Assorted questions

[Holywhippet]

I finished Wizardry 8 for the second time recently but I was left with a few questions.

Firstly, where are the high voltage transformer and the loudspeaker for the gadgeteer? I've checked some walkthroughs and they claim that Crock sells the former (he does sell a voltage amplifier) and that the latter is in Mt Gigas caves somewhere. I can't seem to find either.

Secondly, any idea why Sir-Tech put extra effort into the "evil" ending? I tried all three options when I got to the cosmic forge and joining the Savant is the only ending that has an extra cutscene ending. Are there any endings other than these three (and dying of course).

Finally, what exactly do the numbers mean for the resistances of a particular monster? I get the general idea that higher numbers = more resistance but is there any good guide to knowing when a spell isn't worth casting?

As an aside, has anyone else forced Private Sparkle to come and ascend with you? She whinged and whined at being taken to Ascension peak and then the cosmic circle. At the very end of the game, after I'd ascended and the screen was going dark while moving away from the cosmic forge I heard her usual complaint (IIRC) "Can we get out of here now?". Very funny.

[Wereboar]

Finally, what exactly do the numbers mean for the resistances of a particular monster? I get the general idea that higher numbers = more resistance but is there any good guide to knowing when a spell isn't worth casting?

Note: This is based on my own experience, not from some official info.

You have to modify the resistance number with some other data. First, your level vs monster levels makes a big difference. My rule of thumb is: one level difference equals about 5% resistance.
Second, take accont of powercast. The effect of powercast seems to be somehow random, but i'd say it 100 powercast might reduce enemy resistance by 50% (reduction of the number by 50, not cutting in half).

With my five spellcasters only party, i fought some rapax warlock only with non-water spells. They had 115% resistance everywhere (except water, and 130% fire). And they were 3 levels higher than my party. It took my whole spell points, but it was doable.