Agent Sennik,

I was more then happy to assist the spellguard in there task earlier today. I am sorry your schedule has not allowed us to duel and for me to be welcomed into the spellguard. I very much look forward to joining your ranks soon. Enclosed are the two books I published.

*In a small satchel are the two books.*

Beetles of Underdark

Quite often I am astounded by the lack of biological information available on the many dangers for early adventures. Therefore I have complied a through list of the various Beetles of Underdark from extensive expeditions and first hand knowledge. What may seem a common nuisance; is in fact a very real danger of the underdark for early adventurers.

Types of Beetles of Underdark

Milk Beetle Location: Fear Caves Apparently a matriarchal form of beetle, it produces a liquid that has various healing affects. It is not very strong and not much of a threat.

Breeder Beetle Location: Fear Caves. It is the protector of the Milk Beetles, a dangerous foe too many enemies. While it may seem to hold all the same immunities to mind influencing as others it does have a weakness to sleep as it seems to slow down the creature. It has a useful healing gland, but if you do not kill it quickly it will use it to heal itself.

Stink Beetle Location: Dark Lake caves. It is a strong beetle with no real allegiance. Not only does it have an ability to secrete a deadly cloud, but it is also quite strong. Its bit has various diseases that spread quickly. In packs they are very dangerous.

Cave Beetles Location: Various caves A strong beetle, that travels always in packs. Alone quite harmless but with other beetles rather deadly, as it has very strong mandibles.

Fire Spitting Beetles: Location: Mines This beetle shoots a form of liquid fire from its mouth. Its stomach is used in cooking. While it is not the deadliest it’s fire ability has way laid many a surprised adventure with little supplies.

Bombardier Beetle Location: Deep Underdark Very deadly, it has the strongest mandibles I have seen. It has an ability the summon a hard carapace that protects it from many attacks. Warning: Avoid at all cost.

Adventuring Tip: Beetles are immune to mind affects, however they are weak against the smell that emits when one dies. Kill one Beetle to stun the others, a useful trick.

*Other pages have pictures, various locations marked in relation to sanctuary, along with various minor detail such as habits, migration, and pack numbers.*

Book Two

Alarond's Guide to Potion Making

I do not claim to be the definitive source on potion making. However, I find having been a potion maker myself, having to learn the ropes it is rather hard. So I went out and found the best there is.

I did some interviews, some first hand knowledge. These interviews and basic pricing will hopefully help you in becoming your own potion making crafter.

I thank Mr.Pepto and Mr.Dalman for there assitance.

So why did you get into potion making? Mr.Pepto: "I am a merchant who belives in fair trade. Mr.Dalman: Coin and boredom. Coin mostly.

Is it profitable? Mr.Pepto: "I don't go hungry if that's what you mean." Mr.Dalman: "Only if done reguarly."

How do you handle pricing? Mr.Pepto: The price soley on the difficulty and the strain. Mr.Dalman: Covering cost and estimating demand.

Do you find discounts useful? I will not list either response as I do not want to give away trade secrets. I will say they both found discounts useful in various situations to get customers.

Best Selling Potion? Mr.Pepto: Armor brews. Mr.Dalman: Blur.

Final tips/Advice: Mr.Dalman: Keep stocks of five to ten. Sell regularly and don't be picky on customers.

Mr. Pepto: Yes, I would say because there is so much competion in this area to not get discouraged if your sales hit a slump for a while. Prices come and go but a solid clientel always keeps certain ones coming back.

As a final side note to future potion makers. I will not disclose the trade secrets of my own pricing. I will however say there is a definte jump in base material cost from second to third circle spells and that one should be wary of it. Myself I find Haste and Cat's grace my best sellers. So future potion makers of industry, keep your heads held high. Brew and look for a solid customer base and soon you can reap the benefits of this valuable profession.

Proclaimer: As this is my guide I take full responsibility for the material presented with in.

Alarond Blackwell

*A small note is left with address of Alarond's Room number at last stand indicating he can be contacted there.*