olgeezer;
[color:"orange"]picked up what I think is a good amulet in one of those dungeons under the tiles on the bottom level. Couldn't beat the boss in there so just snuck in and "retrieved" my prize[/color]
That is potentially one of the best amulets. I used it the entire game, though I was tempted to switch to the holy amulet (from a later quest). The only way I could defeat the spider there was to use Burning Wall (activate the spell, run past the spider, and return to hiding on the opposite side of the stairs); I found that spellbook looting Mardaneus' house (bookcases have a small chance of containing spellbooks).
[color:"orange"]Where the heck can I find someone to repair my armor and weapons?[/color]
If you have a skill point to spare, you can learn a level yourself. Repair can also show up as a skill bonus on equipment (I found a ring, belt and shoes with Repair, which I kept in a chest at my home base for occasional use).
I don't recall if Mardaneus in Aleroth can repair stuff, but the other healers have moved to the Blue Boar inn (just north west of the army barracks with General Alex), and Otho the dwarf can.
There are shops and a blacksmith (who can repair) in Ars Magicana, north east of the castle. That may be a good place to move your other teleporter stone, for easy access.
home base /
Setting up "home base"Macbeth;
[color:"orange"]Your best bet would be George in Aleroth right now.[/color]
Actually, after you cure Mardaneus, I don't think George is feeling up to repairing any equipment.
