The Challenge Factory discussion

Let's defeat my reading slump & complete at least some of my favorite reading challenges in 2025!

MY GROUPS:

Star Wars Legends Fan Group
SW Mod Group
Jane Austen's Books & Adaptations


A Novel Role-Playing Game folder
NBRC RPG - Lady Zuzana
Queen Skye's Council


Books I want to read in April: ✔✔✔




at least 1/2 of this chunkster:

2025 Dumpster: (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)]

BOOKS BOUGHT IN 2025:
(eBay)


(knihkupectví)


Kindle (for free):


Kindle (for money)
($1.99, RP: $11.99) ($1.32, RP: $9.99) (-83% $1.99) ($1.99, RP: $12.99) ($3.14) (-82% $3.99) ($4.99) ($8.51)✔ ($5.99, RP: $16.99) ($5.99, RP: $16.99) ($3.99, RP: $10.99) ($2.99, RP: $8.99) ($2.99, RP: $8.99) ($2.99, RP: $8.99) ($1.99)

Audible (for credits):
✔

Gifts:



★★★★★
✔✘
::in progress::

📚 books
🎧 audiobooks
🎬 movies
📺 TV shows
📻 radio plays, audio dramatizations
🎭 theatrical adaptations
💡 documentaries
👨‍🎓 lectures
👨‍🎓👨‍🎓 debates
🧑🏻‍🎤 podcasts

MY READING PROMPTS FOR 2025

PHYSICAL BOOKS I OWN:

GOODREADS TBR: (2020), (2020), (2021),

800+ PAGES BOOKS:

STAR WARS BOOKS:


JANE AUSTEN BOOKS:

COMIC BOOKS:


CZECH BOOKS/TRANSLATED INTO CZECH:

Zuzana's Jedi Academy Challenge
Start Date: Oct 1, 2024
Books read: 14
Current Rank: Jedi Master
(view spoiler)[Force Sensitive = 1-4 books
Jedi Initiate = 5-7 books
Jedi Padawan = 8-10 books
Jedi Knight = 11-13 books
Jedi Master = 14-16 books
Chosen One = 32 books (every task twice)
The Force itself = 64 books (special rules for this one - see bellow) (hide spoiler)]
Category: Maverick - Both Legends and New Canon

Original Tasks:
1. Read a SW stand-alone book.
1/12/25 8/7/25
2. Read a SW book that's part of a series.

3. Read a SW short story anthology or a SW short story collection.
4. Read a SW comic book collection.
5. Read a novelization of a SW movie/ TV show.
1/26/25
6. Read a graphic novelization of a SW movie/ TV show.
7. Read a middle-grade or a young adult SW book.
12/6/24
8. Read a book set anytime before The Phantom Menace.
11/1/24
9. Read a book set during the prequel movies era.
10. Read a book set in the interim between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.
1/5/25
11. Read a book set during the Original Trilogy.

12. Read a book set after Return of the Jedi.
11/21/24
13. Read a book with a male main character other than Luke, Han, Obi-Wan and Anakin/Vader.
12/30/24
14. Read a book with a female main character other than Leia (and Rey).

15. Read a book with Luke, Han, Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader or Leia (or Rey) as the main character
2/15/25
16. Read a non-fiction book on the history of SW, its pop culture significance or making of the movies or a biography/memoir of a member of SW cast or crew.
3/1/25 5/17/25

Bonus tasks:
1. Re-read a SW book you loved (rated 4 or 5 stars).

2. Give another chance to a SW book you didn't enjoy (rated 1 or 2 stars, or DNF'd).
11/2/24
3. Read a SW comicbook omnibus (or equivalent of one).
4. Read a next installment of a SW series you started reading during the challenge.
5. Read a SW book by a new-to-you author.
(Joe Schreiber) 10/28/24 (Greg Bear) 11/10/24 (Delilah S. Dawson)

***

A Novel Role-Playing Game folder
NBRC RPG - Lady Zuzana

unnasigned books:
Be My Baby by Ken Ludwig 1/8/25
Star Wars: The Truce at Bakura by Kathy Tyers 1/12/25
Star Wars: Labyrinth of Evil by James Luceno 2/15/25
Josef Mareš: Moje případy z 1. oddělení by Martin Moravec 2/19/25
Becoming by Michelle Obama 3/26/25
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change: P/V/G Vocal Selections Piano, Vocal and Guitar Chords by Jimmy Roberts 4/3/25 (80 pages)
1984: An Audible Original adaptation by Joe White 5/2/25
Kde kvete tráva by Han Kang 5/8/25
George Lucas: Život stvořitele Star Wars by Brian Jay Jones 5/17/25
Saturnin by Zdeněk Jirotka 5/22/25
Punts by Sarah Page 5/26/25
And Away... by Bob Mortimer 6/27/25
Jane Austen's Families by June Sturrock 7/5/25
Jane Austen's Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector's Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend by Rebecca Romney 7/10/25
Love And Freindship: And Other Early Works Of Jane Austen by Jane Austen 7/12/25
As If!: The Oral History of Clueless as told by Amy Heckerling and the Cast and Crew by Jen Chaney 7/15/25
The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith 7/20/25
Emma by Jane Austen 8/1/25
The Georgian Gentleman by Michael Brander 8/1/25
As You Like It by William Shakespeare 8/12/25
The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole 8/29/25

[8/29/25]

Vegetariánka by Han Kang 5/10/25
Euphoria by Lily King 5/22/25
Utrpení mladého Werthera by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 7/8/25
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare 7/10/25
The Gorgeous Georgians by Terry Deary 7/31/25
The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe 8/19/25
Le Morte D'arthur by Thomas Malory 8/27/25

Magic Staff Upgrade 0/22

(view spoiler)[
#1:
#2:
#3:
#4:
#5:
#6:
#7:
#8:
#9:
#10:
#11:
#12:
#13:
#14:
#15:
#16:
#17:
#18:
#19:
#20:
#21:
#22:
(hide spoiler)]

Bestselling Bulwark of a Booktress QUEST COMPLETE
✔Prerequisite: You have to have a house.
Read:
✔ 4 books that have 1,000+ pages:
Le Morte D'arthur by Thomas Malory (1,008 pages) 8/27/25
Duplication Potion: Le Morte D'arthur by Thomas Malory (1,008 pages) 8/27/25
Book (1,003 pages) 8/29/25 = (The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe (875 pages) 8/19/25 + The Gorgeous Georgians by Terry Deary (128 pages) 8/1/25 + Book Glue
Duplication Potion: Book (1,003 pages) 8/29/25
✔ 4 books with 10,000+ reviews on GR:
Utrpení mladého Werthera by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (10,700+ reviews) 8/8/25
Euphoria by Lily King (10,090 reviews) 8/8/25
Duplication Potion: Utrpení mladého Werthera by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (10,700+ reviews) 8/8/25
Duplication Potion: Euphoria by Lily King (10,090 reviews) 8/8/25
✔ 4 books with 100,000+ ratings on GR:
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (192k ratings) 7/10/25
Vegetariánka by Han Kang (334k ratings) 5/10/25
Duplication Potion: Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (192k ratings) 7/10/25
Duplication Potion: Vegetariánka by Han Kang (334k ratings) 5/10/25
Hero: - 1 Book Glue, - 6 Duplication Potions
Reward: + 4 XP + 1 Fence (Negates one attack point from your enemy's attacks.)
Hero: LVL 15| HP: /44|| Sword: LVL 5 | Magic Staff: LVL 21+1 (AP: 31+B+cat+falcon) | XP:

Title Twins:
(view spoiler)[


(hide spoiler)]

**

(view spoiler)[1. Start fresh.
Read 2 books from a new to you author and 1 book published this year.
Reward: 5 XP. (hide spoiler)]

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.

(view spoiler)[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. (hide spoiler)]

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.

(view spoiler)[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. (hide spoiler)]

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.

(view spoiler)[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. (hide spoiler)]

10. Pick up a number and stick with it. 0/12
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.

*REPEATABLE QUESTS

Halloween Exchange - Repeatable

- a book made into a movie or a novelization:
MOVIE: (year of release, directed by )
+BONUS - Halloween Costumes: character of X

- Bulk Exchange - bonus rates
47 goblin bones = 20 gold
47 bat wing = 2 Minor Poison Potions
47 rat tails = 2 Major Heal Potions
12 kindlekorn pelts = 2 Weapon Enhance Potions
7 merely kat pelts = 2 Damage Potions
H: + 20 gold, + 2 Minor Poison Potions, + 2 Major Heal Potions, + 2 Weapon Enhance Potions, + 2 Damage Potions

When Two Become One - Repeatable
1 Egg
1 Goblin Bone
1 Book with a main character whose first or last name starts with S:

Reward: 1 Book Glue (Glue 2 books together to make a bigger book with the combined total of pages)


Teach a Knight to Fish, Part 2: Fish! - Repeatable
Find 3 of the following words in one or more books. (Multiple words may be found per book, books may not be used for anything else. Word must be exact, plurals are accepted but no other versions.)
• Fish
• Reel
• Rod
• Bait
• Bite
• Lure
• Tackle
• Cast
Reward: 1 Fish (Feed a fish to your cat to double their attack power for a week)

Impress the Queen - Repeatable (every 6 months) - next: 12/8/25
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,
4/ share your ideas in the Melting Pot thread.
Reward: 5 XP for a suggestion. Additional Reward for sharing all three ideas: 1 Potion Token.

Stress Relief

Kitty:
• Make a cat teaser with 1 goblin bone, 3 rat tails, and 3 nuts. (Find Items Potion works for the rat tails and nuts.)
• Read a book with catnip in the text.
• Read a book with a chase (car chase for example).
• Read a book with a feline in it to find your inner kitty.

Falcon: Must have slingshot to shoot treats.
• Exercise your falcon by flinging 3 bear meat and 3 mouse meat. (Find Items Potion works for the meats.)
• Read a book with some sort of eyesight improving item on cover (glasses, monocle, telescope, etc) so you can be ready to aim.
• Read a book with a large open space on the cover so you will have somewhere to play.
• Read a book with a bird in it to find your inner falcon.

For each pet played with receive 5 experience, 1 Heal Potion and 1 Pet Plus Potion.

A Nap is Always a Good Idea

First you find 2 trees near each other with a book with at least 2 trees on the cover.
Then construct a rope ladder with 5 goblin bones and 12 rat tails to bind them together.
Finally, weave together 10 bat wings to form the perfect hammock.
Afterwards take a wonderful nap for a full heal and 10 experience.

Intermediate Fetch 0/10

Requires Beginner Fetch Certificate.
• a book with gold in the title or series.
• a book with silver in the title or series.
• a book with a dog on the cover.
• a book with a pet dog.
• a book with someone searching for something.
• 3 books with food on the cover.
• a book where someone is in training for something.
• a book with a silver cover.
✔ 15 Goblin bones

Receive 1 Intermediate Fetch Certificate for completing all tasks. Your dog will now fetch 2 gold coin every Sunday. (Replaces beginner fetch.)

***

Drew Karpyshyn

1. https://starwarsreport.com/2012/12/23...
(lots of questions on Annihilation)
on Path of Destruction:
(view spoiler)[12. Speaking of dealing with continuity, there was a great deal of controversy in fandom over Darth Bane: Path of Destruction when its take on the Battle of Ruusan differed (sometimes marginally, sometimes quite a bit) from the way the tale had been told five years earlier in Darko Macan’s Jedi vs. Sith. How was the decision made to alter those events, and to what extent were you given freedom to write beyond the constraints of that prior version of events?

DK- I think the so called controversy was actually blown way out of proportion. A few minor details were changed to make the flow of events work for the novel, and a small handful of fans became very vocal about the changes. However, I think it’s much more important to capture the spirit and intent of an original work than to make sure every minor detail is exactly the same. That can limit the creation of new works so severely that you sacrifice an enjoyable reader experience. It’s a difficult line to walk, but it’s something every author in Star Wars has done (sometimes on purpose, sometimes by accident). It’s just part of working in such a massive and highly detailed world, and I think most fans understand that. (hide spoiler)]

2. audio interview 2014 SW bookworms #26
https://starwarsreport.com/2014/07/02...

3. https://www.eurogamer.net/the-writer-...

on KOTOR
(view spoiler)[
On Knights of the Old Republic, villains and LucasArts
Karpyshyn's Darth Revan and Darth Malak from Knights of the Old Republic are not only part of a story and game that's regarded as one of BioWare's best (9/10 Eurogamer) - they're part of a game that's considered one of Star Wars' best. Presumably, one does not simply dream up a Sith Lord overnight. So, how does a Revan come about?


The Darth Bane books written by Drew Karpyshyn.
"Revan evolved naturally over the course of working on the original Knights of the Old Republic game. It's difficult to say 'here's how we did it', because it was a long, collaborative process," Karpyshyn explained. "We thought about interesting iconic villains, we tried to imagine new twists on the idea of good vs evil, and we rewrote and reworked our ideas over and over. That's the BioWare process.

"We did have LucasArts approving things along the way, but the creativity came from BioWare. As for George Lucas himself, I don't know if he was involved in any way - I think he focuses more on the movies and television rather than video games."

By the time Karpyshyn joined BioWare in 2000, the contract to make Knights of the Old Republic - released in 2003 - "had already been put in place with LucasArts - so I don't even know who approached who first". Karpyshyn wasn't involved in the initial conversations about the game, but does remember LucasArts pooh-poohing one idea.


The extension of Revan's story, post-Knights of the Old Republic.
"Wow, you're asking me to recall the earliest meetings from over a decade ago? Keep in mind, I've done many, many projects since then - the creative origins and process for each project gets pushed down deeper and deeper with each new project. You can only store so much, so you have to 'flush' things regularly as a creative artist, otherwise you get stuck in a rut. So I can't honestly remember the beginnings in any kind of detail," he begun.

"I do remember we had thought about using clones in some way for the plot, but LucasArts killed that idea, since Attack of the Clones was already being planned and they didn't want us to tread in the same waters as the film."

As strong as Revan, Malak and Knights of the Old Republic turned out to be, there are many who preferred the characters of Obsidian-developed sequel, Knights of the Old Republic 2 - particularly Kreia, your mentor and guide. A diplomatic Karpyshyn admitted he was biased towards Malak and Revan, but acknowledged there had been "a number of great villains" in the series. He didn't mention any from Star Wars: The Old Republic, however, but he did mention Darth Bane - a character he created in novels for LucasArts.

Nevertheless, Karpyshyn regards Darth Vader above all others, as "probably the most iconic villain in Western cinematic culture and in sci-fi in general". (hide spoiler)]

4. Karpyshyn's blog post on difference between game Revan and book Revan
https://drewkarpyshyn.com/c/?p=239

5. https://roqoodepot.wordpress.com/inte...

6. https://roqoodepot.wordpress.com/2012...
on Revan's ending
(view spoiler)[I thought one of the interesting things with The Old Republic: Revan was that the ending wasn’t a happy ending. We don’t normally see that in Star Wars. Why did you go that route with it?

DK: I’ve had a lot of people comment on that. Obviously a lot of people were shocked by the ending, I don’t want to spoil too much just in case, but the thing about Revan is I’ve always thought his story was kind of a tragic story. That was sort of established when Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords came out because Revan had disappeared into the Unknown Regions and no one had heard from him, so obviously something had gone wrong. If things were fine, people would have heard from him. He wouldn’t have abandoned his friends, left them behind, and not told them. So I think right from that people should’ve known this is not a happy “he’s going to come back and everything will be fine” type of story. That wasn’t the tone they set and I didn’t think that was the tone we wanted for that.

The other thing is it did allow me to have that Empire Strikes Back kind of an ending. There are some victories in there, it’s not a complete defeat, but it’s also not a complete victory and it kind of lets you know there’s more to come. Some of his tale was continued in The Old Republic MMO and even there they’ve left some doors opened. They haven’t completely closed them. So Revan is a tale that may continue on, it just happens we’re in a very dark chapter.

That was the other part of my question: do you think we’ll ever get a happy ending for him?

DK: It’s hard to say. It’s possible. I know a lot of fans kind of want to see that. Anyone who has played the MMO knows he’s kind of taken a strange journey since the novel. In the game, certain things have happen. I don’t know what the ultimate plans are for that. It’s one of those things that I think has to be approached very carefully. I think some fans want it but I also think it’s kind of thing you can’t just slap a happy ending on just because you want to. It would feel awkward. It’s something we’re just going to have to wait and see how that plays out. (hide spoiler)]

***quest ideas***

---swarm creature - pack of wolves - werewolf summons 2 wolves every turn (first wolves appear in turn 2). you can distract half of the wolves by throwing them a Snowflake arm, you have to do that every turn.
disease - ance the battle is over you notice that you've been wounded. infected by werewolf's bite --> until you're healed your AP and max HP are reduced by half.

F
U
L
L

M
O
O
N

---Silver bullet quest

---new mercenary: Mr Drosselmeyer - Toymaker (all gadgets -inanimate objects you own - double their effect.)
---new mercenary: House elf (all house-related or estate-realted objects double their effect.

---Help me build a snowman!
snow on the cover or in the title
3 books with a snowman, a Christmas tree, or a reindeer in the text
read a book shelved as Christmas for more than 24th times

----Mighty Tome of Magik
--Mighty Tome of Magik - Part 1 (Non-Repeatable)
- glue 3 Magik Books together (you will need 2 bottles of Book Glue)
- obtain a magical Book cover worthy of your new shiny Magik Tome
- read 3 fantasy books (either standalone books or from different series)
- read a book - with a feather or a quill on the cover to practice your caligraphy
- read a book of poetry to practice your incantations (100-page limit doesn't apply for this task)
- read a personal development book to work on your spell casting speed and efficiency.
--Mighty Tome of Magik - Part 2 (Repeatable)
only spells lovingly collected and written down in the Magik Tome get the AP bonus
-To write down a specific spell in the Tome you must:
- cast the spell in 5 separate battles after the quest was published
You can work only on 1 spell at a time. Once the spell is written down, you can start on another one.
Every spell written down in the Magik Tome has a +3 AP bonus to its base value.

***

The Knight’s Quest for the Enchanted Tome

(view spoiler)[A Royal Decree from Her Majesty, Queen Skye of the Novel Kingdom
Hark, valiant knights of the Novel Kingdom! The beasts of darkness—goblins, dropbears, brown bats, kelpies, fiery imps, and countless others—plague our lands, threatening all we hold dear. To defend the realm, you must embark on a noble quest: to forge the Magik Tome, a sacred artifact that holds the power to drive back the shadows. But beware! Merely uncovering the spells is not enough; their true strength lies in the mastery of their use and their careful inscription into the Tome. Do you have the courage, dedication, and discipline to undertake this epic challenge?

The Rules of the Quest
To complete the Magik Tome and defeat the monsters of the Novel Kingdom, you must:
1. Seek out 10 legendary books, each representing a spell of great power.
2. Cast each spell in 5 separate battles after the Queen’s decree (the publishing of this quest). Only then may the spell be lovingly inscribed into the Magik Tome.
3. Focus on one spell at a time. You may not begin work on a new spell until the current one has been written down.
4. For every spell successfully written in the Magik Tome, a +3 AP bonus is granted to its base value, imbuing it with lasting might.

Only through patience and perseverance will your Tome become a masterpiece of magical might!

The Spells to Be Forged and Their Challenges

1. The Spell of Shimmering Waters(To Douse the Fiery Imp)
- Book Requirement: A tale centered on water, oceans, or storms.
- Battle Description: Cast the spell in battles involving fiery or chaotic situations (e.g., conflicts fueled by rage or destruction).

2. The Vinebind Enchantment(To Snare the Goblins in the Forest)
- Book Requirement: A book that celebrates nature, forests, or plant magic.
- Battle Description: Use the spell in skirmishes set in wilderness settings or against foes known for cunning and mischief.

3. The Moonlit Mist Hex(To Bewitch the Kelpies of the Marsh)
- Book Requirement:A tale steeped in myths, legends, or magical creatures.
- Battle Description: Employ the hex in battles involving deception, illusions, or creatures tied to water or shadow.

4. The Chime of Echoes(To Scatter the Brown Bat Swarms)
- Book Requirement: A book where sound, music, or echoes of the past take center stage.
- Battle Description:Cast this spell in encounters where sound or communication plays a critical role.

5. The Cloak of Twilight Shadows(To Evade the Cunning Dropbears)
- Book Requirement:A tale of survival, stealth, or concealment.
- Battle Description:Use this magic in battles where evasion, speed, or subtlety are required to outwit a foe.

6. The Inferno Banishment Rune(To Subdue the Flames of Chaos)
- Book Requirement:A story ablaze with fire and destruction—tales of dragons, volcanoes, or fiery tempests.
- Battle Description:Wield this rune in fiery conflicts or against foes that burn with fury or destruction.

7. The Skybreaker’s Cry(To Challenge Beasts of the Air)
- Book Requirement: A tale of flight, creatures of the skies, or heavenly realms.
- Battle Description: Use the cry in aerial battles or skirmishes involving winged or high-flying foes.

8. The Veil of Dreaming Stars(To Disorient Night-Stalking Monsters)
- Book Requirement:A book exploring dreams, the stars, or cosmic mysteries.
- Battle Description: Cast the veil in battles against night-dwelling creatures or those that rely on confusion or illusions.

9. The Golden Aegis(To Guard Against All Beasts)
- Book Requirement: A story of courage and resilience, where the hero triumphs against overwhelming odds.
- Battle Description: Employ this spell in defensive or high-stakes battles where fortitude is key.

10. The Quill of Eternal Ink(To Complete the Enchanted Tome)
- Book Requirement: A tale of storytelling, writing, or the magic of books.
- Battle Description: Use this magic in a final, decisive battle to seal the Tome with eternal power.

Victory Conditions
- Upon completing each book, you must cast the corresponding spell in five battles and master its use. Only then can the spell be inscribed in the Magik Tome.
- Record your progress as though you were writing the Tome itself: reflect on the story, the lessons you learned, and how the spell proved its worth in combat.
- Once all 10 spells are written down, your Tome will become a beacon of magical power, fortified by the +3 AP bonus for every spell inscribed within.

The Final Word from Queen Skye
Rise, noble knight, and take up this most sacred of quests! By your hand, the Magik Tome shall become the kingdom’s salvation, and your name will be sung through the halls of time. Go forth with courage and wit—may the monsters tremble before the strength of your words and the power of your spells! (hide spoiler)]

Another version
(view spoiler)[
A Royal Decree from Her Majesty, Queen Skye of the Novel Kingdom

Hear ye, brave knights of the Novel Kingdom! A darkness creeps across our fair realm, as fearsome beasts—goblins, dropbears, brown bats, kelpies, fiery imps, and other horrors—prowl unchecked, threatening our peace. Only a tome imbued with spells of great power can drive back these monsters and restore harmony to the land. Thus, by the command of Queen Skye, you are charged with a noble quest: to seek out ten sacred texts, each containing the essence of a spell needed to complete this enchanted tome. Take up your banner, steel your resolve, and let this quest begin!

The Knight’s Path to Glory
To craft the tome and fulfill the quest, you must journey through the lands of literature, reading ten books that embody the magic required to combat the beasts of the realm. Each book represents a spell that must be inscribed into the tome, its power drawn from the knowledge and tales within its pages. Beware, for this quest will test your mettle, your mind, and your dedication.

The Spells to Be Crafted and Their Challenges

1. The Spell of Shimmering Waters(To Douse the Fiery Imp)
Seek a book that flows with the power of water—a tale of oceans, rivers, or storms. The wisdom of the waves shall grant you the means to extinguish the imp’s unholy flames.

2. The Vinebind Enchantment(To Snare the Goblins in the Forest)
Delve into a story where the wilds reign supreme, where nature’s power entwines all. Through this tome, the magic of the forest will spring forth to entangle your foes.

3. The Moonlit Mist Hex(To Bewitch the Kelpies of the Marsh)
Find a book steeped in ancient myths or magical creatures. Its pages shall grant you the mystic knowledge to outwit these treacherous beings of the deep.

4. The Chime of Echoes(To Scatter the Brown Bat Swarms)
Quest for a book where music, sound, or echoes of memory hold sway. From its verses, you will craft a melody that scatters the dark-winged terrors.

5. The Cloak of Twilight Shadows(To Evade the Cunning Dropbears)
Unearth a tale of survival, stealth, or concealment. The secrets within will teach you the art of vanishing beneath the shroud of twilight, safe from their ambush.

6. The Inferno Banishment Rune(To Subdue the Flames of Chaos)
Seek a book ablaze with fire and fury—a tale of destruction, dragons, or volcanic wrath. Its fiery wisdom will forge a spell to smother even the fiercest infernos.

7. The Skybreaker’s Cry(To Challenge Beasts of the Air)*
Climb to the heights of adventure and take wing with a tale of flight, whether through the skies or among creatures of the heavens. Its power will bring even the loftiest foes to heel.

8. The Veil of Dreaming Stars(To Disorient Night-Stalking Monsters)
Search for a story spun from dreams, stars, or the mysteries of the cosmos. From its otherworldly pages, weave an enchantment that confounds creatures of the night.

9. The Golden Aegis(To Guard Against All Beasts)
Take up a book of bravery, where courage and resilience triumph over shadow. This spell will armor your spirit, fortifying you against the darkest of threats.

10. The Quill of Eternal Ink(To Complete the Enchanted Tome)
Lastly, uncover a tale of writing, storytelling, or the magic of books themselves. Its essence shall inspire your hand as you pen the final spell, sealing the tome’s power for eternity.

The Knight’s Code
1. Record Your Progress: Upon completing each book, inscribe your thoughts as though writing the spell into the enchanted tome. Reflect on the magic and power you’ve uncovered.
2. Share Your Journey: Gather with fellow knights in your court (or book club) to share the trials and triumphs of your quest.
3. Present the Tome: When all ten books are read, and the spells transcribed, declare your victory and the completion of the enchanted tome. Celebrate with a feast of words, knowing the Novel Kingdom is safe once more!

Go forth, gallant knight! Let the monsters of the land tremble, for the magic of stories will prevail! The Novel Kingdom awaits your triumph. (hide spoiler)]

Yet another version
(view spoiler)[Proclamation from Queen Skye
Brave knights and loyal scholars of the realm, a great quest awaits those of stalwart heart and sharp wit! To fend off the encroaching terrors—goblins, dropbears, brown bats, kelpies, fiery imps, and other monstrous foes—the creation of an enchanted tome is imperative. By the decree of Queen Skye, you are called to read 10 tomes of wisdom and adventure, each containing the essence of a spell needed to banish the dark forces threatening the kingdom. Will you rise to the challenge and forge the magic that will save us all?

The Knight's Challenge
To craft the enchanted tome, the knight (you!) must seek and absorb the knowledge hidden within 10 magical books. Each book you read corresponds to one spell that will empower the tome, transforming it into a weapon against the realm’s most fearsome creatures. Choose your books carefully; they must align with the spells below, each tied to a monster roaming the land.

The 10 Spells and Their Requirements

1. Spell of Shimmering Waters (To Defeat the Fiery Imp)
- Read a book that features water or oceans as a central theme.
(Suggestions: A tale of pirates, a quest beneath the waves, or a stormy seafaring adventure.)

2. Vinebind Enchantment (To Trap Goblins in the Forest)
- Read a book with a focus on nature, forests, or plant magic.
(Suggestions: Stories of woodland creatures, enchanted groves, or botanical wonders.)

3. Moonlit Mist Hex (To Foil the Kelpie)
- Read a book featuring myths, legends, or magical creatures.
(Suggestions: Tales inspired by folklore, fantastical beasts, or ancient mythology.)

4. Chime of Echoes (To Disperse the Brown Bat Swarms)
- Read a book with themes of sound, music, or echoes of the past.
(Suggestions: Stories of musicians, haunted harmonies, or voices across time.)

5. Cloak of Twilight Shadows (To Elude the Dropbears)
- Read a book involving survival, stealth, or the art of hiding.
(Suggestions: Thrilling escapes, wilderness survival, or rogue-like adventurers.)

6. Inferno Banishment Rune (To Quell the Flames of Chaos)
- Read a book with fire or destruction at its heart.
(Suggestions: A tale of dragons, volcanic lands, or fiery battles.)

7. Skybreaker’s Cry (To Frighten Away Airborne Foes)
- Read a book with themes of flight or the skies.
(Suggestions: Stories of winged creatures, daring aviators, or heavenly realms.)

8. Veil of Dreaming Stars (To Confuse Night-Stalking Beasts)
- Read a book that explores dreams, the stars, or cosmic mysteries.
(Suggestions: Star-crossed adventures, journeys through space, or dreamlike odysseys.)

9. Golden Aegis (To Defend Against All Beasts)
- Read a book where courage or resilience triumphs over evil.
(Suggestions: Heroic sagas, epic battles, or inspiring tales of endurance.)

10. Quill of Eternal Ink (To Complete the Tome)
- Read a book about writing, knowledge, or the magic of storytelling itself.
(Suggestions: Stories of librarians, magical books, or authors with fantastical powers.)

Completing the Quest
- As you finish each book, record your thoughts or reflections as if you were inscribing the spell into the enchanted tome.
- Share your progress with fellow knights in your court (or book club) and recount the tales you’ve uncovered!
- When all 10 books are read, and the tome is fully crafted, present your completed quest in a celebratory gathering or post, declaring the Novel Kingdom safe once more!

May the light of Queen Skye’s wisdom guide you, noble knight. The fate of the Novel Kingdom rests in your hands! (hide spoiler)]

The Quest for the Arcane Tome
(view spoiler)[
In the enchanted lands of the Novel Kingdom, where monsters prowled beneath twilight skies, Sir Elric the Inkblade resolved to wield a weapon no knight had dared before—a tome of magical spells. By moonlit hours, he scoured forgotten libraries and bartered with reclusive sages, inscribing ancient runes and incantations into thick parchment bound in dragonhide. Each spell was a masterpiece, crafted not of steel but of syllables, capable of summoning storms to douse fiery imps or vines to ensnare shadowy wraiths. With his enchanted tome in hand, Sir Elric became a legend, a knight who conquered not through brute force but by weaving the very fabric of magic into the defense of his realm.

Greetings, brave Reader-Knight! The Novel Kingdom has fallen under siege by monstrous fiends, and only you can save it. To triumph, you must forge a legendary tome of magical spells by seeking knowledge from the realms of literature. Each book you read will grant you the wisdom to craft one spell. Complete the challenge by reading 10 books, each connected to the dangers and wonders of your quest. Arm your mind, for the fate of the realm depends on your journey!

The Path to the Arcane Tome
1. The Fireproof Spell: To defeat the fiery imp, you must study a tale where fire plays a central role.
(Book Prompt: Read a book featuring fire, flame, or dragons.)

2. The Shadowbane Rune: Wraiths and dark spirits haunt the kingdom—find light in the shadows by reading a story of darkness and redemption.
(Book Prompt: Read a dark fantasy or gothic novel.)

3. The Whispering Wind Charm: Learn to call the winds by reading a tale set in vast, open lands or focused on the power of nature.
(Book Prompt: Read a book where the setting is a key element of the story.)

4. The Binding Vines Spell: To entangle the forest beasts, you must seek wisdom in stories about flora and verdant magic.
(Book Prompt: Read a novel where plants, forests, or green magic are pivotal.)

5. The Iceheart Ward: Protect yourself against flame with knowledge of ice and cold.
(Book Prompt: Read a book set in a wintry or frozen world.)

6. The Siren’s Hymn: Learn the secrets of the sea and its creatures by reading tales of watery realms and oceanic wonders.
(Book Prompt: Read a book set at sea or involving magical water creatures.)

7. The Phoenix’s Revival Incantation: No knight survives without resilience—study a story of rebirth, hope, or transformation.
(Book Prompt: Read a book about overcoming adversity or personal growth.)

8. The Spell of Forgotten Tongues: Unearth ancient knowledge by reading a story steeped in history, lost languages, or mysterious artifacts.
(Book Prompt: Read a historical fantasy or a story involving ancient secrets.)

9. The Celestial Ward: Protect the kingdom from heavenly beasts by gazing skyward in a tale of stars, constellations, or celestial wonders.
(Book Prompt: Read a book about space, astronomy, or cosmic magic.)

10. The Final Spell of Unity: Forge harmony in the kingdom by reading a story about unlikely allies or the power of collaboration.
(Book Prompt: Read a book where teamwork or alliances are central to the plot.)

Rules of the Quest
- Complete the challenge by reading 10 books, each aligned to a spell prompt.
- Record the knowledge gained from each book by writing a short summary or reflection—these will form your Arcane Tome.
- Optional: Assign a title to each "spell" you craft from the books you read (e.g., Frostbane Hex for the ice-themed book).
- Share your progress with other Reader-Knights to inspire their own quests.

By the completion of your quest, you will have forged a mighty tome of spells, saving the Novel Kingdom and securing your place in legend. Onward, noble Reader-Knight, and may your mind be as sharp as any blade! (hide spoiler)]


- Water is strong against Fire
- Fire is strong against Earth
- Earth is strong against Air
- Air is strong against Water
- Life is strong against Death
- Death is strong against Life

Magical Monsters

Mudling (Timed) (5 attack, 22 health)

The Mudling is a mischievous earth-based monster formed from enchanted mud and clay. Found lurking near riversides, swamps, or muddy trails, these small, gnome-like creatures are often a nuisance, ambushing adventurers by hurling sticky blobs of mud to dirty their attire and damage their equipment.

Mudlings are strong against Earth spells, and weak against Fire magik which dries them out. You can't use a sword or staff to attack it, as they just split apart and reform afterwards. Once defeated, however, the Mudling stiffens and transforms into a slightly scary, mud-caked garden gnome. These creepy figures make for strange garden decorations, perfect for warding off future threats. Mudlings appear once every week.

Reward: 2 XP, 1 Garden Gnome



Jack's looking for specific stuff to buy!

Attention adventurers! Merchant Jack from Jack and Jill’s Caravan Hill is on the lookout for rare treasures dropped by the monsters you’ve defeated. Bring your spoils to Jack’s store, and he’ll exchange them for gold at fair rates. Jack values honest trade, so only the finest monster loot will do! Don’t let those hard-earned battle rewards go to waste—turn them into coin today!

Merchant Jack from Jack and Jill's Caravan Hill is interested in purchasing a batch of 4 Garden Gnomes from you for 3 Gold. After some spirited haggling, you manage to convince him to raise the price to 5 Gold. Huzzah for your excellent bargaining skills! Honestly, you can't fathom why anyone would want to buy such an ugly, slightly creepy thing. But hey, to each their own!




Rose Bush Seed for 20 Gold


Rose for 1 Gold

2025 DUSTY BOOKSHELF

November 2024:
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

December 2024:
✔ ✔

January:
✔ ✔ ✔

February:
✔ ✔ ✔

March:
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

April:
✔ ✔

May:
✔ ✔


June:
✔

July:
✔ ✔

August:


September:



Picked for me Nov '24 - Dec '25
✔ ✔- ✔ - ✔- ✔ - - ✔- ✔ ✔- - -

✔- ✔- - ✔- - ✔ - - - ✔-

Fiery Imp (Magical, Monthly)
Every round (starting from the first), the Fiery Imp summons two Little Flames to assist him. Strong to Earth spells, weak to Water magik.

Fiery Imp - 12 attack, 50 health
Little Flame - 5 attack, 5 health

Radagast, PPP, Damage Potion (in effect)

Fiery Imp's attack power: 12- Rocky 4 - shield 1= 7 AP
Little Flame's attack: 5 - Rocky 4 - shield 1= 0 ---> Adjusted to 1 AP
Splash (1 Kelpie Skin, 1 Pail of Water): Base Power= 10+1= 11
Fiery Imp is week to Water spells --> 11x2 + pets + Damage 3 = 25 + pets
Pets - 1st round: cat 12 + horse 4 + puppy 8 + falcon 4 = 28
Radagast means that the horse equipped with a horse rug brings its hero 2 area-of-effect hits per battle.

round 1
Fiery Imp calls 2 Little Flames to help him
Hero (Splash - area-of-effect > Fiery Imp, Little Flames #1 and 2): 50-53= dead, 5-53= LF #1 dead, 5-53= LF #2 dead
Hero: - 1 Kelpie Skin, - 1 Pail of Water
Hero: + 5 XP, + 1 Ember Shard, + 5 HP


regular battle:

Fiery Imp (Magical, Monthly) - 12 attack, 50 health
At the beginning of every round (starting from the first), the Fiery Imp summons two Little Flames (5 attack, 5 health) to assist him.
Strong to Earth spells but weak to Water magik.

hired mercenaries: the twins (double drops of common and timed monsters)

Fiery Imp's attack power: 12- Rocky 1 - shield 1= 10 AP
Little Flame's attack: 5 - Rocky 1 - shield 1= 3
Splash (1 Kelpie Skin, 1 Pail of Water): Base Power= 10+1 shard= 11 AP
Fiery Imp is week to Water spells --> 11x2 + pets = 22 + pets
Pets - 1st round: cat 3 + horse 1 + puppy 2 + falcon 1 = 7
Pets - 2nd round : horse 1 + puppy 2= 3
My horse is equipped with a horse rug --> the hero has 1 area-of-effect hit per battle.

round 1
Fiery Imp calls 2 Little Flames to help him
Hero (Splash > Fiery Imp): 50- 29= 21
Fiery Imp (AP 10): H-10=
Little Flame #1 (AP 3): H-3=
Little Flame #2 (AP 3): H-3=

round 2
Fiery Imp calls another 2 Little Flames to help him
Hero (Splash - area-of-effect hit > Fiery Imp, Little Flames #1, 2, 3, 4): 21- 25= Fiery Imp Dead, all Little Flames: 5-25= dead

Hero: - 2 Kelpie Skins, - 2 Pails of Water
Hero: + 5 XP, + 2 Ember Shards (twins), - 14 HP

Cloud Lurker
Description: A shadowy figure that hides within storm clouds, striking unsuspecting adventurers with icy rain and gale-force winds. Its ethereal nature makes it hard to hit with most attacks, but earth magic anchors it, forcing it out of the clouds and into range.
Abilities: Cyclone Blast, Ice Shards.
Weakness: Earth magic pulls it from the skies, shattering its connection to the clouds.

Cloud Lurker

Description:The Cloud Lurker is a mysterious and rare aerial monster that haunts stormy skies, blending seamlessly with the clouds. It takes on a shadowy, almost intangible form, with flickers of lightning coursing through its semi-transparent body. The creature has glowing white eyes that pierce through the gloom, and its elongated, wraith-like figure trails wisps of storm clouds behind it. Its presence is heralded by sudden thunderclaps and a chill wind, making adventurers uneasy long before they ever see it. The Cloud Lurker preys on those who wander too close to mountain peaks, ocean cliffs, or storm-ridden plains, striking swiftly before retreating back into the safety of the clouds.

Abilities:

Cyclone Blast: The Cloud Lurker summons a swirling vortex of wind, throwing its enemies off balance and scattering their equipment.

Ice Shards: It condenses moisture from the storm around it into razor-sharp ice projectiles that it hurls at its prey.

Storm Shroud: The creature temporarily vanishes into the surrounding clouds, making it difficult to target.

Lightning Strike: Channels a bolt of lightning at its enemies, causing significant damage and a chance of paralysis.

Weakness:While the Cloud Lurker thrives in the skies, it is highly vulnerable to earth magic. Spells that can pull it to the ground disrupt its ethereal connection to the storm clouds, forcing it into a tangible form where it becomes far weaker and easier to strike. Once grounded, the Cloud Lurker loses its ability to vanish into the clouds and suffers from reduced mobility.

Tactics to Defeat:
Adventurers should focus on grounding the Cloud Lurker with earth-based spells or weapons enchanted with earth magic. Its reliance on ranged attacks means getting it close to the ground and keeping it in melee range is critical. Shields and armor that resist lightning are also highly recommended.

Lore:Legends say the Cloud Lurker was once a guardian spirit of the skies, tasked with protecting the balance of weather in the kingdom. However, when an ancient mage attempted to harness its power to create perpetual storms, the spirit was corrupted, turning into the malevolent creature it is today. Now, it wanders stormy regions, attacking any who dare enter its domain. Some scholars believe that defeating a Cloud Lurker might release it from its curse, but others warn that doing so might anger the storm gods.

- - - - -

<*img src="https://i.imgur.com/*.jpg" height="200"/>

***

***

May the Fourth Be With You books: 2

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.
Star Wars: The Courtship of Princess Leia by Dave Wolverton 8/7/25
• 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:

D:
A:
R:
T:
H:

B: Baron, Mike: Star Wars: Heir to the Empire 5/3/25 - FIRST(OLDEST) BOOK
A:
N:
E:

Movies/Shows watched 5/3/25 or later:

Kitty’s Brigade Needs Backup

“Another one?” you ask, watching a crowd gather beneath yet another tree. The culprit this time: a disgruntled duck named Pickles, honking defiantly from a high branch. The townsfolk fire brigade—still mostly teenage lads with big hearts and little training—arrives huffing and puffing… only to realize someone borrowed their only ladder for a cider festival photo booth.

“We need real equipment,” sighs a soot-smudged teen named Jory. “Two proper ladders. A bucket. Maybe matching sashes, if you’re feeling fancy.” He looks at you. “You helped save Kitty. Think you can help us out once again?”

Your Tasks:
• Construct a short ladder using 3 overlapping book titles. The end of one book must overlap at least 3 letters with the beginning of the next.
• Construct a longer ladder using 5 overlapping book titles. Same rules: minimum 3-letter overlap between each.
• To provide the brigade with a bucket (essential for both fire safety and dramatic rescues), read a book by an author whose first or last name begins with B.

Example: *Shadow and Bone* → *Bone Gap* → *Gap Creek* = Short Ladder (3 Books)

Reward: +10 XP + 1 Shield Potion, and the undying gratitude of Pickles the duck (we assume). The brigade also insists on naming you Honorary Ladder Liaison, which is more ceremonial than useful, but does come with a shiny badge.

Rumor has it the town council may consider officially funding the brigade… if enough residents keep reading. So keep those ladders strong, reader.

Embrace the Different
It began with a group of quiet visitors. No fanfare. No trumpets. Just young scholars with ink-stained fingers and satchels full of books. They came from the distant coastlands, hoping to trade stories and recipes at the Novel Kingdom Market. Instead, they were met with puzzled stares and silence.

“They’re not from here,” the townsfolk whispered. “Their ways are different.”
“But their stories matter,” you replied.

The Royal Librarian, hearing of the incident, sends for you. “People fear what they don’t understand. Help us build a collection of voices that are often overlooked. Show the Kingdom that different doesn’t mean lesser—it means more.”

To accomplish this, you must complete the following tasks:
• Read 5 books where the main character is a minority in the country where the story is set. At least one book must be set in the country where you live now, and at least one must be set in a different country. (May include characters from immigrant families, marginalized ethnic groups, or underrepresented cultures within their setting.)
• Read a translated book originally written in a language other than your own. Stories travel differently across tongues—let one speak to you.
• For a personal reflection, share a brief passage (1–3 sentences) from one of your reads that made you think differently or feel deeply. Post it to the Local Tavern with a comment on why it stayed with you.

Reward: 10 XP + 5 Herbs + 1 Duplication Potion.

When you return to the Royal Library, your satchel is full of borrowed lives, hard truths, and shared laughter. “These are good stories,” says one of the foreign scholars, now surrounded by curious townsfolk and empty teacups. “And so are you.”

Kindlecorn Soup for the Spiritually Knackered - Part 3 (Repeatable)

!!! Only super fresh books can be used for this quest. A super fresh book is one read within the month prior to completing the quest. !!!

With the recipe now (somewhat legibly) transcribed into your book, it’s time to cook.
• You must have a cauldron and the recipe.
• Gather 5 Tree Branches to fuel the fire.
• Gather 5 Phoenix Feathers to ignite the fire with a flourish.
• Follow Dr Cottage's recipe and cook 1 cauldron of his delicious soup for your mercenaries.
Kindlecorn Strengthening Soup Recipe:

- 10 Kindlecorn Meats
- 5 Salt
- 5 Herbs
- 3 Carrots
- 3 Peas
- 1 Book with the word "weed" in the text
- 1 Spicy book (steamy, fiery, or just full of drama)
- 1 Book by an author whose first or last name starts with W (for water)

Reward: 1 Cauldron of Kindlecorn Soup – Doubles your hired mercenary’s strength for 1 battle.
(Note: Radagast, a staunch vegetarian and soup snob, will politely decline your meaty masterpiece.)

Important Notes:
• You can only cook 1 Kindlecorn Soup per calendar month.
• The soup spoils 30 days after being cooked.
• The Magical Pumpkin cannot duplicate Kindlecorn Soup.
• Curious about mercenaries who benefit from soup boosts? Visit the Ye Olde FAQ.

• Brown Bat - The brown bats are much prettier than the black bats because of their grace, stamina and ability to make a lovely bat leather hat. Brown Bats will flee from any hero level 11 and higher.
3 Attack 15 Health - Reward: 1 Experience, 1 Bat Wing

• Blood-sucking Brown Bat - Once just a mildly annoying flapper in the rafters of the Royal Book Barn, the Brown Bat has since evolved into something rather more sinister. Now puffed up with melodrama and thirsting for something a touch more vital than fine print, it swoops down with theatrical flair, latching onto its victims and draining both their strength and their patience. Each successful bite reduces the target’s max HP by 2. This weakening disease lingers for 30 days unless cured.
10 Attack 40 Health - Reward: 3 Experience, 1 Bat Wing

Hero: LVL 15| HP: 28/43|| Sword: LVL 5 | Magic Staff: LVL 21 (AP: 30+B+cat) | XP: 10,136


Radagast hired, PPP, cat (fish, Lucky 13 collar)

Evil Godmother
basic stats: 60 attack, 250 health
deductions from AP:
throw a romance book at her (Krampus Hates Christmas by Andi Van 6/8/25 (bought from Ray)) ---> base AP= 60/2= 30 AP
shield: -1 AP
Rocky: -4 AP (PPP, Radagast)
Evil Godmather's stats after deduction of maluses: 25 AP, 150 HP

Hero's power= Magic Staff + pets
Magic Staff: 21 + 2 bonus + 3 Orb + X Bauble = 26 + bauble
Pets' AP (Radagast, PPP, fish, Lucky 13 collar)
Pets - 1st round: cat 24 + horse 4 + puppy 8 + falcon 4 = 40
Pets - 2nd round, 4th round: horse 4 + puppy 8= 12
Pets - 3rd round, 5th round: horse 4 + puppy 8 + falcon 4= 16

1st round
EG steals the newest book from your tote ---> Hero: -1 book: The Beautifull Cassandra by Jane Austen 6/22/25
Hero attacks (MS + cat): 250 - (27+40)= 250 - 67= 183 AP
Hero attacks with slingshot (-2 nuts): 183-2= 181
EG attacks with a forceful kick: H - 25=

2nd round
Hero attacks (MS)= 181- (28+12)= 181-40= 141
Hero attacks with slingshot (-2 nuts): 141-2= 139
EG attacks with a forceful kick: H - 25=

3rd round
EG steals the second newest book from your tote ---> Hero: -1 book: Notes on Emma by Barbara Hayley 6/22/25
Hero attacks (MS)= 139- (29+16)= 139-45= 94
Hero attacks with slingshot (-2 nuts): 94-2= 92
EG attacks with a forceful kick: H - 25=

4th round
Hero attacks (MS)= 92- (30+12)= 92-42 = 50
Hero attacks with slingshot (-2 nuts): 50-2= 48
EG attacks with a forceful kick: H - 25=

5th round
EG steals the third newest book from your tote ---> Hero: -1 book: Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons by W. Haden Blackman 6/22/25
Hero attacks (MS)= 48- (31+16)= 48-47 = exactly 1 HP
EG attacks with a forceful kick: H - 25=

6th round
Hero throws a self-development book at the Evil Godmother (How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind: Dealing with Your House's Dirty Little Secrets by Dana K. White 4/15/25)---> She vanishes in a puff of glitter
You are victorious!

Hero: - 1 romance book: Krampus Hates Christmas by Andi Van
Hero: - 3 newest books in the tote: The Beautifull Cassandra by Jane Austen, Notes on Emma by Barbara Hayley, Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons by W. Haden Blackman
Hero: - 1 self-development book: How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind: Dealing with Your House's Dirty Little Secrets by Dana K. White
Hero: - 1 PPP, - 1 fish, - X heal potions


Hero: LVL 15| HP: 28/43|| Sword: LVL 5 | Magic Staff: LVL 21 (AP: 30+B+cat) | XP: 10,136

Jane Austen July 2025 Wrap-up - Part 1

✔1. Read one of Jane Austen’s six novels
Emma by Jane Austen

✔2. Read something by Jane Austen that is not one of her main six novels
Love And Freindship: And Other Early Works Of Jane Austen by Jane Austen

✔3. Read a non-fiction work about Jane Austen or her time
Jane Austen's Families by June Sturrock
Jane Austen's Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector's Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend by Rebecca Romney
The Georgian Gentleman by Michael Brander

✘4. Read a retelling of a Jane Austen book OR a work of historical fiction set in Jane Austen’s time
Jane Fairfax by Joan Aiken ::in progress::

✔5. Read a book by a contemporary of Jane Austen
The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith

✔6. Watch a direct screen adaptation of a Jane Austen book
Emma (1967 Spanish TV Series) - Director: Manuel Aguado, Cast: Lola Cardona, Arturo López

Emma. (2020 Movie) - Director: Autumn de Wilde, Cast - Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn

✔7. Watch a modern screen adaptation of a Jane Austen book (and other Austenesque media)
Fire Island (2022 Movie) - Director: Andrew Ahn, Cast: Joel Kim Booster, Bowen Yang
Emma Approved (2014 Web Series) - Writer/Director: Bernie Su, Cast: Joanna Sotomura, Brent Bailey
Emma Agenda (2018 Web Series) - Creator/Director: Jules Pigott, Cast: Selis Maria Vargas
Clueless (1995 Movie) - Writer/Director: Amy Heckeling, Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd
Jane Austen Regrets (2007 TV Movie) - Director: Jeremy Lovering, Cast: Olivia Williams
Pride&Prejudice: Having a Ball (2013 TV Documentary)
Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel (Innocence and Indolence) - a complete recording of one of the improvised comedy shows "in the style of the wondrous and witty Jane Austen".

Complete List of Emma Adaptations
(view spoiler)[
📺 TV Series & Miniseries
1️⃣ Emma (1967) – Spanish TV Series
- Director: Manuel Aguado
- Cast: Lola Cardona, Arturo López

2️⃣ Emma (1972) – TV Miniseries
- Director: John Glenister
- Cast: Doran Godwin, John Carson

3️⃣ Emma (2009) – TV Miniseries
- Director: Jim O'Hanlon
- Cast: Romola Garai, Jonny Lee Miller

---

🎬 Films
4️⃣ Clueless (1995) – Modern Adaptation
- Director: Amy Heckerling
- Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd

5️⃣ Emma (1996) – Feature Film
- Director: Douglas McGrath
- Cast: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam

6️⃣ Emma (1996) – TV Movie
- Director: Diarmuid Lawrence
- Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Mark Strong

7️⃣ Aisha (2010) – Bollywood Modern Adaptation
- Director: Rajshree Ojha
- Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Abhay Deol

8️⃣ Emma (2020) – Feature Film
- Director: Autumn de Wilde
- Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn

9️⃣ Lights, Camera, Romance (2021) – TV Movie (Modern Adaptation)
- Director: Brian Brough
- Cast: Monica Moore Smith, Dan Fowlks

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💻 Web Series & Musical Adaptations
🔟 Emma Approved (2014) – Web Series (Modern Adaptation)
- Writer/Director: Bernie Su
- Cast: Joanna Sotomura, Brent Bailey

1️⃣1️⃣ Paul Gordon's Emma, the Musical (2018) – Musical Film
- Composer & Lyricist: Paul Gordon
- Release Platform: StreamingMusicals.com

1️⃣2️⃣ Emma Agenda (2018) – Web Series (Modern Adaptation)
- Creator/Director: Jules Pigott
- Cast: Selis Maria Vargas (hide spoiler)]

[Love Magick (2023 Movie) - based on Emma
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19267150...]

Verified Spanish-Language Adaptations of Jane Austen's Works
(view spoiler)[
1. Emma (1967) – Spanish TV Mini-Series
Director: Manuel Aguado
Cast:
Emma Woodhouse: Lola Cardona
Mr. Knightley: Arturo López

2. Persuasión (1972) – Spanish TV Mini-Series
Director: Federico Ruiz
Cast:
Anne Elliot: Maite Blasco
Captain Wentworth: Juan Diego

3. La abadía de Northanger (1968) – Spanish TV Mini-Series
Director: Pedro Amalio López
Cast:
Catherine Morland: Lola Herrera
Henry Tilney: Pepe Martín

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@First_Impres... (hide spoiler)]

Webseries based on JA
(view spoiler)[
1. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries
2. Emma Approved
3. The Cate Morland Chronicles
4. From Mansfield with Love
5. Rational Creatures
6. Northbound
7. Elinor and Marianne Take Barton
8. Emma Agenda
9. Project Dashwood (hide spoiler)]

Chronologic list of Emma adaptations.
(view spoiler)[
1. Emma (1967)
Type: TV Series (Spanish)
Director: Manuel Aguado
Cast: Lola Cardona, Arturo López

2. Emma (1972)
Type: TV Mini-Series
Director: John Glenister
Cast: Doran Godwin, John Carson

3. Clueless (1995)
Type: Film (Modern adaptation)
Director: Amy Heckerling
Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd

4. Emma (1996)
Type: Film
Director: Douglas McGrath
Cast: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam

5. Emma (1996)
Type: TV Movie
Director: Diarmuid Lawrence
Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Mark Strong

6. Emma (2009)
Type: TV Miniseries
Director: Jim O'Hanlon
Cast: Romola Garai, Jonny Lee Miller

7. Aisha (2010)
Type: Film (Modern adaptation)
Director: Rajshree Ojha
Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Abhay Deol

8. Emma Approved (2014)
Type: Web Series (Modern adaptation)
Writer/Director: Bernie Su
Cast: Joanna Sotomura, Brent Bailey

9. Paul Gordon's Emma, the Musical (2018)
Type: Musical
Composer/Lyricist: Paul Gordon
Release Platform: Streaming Musicals

10. Emma Agenda (2018)
Type: Web Series (Modern adaptation)
Creator/Director: Jules Pigott
Cast: Selis Maria Vargas

11. Emma (2020)
Type: Film
Director: Autumn de Wilde
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn

12. Lights, Camera, Romance (2021)
Type: TV Movie (Modern adaptation)
Director: Brian Brough
Cast: Monica Moore Smith, Dan Fowlks (hide spoiler)]

Andrew Davies, a renowned British screenwriter, has written or co-written several notable TV and movie adaptations inspired by Jane Austen's works. Here is a list of these adaptations:
- Pride and Prejudice (1995)
- Emma (1996)
- Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
- Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)
- Northanger Abbey (2007)
- Sense and Sensibility (2008)
- Sanditon (2019–2023)

Victober


Non-fiction November

Fashionable novels, also called silver-fork novels, were a 19th-century genre of English literature that depicted the lives of the upper class and the aristocracy. William Hazlitt coined the term "silver fork" in an article on "The Dandy School" in 1827.[3] He characterized them as having "under-bred tone" because while they purported to tell the lives of aristocrats, they were commonly written by the middle-class.





The first English translation of Les Liaisons dangereuses, titled Dangerous Liaisons, appeared in 1812. The original French novel was published in 1782. The 1812 translation was done by Thomas Moore

The English translation of "Le Mariage de Figaro" (also known as "The Marriage of Figaro") by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, was first performed in London at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, in late 1784 or early 1785. The translation was done by Thomas Holcroft and titled "The Follies of a Day; or, The Marriage of Figaro".
The original French play was first produced in 1784 and first published in 1785, according to EBSCO. The English translation, by Holcroft, was published in 1785, the same year as the French publication. The play was quickly translated and performed in London, less than a year after its initial production in France.

What Jane Austen inspired movies/shows I watched in 2025 so far (January - July)

📺 Miss Austen (2025 TV Series) - Director: Aisling Walsh, Cast: Keeley Hawes, Jessica Hynes (based on Jane Austen's life)
📺 Emma (1967 Spanish TV Series) - Director: Manuel Aguado, Cast: Lola Cardona, Arturo López (adaptation of Emma)
🎬 Emma. (2020 Movie) - Director: Autumn de Wilde, Cast - Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn (adaptation of Emma)
🎬 Fire Island (2022 Movie) - Director: Andrew Ahn, Cast: Joel Kim Booster, Bowen Yang (based on Pride and Prejudice)
💻 Emma Approved (2014 Web Series) - Writer/Director: Bernie Su, Cast: Joanna Sotomura, Brent Bailey (based on Emma)
💻 Emma Agenda (2018 Web Series) - Creator/Director: Jules Pigott, Cast: Selis Maria Vargas (based on Emma)
🎬 Clueless (1995 Movie) - Writer/Director: Amy Heckeling, Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd (based on Emma)
📺 Jane Austen Regrets (2007 TV Movie) - Director: Jeremy Lovering, Cast: Olivia Williams (based on Jane Austen's life)
📺 Pride&Prejudice: Having a Ball (2013 TV Documentary) (documentary focused mostly on dancing, etiquette, music and food of the Regency era as displayed in Pride and Prejudice)
🎭 Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel (Innocence and Indolence) - a complete recording of one of the improvised comedy shows "in the style of the wondrous and witty Jane Austen". (an improvised stage performance based on Jane Austen's "vibes")

Alchemy That! Part II: The Spectral Brew

The Alchemist is asking for fresh ingredients as he brews the potion.
!!!Only fresh books can be used for this quest, i.e. read after 6/1/25!!!

1. The Essence of Past Battles
Read a book featuring a duel, battle, or fight scene.

2. Ghostly Whispers
Read a book with a ghost, spirit, or other spectral being in it.

3. Shadowed Memories
Read a book where a character mourns, grieves, or faces some kind of profound personal loss.

4. The Spark of Life
Read a book with lightning, storms, or electricity in its pages.

5. An Unwilling Sacrifice
Read a book collecting dust on your physical or virtual bookshelf for the minimum of 3 years.

Reward: 1 Re-animation Potion. Moreover, the Potion is now "unlocked" for purchase - it means you can buy it at Jack's Store if you can afford it. Mind that as a highly advanced potion it cannot be duplicated by the Magical Pumpkin.

Victober 2025:

The Open Door, and the Portrait by Mrs. Oliphant (84 pages) https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10052



Mary Louisa Molesworth (1839-1921)
- an English writer of children's stories who wrote for children under the name of Mrs Molesworth.[1] Her first novels, for adult readers, Lover and Husband (1869) to Cicely (1874), appeared under the pseudonym of Ennis Graham. Her name occasionally appears in print as M. L. S. Molesworth.

Molesworth is best known as a writer of books for children, such as Tell Me a Story (1875), Carrots (1876), The Cuckoo Clock (1877), The Tapestry Room (1879), and A Christmas Child (1880). She has been called "the Jane Austen of the nursery," while The Carved Lions (1895) "is probably her masterpiece."

An Enchanted Garden Fairy Stories by Mrs. Molesworth (1892)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/43127


Uncanny Tales by Mrs. Molesworth (1896)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35641


The Cuckoo Clock by Mrs. Molesworth (1877)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/28619


The Magic Nuts by Mrs. Molesworth (1898)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/39662


Jean Ingelow
Mopsa the Fairy by Jean Ingelow (1869) https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/32867
Wonder-Box Tales by Jean Ingelow


Juliana Horatia Ewing
Old-Fashioned Fairy Tales by Juliana Horatia Ewing
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/15592

Edith Nesbit
The Book of Dragons https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23661