hub of tactics, triumphs, and probably a few questionable decisions—The Training Yard!

Here, seasoned warriors and aspiring heroes alike gather to swap battle tales, share strategies, and maybe boast just a little (yes, we see you, Sir Reginald and your "solo goblin army takedown"). It’s not just a place to flex your might, though. It’s also where battle newbies can glean wisdom from the pros, and where pros can claim well-deserved rewards for their dazzling victories.

So, how does it work? Simply post the details of your heroic escapades—past battles, future battle plans, or even clever templates to help the less experienced. Be sure to include the nitty-gritty: your weapons, items, potions, pets, or other allies that helped you triumph. Veteran players, we’re counting on you to add a little pizzazz. Turn those tactical recaps into gripping stories or dramatic re-enactments!

And what’s in it for you? Oh, just glory and some extra loot:

• Common & Timed Monsters: +1 XP
• Uncommon & Event Monsters (Halloween, Easter, Group Events): +2 XP, +2 Gold
• Magical Monsters (Common, Timed & Uncommon): +3 XP, +1 spell ingredient of your choice (consult the Ye Olde FAQ thread for options)
• Magical Monsters (Rare): +5 XP, +3 Gold +1 spell ingredient of your choice (consult the Ye Olde FAQ thread for options)
• Rare Monsters: +5 XP, +10 Gold

Important Note: You can only claim rewards once per monster type (no, you can’t keep submitting goblin battles, that would be boring!). And battles must be comprehensible—details are key!

Spectators are also welcome to join the fun. Cheer, critique, or offer feedback as the great tales unfold before you. Who knows? You might just witness the next epic saga in the making.

So, step up, warriors! Prove your mettle, share your battles, and inspire the kingdom! (And if you need a break, the Tavern is that way…)

I just tried to prepare a thread for launching The Training Yard next week, but the folder eats the new thread a minute or so after posting. I tried 3 times. It's not a coincidence.

So unless I get mods to cooperate it seems like no new feature for a foreseeable future.