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.

Ray (user2637) wrote: "Impress the Queen, quest

Make a tanglefoot bag to detain your Foe for one round.
• Weave together 10 rat tails, 10 bat wings, and 10 goblin bones.
• Make a drawstring bag with 1 ball of wool and ..."

Great quest, Ray! Funny enough, you’ve coincidentally come up with something quite similar to another quest that’s already set to launch. It also involves crafting a combat-useful item and relies heavily on gathering/using up (a lot of) drop items.

Ray, I really like the new monster.

I just don't understand the example:

week 1, you don’t distract the Golem, he damages your lamppost. Well 2, you do distract the Golem, he does nothing. Week 3, you don’t distract the Golem and if you haven’t fixed the lamppost, he scares off your bird friend; otherwise he damages the lamppost again.

"Week 1, you don’t distract the Golem, he damages your lamppost." Fine!

"Week 2, you do distract the Golem, he does nothing." So I distract him with a book with 100-199 pages and 10 Goblin Bones. The Golem should be distracted for a whole month, shouldn't he?

"Week 3, you don’t distract the Golem and if you haven’t fixed the lamppost, he scares off your bird friend; otherwise he damages the lamppost again." Going by the description, the Golem should stay distracted for weeks (2), 3, 4, and 5. Should he wreak havoc no sooner than on week 6 (unless distracted by another book)?

Cathy wrote: "I am back after a very long hiatus and have forgotten most of the details. However, after going through all the Notices and FAQs, I have 2 questions...
1. Does a beginner tracking certificate for my puppy find merely kats or do I need the intermediate?
2. I'm confused on the quest It's Called a Lance...Hello.
For part1, do the points at the top correspond to the ratings listed next?
Thanks for any help."

Hello Cathy, welcome back! :)

I’ll do my best to answer your questions:

1. Hidden monsters can be found after you’ve obtained a puppy (from The First Puppy of Novel Kingdom quest) and trained it in tracking (via Jill’s Dog Training).
• To attack monsters labeled as "Minor Hidden," you’ll need a puppy with the Beginner Tracking Certificate (e.g., Woolymarks).
• To attack monsters labeled as "Hidden," you’ll need a puppy with the Intermediate Tracking Certificate (e.g., Merely Kats).

2. I didn’t create this quest, but if I remember correctly, the jousting points are inspired by the movie A Knight’s Tale. In the quest, they’re included mainly for storytelling purposes. Originally, the points listed at the top didn’t match the ratings below. However, I’ve made some adjustments (see the post above), so the ratings now align a bit more with the jousting point system, making the quest easier to follow.
Hope this helps! :)

I’ve just reviewed and updated It’s Called a Lance… Hello! Part 1 quest.

As Ray rightly pointed out, the original version was far too restrictive—there simply aren’t enough books with 4.5+ ratings to choose from. So, I’ve adjusted the requirements to better fit the story. Now, books with ratings of 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 correspond to jousting points of 1, 2, and 3.

It’s still challenging but much more achievable!

Here’s the updated wording:

"A jousting tournament is coming to town! Perfect! You've been looking for a chance to impress long reigning champion, Count Adhemar. You decide to review the rules and sign up.

+1 point for a hit that does not break the tip of the lance.
+2 points for a hit that breaks the tip of the lance.
+3 points for a hit that shatters the tip of the lance into several or multiple fragments.

1. Read a book with an average rating of 4.1 or higher and with 100-10,000 ratings. +1 XP
2. Read a book with an average rating of 4.2 or higher and with 10,000- 100,000 ratings. +2 XP
3. Read a book with an average rating of 4.3 or higher and with over 100,000 ratings. +3 XP

Points are additive, but you must read the previous # before collecting a higher #. For example, if you read #1 and #2 you will have +3 XP. But if you only read #1 and #3, you can not collect points for #3 until #2 is completed."

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Potions - Part 3

Luxurious Potions - These premium potions are true treasures of Jack's Store and cannot be exchanged for Potion Tokens. If you wish to obtain one, you’ll need to pay in gold. (Sir Bargainbeak’s feather may be applied at checkout for those seeking a discount.) Note: Luxurious Potions cannot be duplicated by the Magical Pumpkin.

• Re-animation potion (must be unlocked through Alchemy That! Part II: The Spectral Brew quest) - Brings a previously defeated rare monster—including rare magical ones—back to life in a ghostly, more powerful form. The resurrected version has double the original’s health and attack power. May only be used on monsters you originally defeated over a year ago. Upon defeating the ghost, you receive the same amount of XP and regular loot (such as potions, potion tokens, mercenary coupons, and gold) as you would for slaying the original creature. Any monster-specific items (such as gems, orbs, or body parts) will appear as the "shadow" of the original, and can be used only once before they dissipate permanently (e.g., the Shadow of the Orb of Fire grants +3 AP to your magic staff for a single battle).

Each rare monster can be reanimated only once, and the process does not work on Halloween Monsters, other Event Monsters, and zombies, as they’ve already been reanimated once before. The Rare and the Rare Magical Monsters eligible for reanimation will be revealed in waves (stay tuned for announcements in the Notice Board thread). You must defeat all the monsters in one wave before you can start reanimating those from the next. Detailed stats and rewards for each Ghost of [Monster] can be found in the Ye Olde FAQ thread.

Can be bought at Jack's Store after being unlocked through completing The Alchemy - Part II: quest. Price at Jack's: 50 gold.

For full details and additional rules, consult the Ye Olde FAQ thread.

Potions - Part 2

Halloween Event Potions - These special potions cannot be purchased at Jack's store. They can only be earned by participating in the Halloween event, through specific quests or as rewards for defeating certain monsters. Here’s what they do:

• HP Bounce Potion: When used, this potion ensures that if your hero (or Miffy) drops below 0 HP, they will bounce back to positive HP equal to the amount they went below zero. (Example: Hero has 20 HP, uses HP Bounce Potion. Monster deals 50 damage. Hero takes 20 damage, bounces back, and gains 30 HP. Hero now has 30 HP.)
• Greater Poison Potion: Poisons the monster, dealing an additional 10 damage at the beginning of each turn. Note: Minor Poison Potion and Greater Poison Potion effects cannot be combined—only one can be active.
• Stoneskin Potion: Grants complete immunity from all damage for one turn, protecting your hero (or Miffy) from any harm.

• Halloween Resurrection Potion - Resurrects Miffy the Monster Slayer but has no effect on the hero. During the Halloween event, once you’ve obtained Miffy, you can purchase this potion for 10 Gold or trade it for 1 Potion Token. (This is the only Halloween Event Potion available for purchase.)

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Potion Quests - Part 4

The Novel Kingdom’s Golden Moving Scroll Awards
(view spoiler)[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!” (hide spoiler)]

Quotable Quests
(view spoiler)[
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. (hide spoiler)]

The Trials of a Royal Godparent
(view spoiler)[Huzzah! Queen Skye has given birth to a beautiful baby princess, and in a twist of royal fate (or perhaps an error in the guest list), you have been chosen as the royal godparent. But there's one small catch: before you're officially knighted into this role, you must pass the "Godparent's Reading Trials" to prove your worthiness. After all, a proper godparent must be well-read and ready to inspire the princess with tales of adventure and wisdom!

Your Tasks:
1. Read a book where the protagonist has a unique and memorable name. Make a note of why it stands out—it might make the princess’ nickname list!

2. Read a book with one of these words in the title: child, baby, prince or princess. Every princess needs companions for tea parties and hide-and-seek.

3. Read a book with characters navigating social rules or (royal) protocols. Jot down one rule for the princess—like how not to cause an uproar during a state banquet.

4. Read a book featuring a magical, mythical, or wise mentor figure. Let’s face it—you’re going to need tips.

5. Read a book with a gift on the cover—wrapping paper, bow and all. Find inspiration for the perfect naming ceremony present.

6. Read a fairy tale or a fairy tale retelling. Queen Skye insists that all proper godparents believe in happy endings.

Complete all six tasks to earn the title of Super Duper Godparent, along with 6 XP, 3 Major Heal Potions, and the everlasting gratitude of the Novel Kingdom! (hide spoiler)]

May the Fourth Be With You (Repeatable)
(view spoiler)[Queen Skye has uncovered a cache of ancient tomes chronicling tales of distant galaxies, fearless rebels, sinister empires, and the timeless struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force. Stirred by the valor of Jedi, the cunning of Sith Lords, and the political tensions rippling through the stars, she has declared this May a celebration of Star Wars - through the power of storytelling.

Now, the time has come for you to choose your path. Will you walk the noble way of the Jedi, seeking peace, wisdom, and balance? Or will you embrace the path of the Sith, driven by ambition, power, and passion?

Before you decide, you may consult one of these light-hearted quizes to discover which side of the Force your allegiance lies:
[Buzzfeed quiz: https://www.buzzfeed.com/eheman/are-y...] or [Google Forms quiz: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA... ]

Whether you raise a lightsaber or a library card, your journey begins now. The galaxy awaits - one chapter at a time.

Follow the tasks aligned with the path you’ve chosen (Jedi or Sith).
!!!!! Only fresh books count for this quest (i.e. books read after 5/1/25)!!!!!

The Jedi Path: Order, Balance, and Peace
"There is no ignorance, there is knowledge."

1. The Youngling Trials
• Read a book with a young protagonist (15 or younger).

2. Archives of the Jedi Temple
• Read a book that includes a temple, church, or castle setting.

3. Balance in the Force
• Read a book where a warrior chooses diplomacy over violence or seeks to resolve conflict without fighting.

4. Across the Galaxy
• Read a science fiction or fantasy book set in space or on another world.

5. Guardian of Peace
• Read a book with a source of light on the cover.
• Read a book that includes all of the following words somewhere in the text: peace, knowledge, harmony or harmonious, serenity or serene, force.

6. Report to the Jedi Council
• Complete your mission by spelling out the first name, last name, or both of a Jedi Master from the list below. Choose your guide among the guardians of peace and justice:
(view spoiler)[Yoda, Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Shaak Ti, Luminara Unduli, Depa Billaba, Qui-Gon Jinn, Aayla Secura, Luke Skywalker (hide spoiler)]

The Sith Path: Power, Passion, and Control
"Through power, I gain victory."

1. Becoming an Acolyte (your first step: changing your wardrobe)
• Read a book featuring a person on the cover dressed entirely in black.

2. Secrets of the Sith Holocrons
• Read a book with one of these words in the title: secret, dark, or shadow.

3. The Rule of Two
• Read a book featuring a master-apprentice dynamic, or a toxic mentorship.

4. Crush the Weakness
• Read a book that includes all of the following words somewhere in the text: lie, passion or passionate, strength, power, victory or victorious.
• Read a book that ends with the villain prevailing.

5. A Galaxy Ruled by Fear
• Read a book where the villain serves or enforces the will of an authoritarian government or oppressive regime.

6. Report to Your Sith Master
• Complete your journey by spelling out the name or title + name of a Sith Lord or Apprentice from the list below. Choose one and honor your allegiance through their legacy:
(view spoiler)[Darth Sidious (Sheev Palpatine), Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker), Darth Maul, Darth Tyranus (Count Dooku), Darth Bane, Darth Zannah, Darth Revan, Darth Malak, Darth Plagueis (hide spoiler)]

Rewards For Completing Your Jedi/Sith Journey: Use the reward system below to calculate your XP.
You gain 2 XP per each book read + 1 Shield Potion (for a Jedi) or 1 Damage Potion (for a Sith).
• Bonus XP:
 +1 XP for each Star Wars book read (canon or Legends) for tasks 1 to 6.
 1 XP for each Star Wars film or full season of a Star Wars TV series watched between starting the quest (the date you finished the first book towards this quest) and collecting your reward. Mark the date you watched them.

The Quest can be repeated only once: Should your heart shift and your loyalties waver, you may undertake the Quest a second time.
A fallen Jedi may embrace the power of the Dark Side, while a redeemed Sith may seek the light and walk the noble Jedi path. When repeating the quest, you can't duplicate any books used in your previous run (Jedi and Sith teachings don't mix very well.) (hide spoiler)]

House Quests - Part 2

Bestselling Bulwark of a Booktress
(view spoiler)[
You're cozied up in bed, completely absorbed in a thrilling book, when chaos erupts from the kitchen. That annoying goblin, your weekly uninvited guest, has already broken in and is making a mess. With an exasperated sigh, you set your book aside mid-chapter, grab your sword, and head off to handle the nuisance. If only there were a way to delay these pests long enough for you to finish your reading in peace.

!!! Only fresh books can be used for this quest!!! (i.e. read after publication of the quest)

Prerequisite: You have to have a house.

You need to read:
4 books that have 1,000+ pages each to make the fortification intimidating and bulky enough,
4 books with 10,000+ reviews on GR to get enough material for the fortification to encompass all your property,
4 books with 100,000+ ratings on GR to pay for the monstrosity.

Reward: 4 XP + 1 Fence

Fence: Negates one attack point from your enemy's attacks. (hide spoiler)]

Potion Quests - Part 3

A Labyrinthine Mission
(view spoiler)[
The Goblin King has stolen Queen Skye's godson and she is desperate for him to be returned. You have 13 hours (or in this case books) to rescue him from the Goblin King's labyrinth.

Read a book about siblings.
Spell out GOBLIN.
Read a book with a piece of fruit on the cover.
Read a book with a trap in it.
Read a book containing a ball (the type where people dance).
Read a book where someone is forgiven.
Read a book where the author initials can be found in Jareth.
Read a book with a character called Sarah or Toby.

Queen Skye is very grateful when you return with her godson and gives you a reward of 15 XP and 2 Duplication Potions. (hide spoiler)]

Plague Prevention
(view spoiler)[
Queen Skye has been very happy to see an increase in the number of heroes in her realm who are helping manage the monsters who were starting to get out of control. She’s realised that the increased movement through the country has resulted in more people catching the plague and becoming unwell. She’d like your help to stop the spread.

Her team of advisors have developed a simple plan to follow to do this. There are 4 steps:
Mask Up - cover your mouth and nose
Keep your distance - 6 ft ideally (length of a lance if in doubt).
Wash your hands - in any water source you can find in the realm.
Help develop and give the vaccine

Mask Up

To make your own basic mask:
Spell out MASK using the usual spell-it-out rules
Read a book with character who wears a mask - (any sort of mask from a masquerade or fancy dress mask to full-on surgical mask will work)

Reward: 5 XP and 1 Mask. Your Mask will delay the effects of disease from disease-bearing monsters by one turn (zombies and the plague bringer).

Example:
Round 1
Hero (wearing mask) hits monster
Monster hits hero, hero receives no disease from monster
Round 2
Hero hits monster
Monster hits hero, disease takes effect

To upgrade your mask:
Spell out SPARKLE
Read a book with a gemstone on the cover

Reward: 8 XP and 1 Shield Potion


Keep your distance
Read a book with 6 in the page count
Read a book with 1 person on the cover

Reward: 6 Gold

Wash your hands regularly
Read a book with water on the cover
Spell out HAPPY BIRTHDAY (each book can be used for 2 letters).

Reward: 1 Minor Heal Potion and 2 books can be reused towards your kitchen (or cooking ingredients).

Get a vaccination
Spell out VACCINE using books read since you started this quest.
Read a book that’s been on your TBR for less than 6 months.

Reward: 1 Enhanced Weapon Potion
(hide spoiler)]

The Academy II - Literature
(view spoiler)[
Things Fall Apart again in the Academy's Literature department. Most of their Beloved books vanished from their library shelves. They suspect A Darker Shade of Magic is at play. They Trust you're the right person to find out what happened, confront The Book Thief and return their books.
Are you ready to provide The Help they so desperately need?

• Read a novel with an unusual form (e.g. an epistolary novel or a diary)
• Read a book of poetry (100-page limit doesn't apply for this task)
• Read a play (100-page limit doesn't apply for this task)
• Read a non-fiction book about books (e.g. literary criticism, a memoir/biography of an author or a publisher, a history of a literary movement)
• Read a book written by two or more authors
• Read a book with "literature" in the text
• Read a book with an author as a main character

Reward: Receive 3 XP and 3 Duplication Potions after helping the literature department. (hide spoiler)]

The Academy II - Geography
(view spoiler)[
People are losing their way in the Novel Kingdom. With new bookshelves being constructed and stacks of books constantly rearranged, the original map you helped create years ago is now outdated. At Queen Skye's command, you’ve been tasked with assisting the Academy's Geography Department in revising the map of her realm. Will you take on the challenge?

• Read a book set within 100 miles (160 km) of where you live
• Read a book set further than 1000 miles (1,609 km) from where you live
• Read a book set on another planet or in space
• Read a book with one of these words in the title: Map, Globe, World, Country, City
• Read a non-fiction book about Geography (e.g. focused on a city, country or a region, a travelogue)
• Read a book with a flag on the cover
• Read a book with a main character that travels from country to country

Reward: Receive 3 XP and 3 Shield Potions after helping the Geography department. (hide spoiler)]

The Academy II - History
(view spoiler)[
The Head of the Academy's History Department has scolded you—your lectures on "New History" are apparently putting students to sleep. In fact, they’d rather read The Big Novel Kingdom Telephone Book than listen to your lessons. It’s clear you need to find a way to make New History captivating once more.

• Read three books in the historical fiction genre each set in a different time period
• Read a book published over 100 years ago
• Read a non-fiction book about history
• Read a book with one of these words in the title: History, King, Queen, Prince, Princess
• Read a book with a throne, crown jewels (e.g. a crown), armor, or a coat of arms on the cover

Reward: Receive 3 XP and 3 Enhanced Weapon Potions after helping the History department. (hide spoiler)]

Thaddeus vs. Gravity
(view spoiler)[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. (hide spoiler)]

"Scrounge, Sweet Scrounge"
(view spoiler)[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) (hide spoiler)]

D-O-D-G-E
(view spoiler)[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. (hide spoiler)]

Equinox Shenanigans and Solstice Silliness
(view spoiler)[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. (hide spoiler)]

Spell Quest - Part 2

Digging for Relief
(view spoiler)[A dreadful drought had swept across the Novel Kingdom, leaving the land as parched as a librarian caught without her tea. The townsfolk, understandably alarmed, turned to you—a person of action (or, at least, a person who owns a shovel). Of course, this is easier said than done. Digging a well isn’t just a matter of poking the ground until it gurgles apologetically. No, it will take brains, brawn, and perhaps a touch of bibliomancy. Once complete, the well will stand proud, its wooden pail swinging merrily and its mechanism creaking with rustic charm.

To make it happen:
• You’ll need to dig deep—read a book where "deep" and/or "depth" appears at least 40 times, because nothing inspires a hard day of shoveling like a little literary repetition.
• Spell out PAIL using standard spell-out rules, because apparently, water-hauling technology demands strict orthographic integrity.
• To securely attach the pail, you’ll need to craft a chain by reading five books, each published in consecutive decades—because the past is always full of links.
• Share your success in the Local Tavern so the thirsty villagers know they can now quench their thirst at your newly built well.

Reward: Well – Produces 1 Pail of Water every Sunday.

Pail of Water: Can be used as an ingredient for powerful Water spells. In quests, 3 Pails of Water may also substitute for 1 book that is specifically stated to "represent" water. A list of applicable quests can be found in the Ye Olde FAQ thread. (hide spoiler)]

Where Roses Bloom
(view spoiler)[As winter retreats, grumbling about the unfairness of spring, the Novel Kingdom stirs to life. Flowers cautiously bloom, trees compete to out-bud one another, and the air hums with the chaotic sounds of villagers battling stubborn roots and misplaced trowels. Your garden, however, waits in silence—an empty patch of potential. To turn it into a summer paradise, you must embark on a quest of digging, planting, and muttering colorful phrases at unyielding soil. In the Novel Kingdom, even gardening demands the resolve of a true hero.

!!! Only fresh books qualify for this quest!!! (i.e., books read after the quest was published - 4/12/25)

Complete a series of tasks to ensure your garden thrives.
• Rid Your Garden of Weeds - Read a book with a blade on the cover or the word "blade" found in the title.
• Gather Your Tools - Read two books with garden tools on the cover or mentioned in the text. (And no tricks! It has to be an actual tool, not a charming “rake” wooing duchesses or a “spade” in a royal card game.)
• Get the Seeds - Obtain 3 Rose Bush Seeds (by defeating The Rose Thorne)
• Plant Your Flowers - Read three books with flowers on the cover or in the title.
• Water Your Flowers - Read a book with water on the cover.

Reward: 5 XP + 1 Rose Bush (The Rose Bush will produce 3 Roses on the first day of each month, beginning the month after you've completed the quest.)

Note: Inspired by The Spring Has Sprung by Abbie and Natasha. Thank you, ladies, for this wonderful idea. (hide spoiler)]

Story Quests - Part 2

Santa's Little Helper (Only available for completion in December)
(view spoiler)[
Santa is struggling this year. After all the disruption in the Lexicon Kingdom over the last few years his elves haven't been able to make all the books needed as presents. Queen Skye thinks that some of her heroes might be able to help him finish the books and wrap them ready to give to the children of Lexicon Kingdom at the Christmas party at the Theatre.

To help Santa to prepare for Christmas:
1/ Read a book that has Winter, Christmas, Holidays, Mistletoe or Santa in the title.
2/ Read a book that was first published in December (any year).
3/ Use a book that you finished reading in December (any year).
4/ Report the books you read for this quest at the Theatre.

Reward: 3 XP and 3 Santa Coupons.

A Santa Coupon is a special item that can be used in any quest to substitute for one book of your choice. However, only one Santa Coupon may be used per quest. It’s a unique item that cannot be duplicated and can only be earned by completing specific quests. (hide spoiler)]

Stick to your New Year's Reading resolutions (For a change) (Repeatable)
You can participate once every year.
(view spoiler)[
1. Start fresh.
Read 2 books from a new to you author and 1 book published this year.
Reward: 5 XP.

2. Read every day.
Read several pages every day for a month (minimum of 10 pages or 15 minutes of audio). You can break up the task into 4 week-long segments if you prefer (doesn't have to be 4 consecutive weeks).
Reward: 1 Minor Heal Potion.

3. Read More Diverse Books/Books You Don’t Normally Read.
Read three books from genres you usually avoid (e.g. classics, memoir, sci-fi, YA, history, science, comic book, book set in another country or different culture).
Reward: 3 XP and 6 Gold.

4. Don't be intimidated by longer books.
Read either one 1000+ page book or two 500+ page books.
Reward: 3 XP and 1 Duplication Potion.

5. Enjoy yourself.
Re-read one of your favorite books.
Reward: 2 XP.

6. Declutter Your Books.
Go through all the books you own (physical or electronical), organize them and if you come across some physical books you know you won't read (ever again), donate at least one of them to your local library or school or to a friend. (You don't have to read the book if you don't want to.)
Reward: 1 Minor Heal Potion.

7. Organize Your Bookshelves & Manage your ‘to be read’ pile.
Either read a book that you added to your TBR in the year you joined Goodreads or read a physical book that has been sitting on your bookshelf longer than that.
Reward: 1 Time Walking Potion.

8. Make More Reading Friends.
Buddy-read a book with one of your fellow adventurers. Use our local theatre for your buddy-read sessions.
Reward: 1 Major Heal Potion.

9. Stop Buying Books for a month.
Don't buy any books for at least a month and instead read a book that you got for free (might be from your library or borrowed from a friend).
Reward: 2 XP.

10. Pick up a number and stick with it.
Set yourself a reading goal that feels achievable yet still pushes you to find the time to read (minimum of 12 books per year) and stick to it. You can collect your reward for finishing this task no sooner than 1st December.
Reward: 1 Santa Coupon

Tasks 2, 6 and 10 are participation tasks (you can use the books you read for other quests).

Once you finish a task, report it in the Theatre thread and you can collect your reward.
If you finish all 10 tasks, you can collect your BONUS REWARD: additional 5 XP. (hide spoiler)]

Knowledge is Power (Repeatable)
(view spoiler)[
The Local Tavern is the bustling heart of the kingdom—a perfect spot to swap stories, share tips, and uncover secrets about quests and monsters. Heroes have gathered here since time immemorial to trade their knowledge and adventures. To encourage the spread of wisdom, there’s a reward for those who contribute valuable information to Ye olde FAQ.

Here’s how it works: draft your proposed addition and post it in the Local Tavern thread for review. Wait for confirmation from the mods or the Keeper of the Books account before submitting it to the FAQ. Alternatively, you can ask (in the Tavern) the Keeper of the Books to approve the drafts they like and have them post those directly. This approach saves you time and ensures that the final post in the Ye Olde FAQ thread aligns with all the game's rules and guidelines.

You will earn 1 XP and 1 Gold for each of up to 3 drafted FAQ posts you submit in the Local Tavern. The reward applies regardless of whether your drafts are ultimately approved or posted in the Ye Olde FAQ thread. Your effort to enhance the game for everyone is what truly deserves recognition! This quest can be repeated every 3 months—so keep those insights flowing! (hide spoiler)]

Impress the Queen (Repeatable)
(view spoiler)[Queen Skye is restless. The same routine of battling familiar monsters, the Notice Board void of thrilling new quests, and the shops stocked with the same uninspired goods have left her longing for excitement. She yearns for something fresh to bring life back to the kingdom.

Help the queen by suggesting:
1/ a new quest,
2/ a new monster, and
3/ a new item to buy in Jack's store or another update to Jack and Jill's Caravan Hill.

You can collect your reward after sharing your ideas in the Melting Pot thread. You can repeat the quest once every 6 months.

Reward: Receive 5 XP for a suggestion. Additional Reward for sharing all three ideas: 1 Potion Token. (hide spoiler)]

New Year, Same Me (Repeatable)
(view spoiler)[Another year has come and gone, and Queen Skye is staring at a toppling stack of her TBR from the past year that she never got to. It’s so tall now that it touches the ceiling and threatens to flood the room with pages. You can help her by reading some of these books and providing a TLDR.

This is a literary awards challenge!
Choose 1 year and read 5 winners and/or nominees from a single established literary award (e.g., Pulitzer, Hugo, Booker Prize, or Goodreads Choice Awards). Share a mini-review of your favorite in the Local Tavern thread.

!!! Only fresh books can be used for this quest!!! (i.e. read after publication of the quest)

Reward: 5 XP and either 1 Book Glue or 1 magical Book Cover – your choice. Can be repeated once every month.

Book Glue - Glues 2 books together to make a bigger book with the combined total of pages. Book Cover - Combines 2 books to create a book that has a combined serial number. (hide spoiler)]

Should I Know This? (Repeatable)
(view spoiler)[Do you have burning questions about the game? Perhaps some rules seem as mysterious as a wizard’s shopping list, or a magical item's properties are as vague as a prophecy. Now’s your chance to ask!

Ask 3 questions about any of the following in the Local tavern:
• Rules or game mechanics
• Unclearly worded tasks
• Properties of weapons, equipment, or magical items
• Anything else that seems puzzling

Your Feedback Matters! If something is unclear, we want to know. With your help, we can reword confusing rules, clarify task descriptions, or expand the Ye Olde FAQ thread with explanations that will help other players.

Reward: 1 XP + 1 Gold for each question you submit (up to 3 questions per round). This task is repeatable every 3 months, because as the game evolves, new questions are bound to arise. (hide spoiler)]

Cheep-skate: a Budget-Friendly Bounty
(view spoiler)[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!” (hide spoiler)]

Twice Upon a Title
(view spoiler)[
As you wander through the bustling streets of the Novel Kingdom, you stumble upon a peculiar little shop. Its sign reads: “Twice Upon a Title – Where Stories Meet Their Match.” Intrigued, you step inside, only to find shelves brimming with books that seem eerily similar. A cheerful gnome with glasses perched on the tip of his nose pops up from behind the counter.

“Ah, a fellow book lover!” he exclaims. “Welcome to my humble shop of duplicates, doppelgängers, and downright strange coincidences. I specialize in books that share the exact same title but couldn’t be more different in story, genre, or tone. Fascinating, isn’t it? Two tales, one name! I call it... book twinning!”

“Care to join me in celebrating the beauty of title twins? Find pairs of books with the same title, read them both, and marvel at how wildly different they can be—or how surprisingly similar! Complete my challenge, and I’ll reward you with something truly unique.”

• Read 3 pairs of books that share the same title. (Example: The Gift by James Patterson and The Gift by Cecelia Ahern). Twins must be written by different authors.
• Report your twin books titles in the Local Tavern.
• Read a book where twins are the main characters.
• Read a book where a character sells something or works in a shop.

For completing this quest, you’ll receive 10 XP and one of Sir Bargainbeak’s Lucky Feathers. How the gnome got his hands on it is a mystery—one you decide not to investigate. It’s probably better that way. (Sir Bargainbeak’s Lucky Feather grants you a 50% discount on 1 item purchase from Jack’s Store.)

Note: If a book has a subtitle, you may ignore it. (hide spoiler)]

Until the mods update the original posts, here (and on the Notice Board) is the update to this thread:

Updates Starting 1/1/25
Hear ye, hear ye! Jill of Caravan Hill is spreading her wings—quite literally! She’s proud to announce the grand opening of her Falconry School, where adventurers can learn the art of falconry and train majestic birds of prey. Whether you seek a loyal messenger or a sharp-eyed scout, Jill’s feathered friends are ready to soar into action. Enroll today and take your first step toward mastering the skies!

Jill's Falconry School
In the shadow of Caravan Hill, where the rolling countryside meets the wild winds of the open skies, lives Jill, wife of Jack, the merchant. Renowned throughout the Novel Kingdom for her unmatched skill in training beasts, Jill has declared that no hero is truly complete without a loyal falcon at their side. "A falcon’s keen eye and swift flight," she proclaims, "can turn the tide of any battle, if only one is wise enough to train it." Thus, she opened a falconry school, offering the art of falconry to worthy adventurers—provided they have their own falcon, a sturdy falconry glove, and the resolve to master the skies.



!!!A hero must have their own falcon and a falconry glove to start falconry training!!!

Beginner Hunting Skills
This class teaches your falcon how to be an asset to you in battle.
• Spell out the word HUNT using spell-it-out rules.
• Read 3 books that feature a real bird of prey in the text. It must be an actual bird—no spaceships like the Millennium Falcon or metaphorical hawks keeping watch. Only the genuine talons-and-feathers kind will do!
• Read 2 books with a person or an animal flying in them.
• Read a book with countryside on the cover (e.g. fields, meadows, or forests).
• Provide 12 pieces of Mouse Meat as rewards for your falcon.

Receive 1 Beginner Hunting Certificate for completing all tasks. Your falcon now has 1 attack every other turn of battle (i.e. 1 AP in round 1, 1 AP in round 3, 1 AP in round 5, ...).

Note: To get your own falcon you have to complete Here Birdy Birdy quest. To get a Falconry Glove head to the Jack's Store and order one.

Jack's Store - Jack's adding new article to his selection:
• Falconry glove - For many moons, you've pleaded with Jill to train your falcon in the ways of battle, and at long last, she agrees—on one condition: you must possess the proper gear. Thankfully Jack knows a skilled leather smith capable of crafting a custom falconry glove just for you. The price is steep, and the materials must be gathered—80 gold coins and 5 Kindlecorn pelts—and you must allow the artisan ample time to work his craft. Once ordered, you’ll wait four weeks for the glove, but remember, it must be worn in battle, and only one type of glove may adorn your hand at a time.

• Low on funds? If you own valuable books, Jack might be your solution. Visit Jack's Classifieds to see if your treasures match what he’s after!

Jack's Classifieds
Jack is searching for specific items to fulfill requests from neighboring regions.
Ads can only be answered during the time period they are posted.

Each ad may be answered only once per person. You will earn 3 Gold for every 1 book sold. However, no more than 5 books can be sold per month.

2025 January to March Classifieds
• Book with a character who is a detective or investigator
• Book featuring a large, sprawling family
• Book where the setting takes place in the future
• Book where the protagonist faces a natural disaster
• Book with a map or guidebook referenced in the plot
• Book with a character who has a pet
• Book with a plot revolving around a treasure hunt
• Book set in a different time period than your own
• Book with a significant scene in a library or bookstore
• Book with a character who has a hidden talent or skill
• Book that takes place in multiple locations or countries
• Book where food plays an important role in the story
• Book with a title that is a question
• Book that includes a significant journey by sea
• Book with a character who is a healer or doctor
• Book where the protagonist has to solve a puzzle or riddle
• Book with a cover that features an animal
• Book where the main character is an orphan or has no family
• Book that explores the concept of time travel
• Book set in a fictional or made-up world

🎉 A Very Happy New Year, Brave Adventurers of the Novel Kingdom! 🎉

May your quests be thrilling, your books ever captivating, and your swords and spells sharp enough to vanquish even the trickiest of plot twists! Here's to a year filled with daring adventures, magical discoveries, and, of course, well-earned XP and glittering treasures.

Raise a goblet of Pixie Punch and let’s toast to the stories yet to be written—may they be as legendary as the heroes who live them. Onward to a fantastic new chapter! 📚✨

The January update is officially live in the Notice Board thread! A few features—like Jack's store, the Classifieds, and the new spell—require the mods' assistance to update their respective threads, so please bear with us during the transition. In the meantime, rely on the information posted on the Notice Board.

And one final reminder: don’t miss out on claiming your Christmas present! January 1st is your last chance to do so. (view spoiler)[You get 1 Santa Coupon for saying hi in the Local Tavern. Easy peasy! (hide spoiler)]🎄✨