Returning after a while away

I was happy to hear that the world of 12 DS was back up and running! As soon as I heard the Elderkind were causing trouble again, I was eager to jump back in. I soon found out, however, that not everything was how I had left it. My heroes who used to run the streets and strike fear into the hearts of the Elderkind were fallen, lost. Some were impossible to locate. I tried to recreate some, only to be stumped by the world's memory of their name that prevented the reborn hero from achieving the same secrets and feats they once knew. It was soon clear that new heroes would have to emerge.

After such a long time away, and with a few of the changes to the world that were apparent when I started again, I wanted to share some words of wisdom for others who might just be starting out.

1. Ettin Bone Necklace - This item is found to the east of TCwaN: Eastlands in an area called "Giant Hills". It is in a chest, and it is acquireable via an invisibility potion. Find it, wear it, and it will protect from many of the early monsters who are essential to your growth as an adventurer (i.e. Umberhulks, apes, even the devourers of light!).

2. Wind Walkers - Though not normally the first secret to seek, Wind Walkers will help you move through other quests faster. Again, an invisibility potion will do just fine for you. Slip through the Room with 7 Door through the norther door, and you will find a series of portals. Once you make it to the middle, pull the wind chimes and talk to the local resident. Take your boots and move with haste to defeat the Elderkind!

3. Quest Experience vs. Hunting - In the old world, it was not uncommon to reach a stalling period between levels 15-20 or so, when your character no longer received notable XP from most areas and monsters by was too weak to challenge the monsters in areas with worthy experience. As such, I would always save the 12 dark secrets and other Quest-based experience until my hero was into the XP doldrums. These days, some monsters have improved their position and are worthy opponents until the only experience worth noting is Epic. The best I have found so far is the ancient crystal caverns. This area features 59 monsters across both levels, each giving 480 XP per kill. This XP remains constant until you can no longer receive normal experience (200k XP total, or about lvl 20.5)

4. Epicly experienced monsters - Not all monsters used their time off to indulge in gluttony. Some monsters, such as the Devourers of Light in Beryl Grotto and the Umberhulks in the Gathol Labrynths will start to give Epic XP as you increase in levels. They may be attempting to match you in your growth, but proper focus and discipline will allow you to continue to prevail.

5. Ask questions! - The biggest returning tip I can give to ask questions. The other adventurers of this world are some of the friendliest you will ever meet, and they are happy to lend a hand (or brain) at the drop of a hat. From reminders on how to find things to small tokens of encouragement (XP, gold, gear), the other advernturers are the single best thing about questing in the world of 12 DS.

While I continue to learn, I plan to add more to this short story. Happy hunting friends, and welcome back!

(Note: This book published in hopes of landing a publishing contract for Bert Tannall)

Cool book

Bert Tannall - aka purple soda - has received his publish contract. - DONE