The Battlepits of Krarth : walkthrough (Trickster-Sage)

Walkthrough criteria
The gamebook can be completed in many different ways. This walkthrough is compiled according to the following criteria, in order of importance:


 * 1) avoid combat as much as possible, especially the strongest enemies;
 * 2) collect and use as many items as possible;
 * 3) optional lore sections are in italic.

Walkthrough

 * The final foe (Skrimmir) is way too powerful but easily beatable with the Kalium (without loss of Experience). To get this Kalium, you need to fight Echidna (easier than Skrimmir).
 * Choosing Balhazar is easier than choosing Kalugen.

Choosing Magus Balhazar
(1) The Sage tries something (18). The Trickster wishes to act (58). If your attempt fails (181), run for it (343). If your robbery succeeds (121), say you'll pay him five gold pieces now and five after he's advised you (166) and choose the scarlet banner (28) to get 45 gold pieces.

(64) The Sage uses ESP (309). Attack the man (29), do not flee. Balhazar is the man wearing the domino cape (178). You get an opal medallion (useless), an octagonal glass prism and the enchanted sword Blutgetranker (Damage +1D vs giants, +1 Fighting Prowess) !

Entering the battlepits
(201) The Sage can inspect the food (413) and get healing portions. Enter the alcove in the sidewall (13), talk to her (274) to get the Golden Snuff-Box. Then (453) the Trickster wishes to do something (147) and get the Dagger of Vislet.

(326) Try ESP here (362). Then (216) The Trickster examine the mirrors (511).

Barbarians and adjusting scrolls
(379) Dislodge the grating and jump down to attack them (6). Use your free action to flee safely along the corridor (43). Go left (354) and open the door (406). Leave all your items and pick up the skull (38). Take any  scroll  you want (take the Invisibility Scroll, it will be useful in the next book ; the Precognition Scroll is useless). You then can get your items back.

Kief
(26) You are ready for a game (15). Choose the number 4 to get another octagonal glass prism and an ice jewel.

(318) Use an item before the Dirges dose to attack (89) : an ice jewel (99).

Hags and Echidna
(142) The Trickster (113) crosses via the nearer bridge and fight. The Sage (157) crosses via the nearer bridge and levitates (282). You feel that victory and defeat are in fact equivalent (173).

(98) Talk to the Hags (212). Sample their potions (103). The Sage examines the potions (9). Try the bubbling green soup (62) to restore your Endurance. You may also try the colourless brew (409) but it's risky.

(481) Enter the temple (298) and attack Echidna without hesitation (129). The demoness slayed (253), you get the useful Kalium.

(319) Investigate the inner sanctum of the temple (392). You have two octagonal glass prisms and wish to use them (269).

Icon the Warlock, Magus Zyn and Skrymir
(359) Reject Icon's offer of an alliance (341) and fight Icon the Warlock. Take his bronze mallet.

(68) Take the bronze mallet that Icon was carrying and use it now (508). Agree to help Zyn's ghost (116). It is now pretty straightforward.

(394) Do not take the gauntlet.

(412) You would like to add anything else to the frame now (302) : a sliver of Kalium (441).

🏆 You won ! As a reward, you get 1200 experience points (+2 levels), a magic bow (+1 Fighting Prowess, Damage 1D+1) for the Trickster, a shielding charm (+1 Armour Rating) for the Sage.

Useful items in subsequent adventures

 * healing portions left
 * Golden Snuff-Box
 * Dagger of Vislet
 * Invisibility scroll
 * any scrolls left 📜
 * Sage : shielding charm (+1 Armour Rating) 🛡️
 * Trickster : Magic bow (+1 Fighting Prowess, Damage 1D+1) 🏹
 * enchanted sword Blutgetranker (Damage +1D vs giants, +1 Fighting Prowess) ⚔️