Hi viligeidiot,
it's indeed true the first Ego Draconis version (Xbox) I've played I found very early on Formula's, but now playing the Dragon Knight Saga version (Xbox) I've, like you, found my first Formula in the Maxos Temple ( apart from 2 potion formula's in the Upton Miller his cellar!).
Maybe you've bad luck by traders because I found after awhile "trading" a stronger Healing potion formula by Lamotte
... but I must say I go after every level up to all possible trader's looking for goodies
Have fun with the game !!
