7 and a half game years to finish. I found enough clues so I knew there was a special spell I needed, so I mucked about trying to find it until I finally checked with Nicoli and he told me about the Bell of Tanir. I had a dickens of a time trying to find that "Third Eye" but lucked out and got it.Melian (the Guardian of Enroth) tells you about that spell and who has it. He also tells you about the special weapons and armor available in the Control Room. THat's how I came to find out about blasters but never found any special armor down there. Also the plaques on the walls in VARN hint at special weapons available to fight the Kreegan.
I learned a long time ago to talk to everyone possible and read every dialogue when playing a game for the first time.