I'm sorry, I misspoke. What I meant was that the cloud of death skill is the *best way*--not the only way to defeat some creatures because of it's longer range and the damage it does. There is one place coming up very soon (dungeon Covetous in Minoc) where magic will not work so you will need another way to deal with foes that aren't standing close to you. and don't forget to bring all the serpentwyne you have found along the way as well because poitions will not work there either.

Also--some creatures fly or swim and I found that this is a quicker way to deal with them.

You don't have to have a bow in your possession in order to learn archery skills (which is silly, i know) but there are a couple lying around in the bowyers house in Yew. If you haven't done so yet, go back and see Leon in Britain to learn the triple shot and then speak to Raleigh on Yew. Yes, Iolo is back at his house. He is around the side and up the ladder. you will hear him singing as you approach. He doesn't charge to teach you the last skill and he gives you a bow that is far superior to any that you can buy. (Longer range and more damage!) All you would need to buy is arrows, which are relatively inexpensive. you can also take any that you find along the way that may be lying on the ground.

i am sorry, i thought you said you had trained with 2 people in Britain. i must have dreamed it!

As far the staff is concerned, I wouldn't bother. I personally found them highly inefficient at dispatching foes. I only learned the skills just to see what I liked best.

OOOOHHHH and while i am thinking of it--while you are still in Vasagralem's house in yew, be sure to touch the red symbol on the table. the Gem of Death will magically appear. you can take it with you. it is supposed to increase damage during combat regardless of what fighting style you prefer! :-)

i really think you will be glad you did!! :-)

and remind me when you are ready to head to minoc--i have something i want to hip you to that you will definitely find helpful!! :-)

i actually have several--how much detail do you want me to divulge?.......

first, don't worry about killing Raxos. (the first citizen) he's a creep and you definitely need the key that he drops. there is a hatch in the floor of his house. you are going to need to move a chair to get to it. there is among other things, a necklace in the little hidden hole in the floor. take it!

did you get a "jade bracelet" or a "ghost bracelet" from a cave on your way to paws? if not--don't worry. you can speak to Irene at the outfitters and buy another one. she will also tell you about all the unpleasantness that has happened and all the riots and stuff. interesting background stuff. take the bracelet and the necklace to the crypt in the graveyard. it's behind the burned-out house. try to ignore the specter as best you can and go inside the crypt is a casket that is open and sticking out of the wall. drop the jewelry into the casket.

anyway, after you kill Raxos and get his key, you can open the door behind the guard. this will free Nico--the mage who has a shop in Britain AND he will give you the Orb of the Moons!! this will allow you to travel freely and quickly to any town that has a cleansed shrine--thus far that means Britain, New Magincia, Moonglow, and Yew. if you travel to another place, Raven will automatically be waiting for you at the nearest dock!

how's this for a start? let me know if you need any more info and let me know before you head to covetous. i have a couple more tips for you before you go.

Gringolet is a weapon. a cutlass to be precise.

have you found Julia's hideout yet?

Alara should have told you where Julia's cave is. you will find Gringolet if you turn around and go in the opposite direction. just follow the river......
have you spoken to Dayla yet?

she will tell you about "the bad night" and about how people stole stuff from the tomb and "won't give it back" i don't think i would have known to drop the jewelry unless i googled the answer. :-( i admit that i needed extra help with this part.


i'm trying to not be too explicit, as you requested.....