So I'm going through the game the second time, and decide I might as well try using the Wand of Wonder this time; the first time through I only used it once and it made a ring or something for me. So I put the Wand in my Quick Item slot, and decide to target Jaheira. Instant Stoneskin for Jaheira! And it lasted for the remainder of the game! I even rested and so forth, but she retained the Stoneskin protection. (I did this right before fighting the Black Dragon near the end.)

So then it was on to fight the Black Dragon to get the Goblet, and I had my character hasted and trying to run around casting Lower Resistance and Remove magic and so forth while my other characters are screaming in pain and horror, and I think, "hmmmm...wonder what would happen if I tried to use the Wand of Wonder on this guy...?" So I did, and WHAM! Instant Petrification! Fight's over! I sat there for a minute, half feeling cheated because it was so easy, half grateful that I only had to resurrect Nalia because of it.

So anyway, if you really want to know what ruins game balance in a fight without using SK, I think it's the Wand of Wonder.

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I believe you get it from the final room in the Mind Flayer area in the sewers along with the hammer of thunderbolts. If I'm wrong, someone please set me straight so I don't screw up anybody else's game ;)

You can only get it by sending me $100. Small bills, please.

Crawl - You are absolutely correct...

Wow, thats pretty messed up. I guess I'll have to try it out! BTW... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Ah, good to know. Thanks Blackthorne :)