Rather new and playing hit and miss without solid guidance. As an example, if I'm using a Blaster and I want to upgrade to a Super Blaster, do I have to purchase/craft another Blaster to use in the upgrade process since my original is bound to me? If that's the case, what's the best way to acquire improved equipment without doubling up on everything--short of making money and buying outright? My apologies for the dumb question, but sometimes it's just too much fun playing to stop and read the "rules".

which lichens are better, a one celled lichen or combined one, or the biggest combination that shoots spikes on the ground or on its side?

As I run PUGs down the Clockworks, I notice that many groups I have been with struggled at the Battle Arena levels. Lives are very often lost because of overcrowding: that is, because monster waves are prematurely spawned by unwitting group member(s).

This information is nothing new. In fact, it is written right there on the Wiki: http://wiki.spiralknights.com/Battle_Arena.

Hopefully, however, it will gain more coverage here, and more people will be able to enjoy the extremely rewarding Arena stages, instead of lamenting their possible resurrection costs.

Appologies if I'm not using the correct terminology here but I'm rather new-

I've tried to enter an adventure area through the arcade in haven, and I'm at the first elevate where the whole party needs to stand together to go down. One person has been AFK for a very long time, and so we can't start the party! How do I leave this area? I can't figure out another way besides shutting down the game client.

how to know if they are rare monsters? how do the look like?

As an example: Player-A uses a level 10 Calibur to craft a Tempered Calibur. Player-B uses a level 6 Calibur to craft a Tempered Calibur. Neither of them receive a unique variant.

Is Player-A's Tempered Calibur different than Player-B's in any way?

Im thinking of getting a Faust and was curious about how the curse worked. If I am self-cursed by it, aside from using a remedy capsule, how long does it last for? Does it go away over time? when I reach the next elevator? or only once I return to haven?

So... do shield defenses add to armor defenses passively, or are the stats on the shield only subject to when you're defending with it? The thought just occurred to me and I'm curious.

I'm currently comparing these two swords, and it seems like Cold Iron has everything Levianthan has as well as additional damage to the undead. Is this correct?

Well, I don't see the real colors of the jellies and the slimes. I was told that the latest java may fix it, but it didn't. Please, have a look at this screen. How can I fix it? It's not fatal but it's definitely annoying.
http://img853.imageshack.us/i/img02052011195906.png/