Bruce, I think the more powerful the item you have them make, the more of them will die. And the third item I think will almost always result in the death of one or more of your apprenti, regardless of which item you pick.
I was a naughty girl and let them live (choose the option that says you don't want to risk their lives for a third time) and then I cheated in the Staff.
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Melusine, Archbabe of the OHF and the LH
Your voice is ambrosia