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1 Visit the ŷ������ blog: News & Interviews & check out at least 3 of their articles. (link to the articles you read & report on the most interesting one in The Local Tavern)
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This was my favorite since it listed backlist books that have stood the test of time. I find that some older books were written according to the current trends and do not resonate with me at this later time. I found this list, by genre, to be very helpful.

Megs wrote: "Greetings fellow adventurers!

In case anyone is thirsty, I wanted to let you know that my well is up and running!"

Great job, Megs!

Amazing Megs!

In honor of International Women's Day, a brand-new quest awaits you! Head over to the Notice Board thread to explore the details.

🌸 The Day of Women’s Wonders 🌸

There's also a rules clarification post about calculating enemy attack power. If you're up to date on the Local Tavern thread, there's nothing new to worry about.

Guys, many newer quests contain tasks that require you to share something, an announcement or a link or a book you used for the task, here in the Tavern. Don't forget to do that. The quest is not complete otherwise.

e.g. Cheepskate quest (you need to share the bargains), New Year, Same Me (mini-review of your favorite winner) or Digging for Relief (announcement that the well is built).

!!! Reminder to all adventurers: The Abominable Snowmen can only be battled from December 21st to March 20th! On March 21st, they melt away, not to return until next winter. !!!

If you’re planning to face these fearsome foes this season, you have only 11 days left—so don’t delay!

@zusanna Not sure if this has been mentioned and I’m posting from my phone browser so it’s hard to search, but is there an order of operations for reducing enemy AP?

It’s more powerful to do the divisions before the subtractions and that’s how math is usually done so it makes sense, but is it op?

Eg 15 AP
Rocky -1
Shield potion /2

(15-1)/2 = 7
15/2-1 = 6.5 round down to 6

Note: I think it only matters with odd APs

Ray, it's the first example. Rocky lowers the AP for the whole battle. Shield potion or the Blue Gem halve the resulting number (only) in the round its used. The subtract at the beginning of the battle and then divide only in the rounds it applies rule makes sense given how the stat changing objects work in this case.

Thanks for the questions BTW. I have someting to work with for the FAQ thread. :)

How have I absolutely forgot about my gems until now.... I need better notes ahhah

Rebecca wrote: "How have I absolutely forgot about my gems until now.... I need better notes ahhah"

Yeah, Rebecca, it's easy to forget, especially if some of them work only once a month. :)

BTW Working on an Easter-inspired quest.

Bahaha! My hp xp ends in 314, just in time for Pi Day (yesterday) :P :) :D

Ray (user2637) wrote: "Bahaha! My hp ends in 314, just in time for Pi Day (yesterday) :P :) :D"

You probably mean XP? And that's way too neat. Like really, that's great! What a coincidence! XD

EDIT: Maybe next year we can have a Pi-inspired quest for the Pi Day. :)

Zuzana wrote: "You probably mean XP? "

LOL, yeah, xp. Who can tell I'm sleep deprived? ;)

Looking for a buddy read!

I'm gonna do the whole New Year's Resolutions quest this year! So, I need a buddy to read a book with me (#8 in the quest). I mostly read fanfic lately lolz, but love scifi. Lots of books on my TBR. Also, been wanting to re-read the Wayward Children series and I know a lot of y'all like urban fantasy... hmu

UF is not my genre, Ray. But if you won't find a buddy for the book, I'm open to reading any old-school sci-fi with you. I love the classics of the genre.

(Or anything on my TBR.)

I'm not sure I'd be up for Wayward Children series. Although I liked the few I did read, I'm not sure if I want to continue it.

Quickly looking at your to-read shelf, it you're interested in reading or , I can do a BR with you. Or if you have any other suggestions? I read a lot of UF and fantasy, some romance and mystery, but I'm more of a mood-reader. So I'm usually reading whatever seems interesting at the time (or really need for a challenge).

~ New Year, Same Me ~

Fave book of the bunch:
by Cara Bastone
02/18/25

After the initial confusion about the wormhole/time travel aspect, I was easily pulled into the story. It was a super cute romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters were likeable, the pacing was spot-on (no lulls or dragging parts), and the narration was well done. I'll definitely look into more of this author's work ~ this was a great introduction to her style/works.

Cathy M. wrote: "I'm not sure I'd be up for Wayward Children series. Although I liked the few I did read, I'm not sure if I want to continue it.

Quickly looking at your to-read shelf, it you're interested in read..."

How about Something from the Nightside? It's on both our TBRs...

Ray (user2637) wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I'm not sure I'd be up for Wayward Children series. Although I liked the few I did read, I'm not sure if I want to continue it.

Quickly looking at your to-read shelf, it you're i..."

Sure, I can do that one. When do you want to start? I can start anytime this week. But I am traveling for work on Sunday, and next week will be slow reading for me until I fly home next Friday.

Cathy M. wrote: "Ray (user2637) wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I'm not sure I'd be up for Wayward Children series. Although I liked the few I did read, I'm not sure if I want to continue it.

Quickly looking at your to-..."

I can start whenever. I've never done a buddy read so I don't know how it usually goes with time frames or anything. Imma go read this buddy read thread to see what all we're supposed to post about in the Theatre.

I do read more than one book at a time, so don't worry about slow reading, i'll always have something else :)

If anyone else wants to join, let us know!

Ray (user2637) wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Ray (user2637) wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I'm not sure I'd be up for Wayward Children series. Although I liked the few I did read, I'm not sure if I want to continue it.

Quickly lo..."

Great! I'll start tomorrow :)

There's no rules really. We just comment on thoughts/what we like/dislike/any surprises/status update. We comment in the Theatre?

The book only has 12 chapters including the Epilogue so I usually try to comment every couple chapters. We're doing more of an Informal Buddy Read (so not doing Q&As).

Cathy M. wrote: "Ray (user2637) wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Ray (user2637) wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I'm not sure I'd be up for Wayward Children series. Although I liked the few I did read, I'm not sure if I want to co..."

Cathy M. wrote: "Ray (user2637) wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Ray (user2637) wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I'm not sure I'd be up for Wayward Children series. Although I liked the few I did read, I'm not sure if I want to co..."

Yuppers, the quest says to comment in the theatre. I suppose we should use spoiler tags, you know so (view spoiler)[ we don't spoil the book for anyone else, lol (hide spoiler)]. I just saw this and am heading to bed but will start tomorrow!

Ray (user2637) wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Ray (user2637) wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Ray (user2637) wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I'm not sure I'd be up for Wayward Children series. Although I liked the few I did read, I'm not sur..."

Yep, I started and am thru chpt 3 so far. Meet you at the theatre!

I have a question about The Rose Thorne - where it says to use the "weaker weapon" that's the base level weaker one right? Not including the enhancements / baubles / gems? Or is it TOTAL weaker?

Rebecca, any limitations would have been stated. It means either sword's or magic staff's (whichever is weaker) regular power. A weapon strike includes +2 ap bonus and all other bonuses (do you have a bauble for both your weapons? if so then bauble bonus counts. do you have pets? then pets bonuses count, too.)

I have:

Level 15 Sword + Growth Weapon Enhancement + Orb of Earth + 1 Combat Hat

Level 15 Staff + Orb of Fire

Both have the same regular power, but the sword has some extras, I just didn't know if they counted for determining which is "weaker".

They do. :) So staff is your weaker weapon.

April Update coming soon.

I’m particularly excited about the Easter quest - it's going to be a good one! But don’t worry, that’s not all. There’s more on the way.

With the cutoff for old books approaching, I’m doing my best to give you plenty of chances to use them up in quests.

Got any ideas or requests for new quests? Let me know!

Easter Quest is up! Check it up in the Notice Board thread.


More quests coming later in April.

Zuzana wrote: "April Update coming soon.

I’m particularly excited about the Easter quest - it's going to be a good one! But don’t worry, that’s not all. There’s more on the way.

With the cutoff for old books ap..."

Appreciate that!!!

That Women's quest is impossible. Finding 5 books by or about female Nobel Prize winners???? FIVE? That's a lot. Especially since there aren't that many authors, or that's too many NF books about subjects I'm just not interested in. Bummer.

Love the name Sir Peepocalypse!

Cathy M. wrote: "That Women's quest is impossible. Finding 5 books by or about female Nobel Prize winners???? FIVE? That's a lot."

LOL! That’s the whole point, Cathy—it’s meant to be a challenge! 😄

There are actually 18 women who have won the Nobel Prize in Literature. I wish that number were higher, but still��18! And for people who prefer nonfiction, there are even more options when you consider female Nobel laureates in other fields like Chemistry, Economics, and Peace. Memoirs and biographies aren’t my usual go-to, but I’m hoping to challenge myself to read at least one. No promises on success, though!

Some authors I’m considering for this challenge: Han Kang, Pearl S. Buck, Toni Morrison, Alice Munro or Elfriede Jelinek.

Tips for books written by female Nobel Peace Prize winners:

Cathy M. wrote: "Love the name Sir Peepocalypse!"

Glad you like it, Cathy. I quite struggled to find a fitting name for a villainous chicken.

Zuzana wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "That Women's quest is impossible. Finding 5 books by or about female Nobel Prize winners???? FIVE? That's a lot."

LOL! That’s the whole point, Cathy—it’s meant to be a challenge! ..."

I know :D But gosh, 1 or 2 would be challenge enough but 5 is a lot for one quest. I will need to purchase a bunch of books if I decide to take it on. Luckily, I still have a lot of open quests to keep me busy!

Zuzana wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Love the name Sir Peepocalypse!"

Glad you like it, Cathy. I quite struggled to find a fitting name for a villainous chicken."

Very creative! And appreciate all you're doing to keep this game going!!

Cathy M. wrote: "I will need to purchase a bunch of books if I decide to take it on. Luckily, I still have a lot of open quests to keep me busy!"

Oh, I plan to get most of these from my local library.

You're right, there are many quests to choose from. I try to make the challenges varied so that there's something for everyone.

And thank you. I'm glad you enjoy the game. :)

I know my brain sometimes works differently than others... but for The Great Easter Egg-scapade! it says books read or published in March or April, that means ANY March or April right?

Rebecca wrote: "I know my brain sometimes works differently than others... but for The Great Easter Egg-scapade! it says books read or published in March or April, that means ANY March or April right?"

Yes, Rebecca, first published OR read in March or April of any year.

But you can also use any fresh books that fit the bill (no publication date restrictions there).

Zuzana wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I will need to purchase a bunch of books if I decide to take it on. Luckily, I still have a lot of open quests to keep me busy!"

Oh, I plan to get most of these from my local libr..."

The library and Everand will just about get me through enough. I did groan when I looked up who had won a Nobel Prize though, I just turned in the Classics quest and used my only eligible tote book there (Pearl S. Buck). Which means to use a duplication potion on it I have to read the other four before the cut-off for old books. Yikes!

But, seriously, thank you, Zuzana, for bringing this back to life and giving me so much fun in wrangling my quest back into shape. :)

Sarah wrote: "I did groan when I looked up who had won a Nobel Prize though, I just turned in the Classics quest and used my only eligible tote book there (Pearl S. Buck). Which means to use a duplication potion on it I have to read the other four before the cut-off for old books. Yikes!"

Sarah, I feel you! I’m a slower reader, so I’ve been focused on quests where I’ve already slotted in my older books. Gotta get those done before the cut-off hits. I still need to activate the last gem in my shield (the elusive white one!), and I really need to hunt for a pile of tiny books to finish The Tiny Tome Tantrum.

Fun quests I'm ignoring for now (that I def want to tackle later on):
The Bulwark of the Booktress, The Day of Women’s Wonders, Cheep-skate: a Budget-Friendly Bounty & Get classy with classics.

Happy Monday! On this rainy day I've vanquished my Sir Peepocalypse and completed The Great Easter Egg-scapade.

I LOVED this quest!

Congrats, Rebecca! What a feat! Great job!

BTW I naively believed that the task to kill 20 common monsters would slow everybody down. *facepalm*

Hahahaha I mean I was thrilled to be able to use some of my older books!

Would getting a book via Amazon First Reads (free) qualify for the Bargain Bliss task?

�� 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

Cathy M. wrote: "Would getting a book via Amazon First Reads (free) qualify for the Bargain Bliss task?

�� Bargain Bliss: Read a book you snagged for a bargain. Dollar shelves, promo codes, and “Buy 2, Get 5�� deals..."

Cathy, seems a better fit for Gifted Glory or Free as the Wind.

Head to the Notice Board thread to check out 3 new April Quests:

What's in a name? (Enough to start a royal debate, apparently.)

The Emperor's New Non-Sense

Where Roses Bloom



And here's preview for May:
Next month will bring a mix of moods - one “serious�� quest to honor the anniversary of the end of WWII, balanced by a few light-hearted and whimsical adventures to lift spirits. You’ll also find a brand-new spell to master and fresh classifieds popping up at Jack’s.

Ahem.

Here is my name list for What's in a name?

Amy
Vera
Finlay
Cate
Bertie

A nice mix of options!

Nice variety, Rebecca! :)

I'm thinking of putting together a quest to celebrate all things Star Wars, and what better time than May - with "May the Fourth (be with you)" just around the corner?

Got any ideas or requests for what you'd love to see in a Star Wars-inspired quest? Epic space battles? Wise mentors? Heroic journeys? Let me know what you'd like to explore in a galaxy far, far away!

My second batch of 3 questions for Should I know this?

1/ What are Event Monsters?

2/ Which crops Radagast doubles? The description says: "If you possess a garden, it will double the yield of your crops."

3/ In Where Roses Bloom quest's task "Plant Your Flowers - Read three books with flowers on the cover or in the title": Do the flowers on the cover have to be live flowers? What about jewelery shaped as flowers?