Now I'm stuck on L9. There is a porticullis in the top/left quadrant of the
map with a lever on the wall just outside it that only seems to operate a pit
just on the other side of the gate. I cannot get the gate open! There doesn't
seem to be any other way to continue with this level. I have investigated
going up to L8 and then back down elsewhere, and also down to L10 and then back
up, but to no avail. How do you get this gate open?
Also, I have discovered a very long staircase which seems to go down several
levels with no exit. What is this for?
-Mark
The long staircase is the "skeleton key" staircase – each time you use a
skeleton key, another entrance into that staircase opens up. It's a handy way
to get from the lower levels back to level 4 (food/practice) quickly. As for
the room with the gate/lever, your explorations should have shown you a couple
of staircases (one up, one down). Hint: They don't go to regular levels; if
you've already dropped the chest into the pit (using the lever), try going
"downstairs" …