The Drunken Lizard Pub

Sorry, I meant 2 hours since my last save.

I found a few posts on this, but can't believe there's no way around this.
You talk to the thing that looks like a beholder. Told him I didn't have authorization, (just to get the experience points from the basilisk.) Now it appears there's no way out of here, aside from a previously placed powder ...

Anyone know if it is the same max in book 3 as it is in book 1? At 40 strength in book one, you can carry 13 pounds in your hands and still cast.