I had never understood what to do with the mage trainer in the Civic Festhall,... and some people told me that you could get the Curse-guy outside to challenge her? So I checked out the FAQ (thanks,.. it was cool) and confirmed that this was true.

However, when I try and talk to either the Curse-guy or the mage trainer, they are completely uncooperative. I never found the theif trainer either,... is there something that I have to do first to activate these dialogues?? I'm interested to see which spells she sells.

thanks

There's a knack to it, quite logical but it takes a while to realize it. The mage outside the Hall wants to become the tutor, i.e. replace the female mage that doesn't want to teach anymore. The trick is, he doesn't know that. So you talk to the lady, she's uncooperative and that's exactly the opportunity the mage outside is waiting for.
So after you talk to her, go back to the mage and tell him about her "condition".
He'll want to replace her. Now go back and tell her that you told him that (whew).
You might need to make another trip back to the mage again, but I think that won't be necessary, as you will be able to get some sense into her head, and she'll go back to the mage's training hall and you'll be able to buy spells from her there.
Kielbasa out.

I'll try it again,... perhaps I did something to lose this side quest? I am never prompted to report her 'condition' to the Curse-guy outside... though my intell and Wisdom are 20 (21??) each. So there must be another trigger that I'm not (or haven't) done. Do I have to get Eli back in the festhall first???

Hmmmmm..... I'll tell you if that worked.

Talk to the mage about his wish to become the mage tutor in the hall first ;)