diff --git a/src/common/gamecode/economy.c b/src/common/gamecode/economy.c
index f90224277..e41b49478 100644
--- a/src/common/gamecode/economy.c
+++ b/src/common/gamecode/economy.c
@@ -448,14 +448,7 @@ recruit(unit * u, struct order * ord, request ** recruitorders)
   if (f->no==MONSTER_FACTION) {
     /* Monster dürfen REKRUTIERE 15 dracoid machen */
     const xmlChar * str = getstrtoken();
-    if (str!=NULL && *str) {
-      for (rc = races;rc;rc=rc->next) {
-        if (xmlStrncasecmp(LOC(f->locale, rc->_name[0]), str, xstrlen(str))==0)
-          break;
-        if (xmlStrncasecmp(LOC(f->locale, rc->_name[1]), str, xstrlen(str))==0)
-          break;
-      }
-    }
+    rc = findrace(str, f->locale);
     if (rc==NULL) rc = f->race;
   }
 
@@ -2992,21 +2985,10 @@ expandwork(region * r)
 
 	/* Der Rest wird von den Bauern verdient. n ist das uebriggebliebene
 	* Geld. */
-#ifdef AFFECT_SALARY
-	{
-		attrib * a = a_find(r->attribs, &at_salary);
-		if (a) verdienst = a->data.i;
-	}
-#endif
-  
+ 
 	earnings = min(n, rpeasants(r) * p_wage) + verdienst;
 	/* Mehr oder weniger durch Trank "Riesengrass" oder "Faulobstschnaps" */
 
-	if (verdienst) {
-		sprintf(buf, "%d Bauern verdienen ein Silber %s durch %s.",
-			abs(verdienst), (verdienst > 0) ? "mehr" : "weniger",
-			(verdienst > 0) ? "Riesengras" : "Faulobstschnaps");
-	}
 	rsetmoney(r, rmoney(r) + earnings);
 }
 
diff --git a/src/common/gamecode/items.c b/src/common/gamecode/items.c
index 1ec0a902c..7ced515c8 100644
--- a/src/common/gamecode/items.c
+++ b/src/common/gamecode/items.c
@@ -169,8 +169,7 @@ use_instantartsculpture(struct unit * u, const struct item_type * itype,
 
   b = new_building(bt_find("artsculpture"), u->region, u->faction->locale);
   b->size = 100;
-  sprintf(buf, "%s", LOC(u->faction->locale, "artsculpture"));
-  set_string(&b->name, buf);
+  set_string(&b->name, LOC(u->faction->locale, "artsculpture"));
 
   ADDMSG(&u->region->msgs, msg_message("artsculpture_create", "unit region", 
     u, u->region));
@@ -193,8 +192,7 @@ use_instantartacademy(struct unit * u, const struct item_type * itype,
 
   b = new_building(bt_find("artacademy"), u->region, u->faction->locale);
   b->size = 100;
-  sprintf(buf, "%s", LOC(u->faction->locale, "artacademy"));
-  set_string(&b->name, buf);
+  set_string(&b->name, LOC(u->faction->locale, "artacademy"));
 
   ADDMSG(&u->region->msgs, msg_message(
     "artacademy_create", "unit region", u, u->region));
diff --git a/src/common/gamecode/laws.c b/src/common/gamecode/laws.c
index d761c9f25..82a10a0ca 100644
--- a/src/common/gamecode/laws.c
+++ b/src/common/gamecode/laws.c
@@ -2147,35 +2147,36 @@ display_race(faction *f, unit *u, const race * rc)
   bufp += rsize;
 
   /* hp_p : Trefferpunkte */
-  sprintf(buf2, " %d Trefferpunkte", rc->hitpoints);
+  sprintf(buf2, " %d %s", rc->hitpoints, LOC(f->locale, "stat_hitpoints"));
 
   rsize = strlcpy(bufp, buf2, size);
   if (rsize>size) rsize = size-1;
   size -= rsize;
   bufp += rsize;
 
-  /* b_armor : Rüstung */
-  if (rc->armor > 0){
-    sprintf(buf2, ", Rüstung: %d", rc->armor);
-    rsize = strlcpy(bufp, buf2, size);
-    if (rsize>size) rsize = size-1;
-    size -= rsize;
-    bufp += rsize;
-  }
   /* b_attacke : Angriff */
-  sprintf(buf2, ", Angriff: %d", (rc->at_default+rc->at_bonus));
+  sprintf(buf2, ", %s: %d", LOC(f->locale, "stat_attack"), (rc->at_default+rc->at_bonus));
   rsize = strlcpy(bufp, buf2, size);
   if (rsize>size) rsize = size-1;
   size -= rsize;
   bufp += rsize;
 
   /* b_defense : Verteidigung */
-  sprintf(buf2, ", Verteidigung: %d", (rc->df_default+rc->df_bonus));
+  sprintf(buf2, ", %s: %d", LOC(f->locale, "stat_defense"), (rc->df_default+rc->df_bonus));
   rsize = strlcpy(bufp, buf2, size);
   if (rsize>size) rsize = size-1;
   size -= rsize;
   bufp += rsize;
 
+  /* b_armor : Rüstung */
+  if (rc->armor > 0) {
+    sprintf(buf2, ", %s: %d", LOC(f->locale, "stat_armor"), rc->armor);
+    rsize = strlcpy(bufp, buf2, size);
+    if (rsize>size) rsize = size-1;
+    size -= rsize;
+    bufp += rsize;
+  }
+
   if (size>1) {
     strcpy(bufp++, ".");
     --size;
@@ -2189,31 +2190,31 @@ display_race(faction *f, unit *u, const race * rc)
     }
   }
   if (rc->battle_flags & BF_EQUIPMENT) {
-    rsize = strlcpy(bufp, " Kann Waffen benutzen.", size);
+    rsize = snprintf(bufp, size, " %s", LOC(f->locale, "stat_equipment"));
     if (rsize>size) rsize = size-1;
     size -= rsize;
     bufp += rsize;
   }
   if (rc->battle_flags & BF_RES_PIERCE) {
-    rsize = strlcpy(bufp, " Ist durch Stichwaffen, Bögen und Armbrüste schwer zu verwunden.", size);
+    rsize = snprintf(bufp, size, " %s", LOC(f->locale, "stat_pierce"));
     if (rsize>size) rsize = size-1;
     size -= rsize;
     bufp += rsize;
   }
   if (rc->battle_flags & BF_RES_CUT) {
-    rsize = strlcpy(bufp, " Ist durch Hiebwaffen schwer zu verwunden.", size);
+    rsize = snprintf(bufp, size, " %s", LOC(f->locale, "stat_cut"));
     if (rsize>size) rsize = size-1;
     size -= rsize;
     bufp += rsize;
   }
   if (rc->battle_flags & BF_RES_BASH) {
-    rsize = strlcpy(bufp, " Ist durch Schlagwaffen und Katapulte schwer zu verwunden.", size);
+    rsize = snprintf(bufp, size, " %s", LOC(f->locale, "stat_bash"));
     if (rsize>size) rsize = size-1;
     size -= rsize;
     bufp += rsize;
   }
 
-  sprintf(buf2, " Hat %d Angriff%s", at_count, (at_count>1)?"e":"");
+  sprintf(buf2, " %d %s", at_count, LOC(f->locale, (at_count==1)?"stat_attack":"stat_attacks"));
   rsize = strlcpy(bufp, buf2, size);
   if (rsize>size) rsize = size-1;
   size -= rsize;
@@ -2229,19 +2230,19 @@ display_race(faction *f, unit *u, const race * rc)
       }
       switch(rc->attack[a].type) {
       case AT_STANDARD:
-        sprintf(buf2, "ein Angriff mit der Waffe oder macht unbewaffnet %s Schaden", rc->def_damage);
+        sprintf(buf2, "%s (%s)", LOC(f->locale, "attack_standard"), rc->def_damage);
         break;
       case AT_NATURAL:
-        sprintf(buf2, "ein Angriff mit Krallen, Zähnen oder Klauen, der %s Schaden macht", rc->attack[a].data.dice);
+        sprintf(buf2, "%s (%s)", LOC(f->locale, "attack_natural"), rc->attack[a].data.dice);
         break;
       case AT_SPELL:
       case AT_COMBATSPELL:
       case AT_DRAIN_ST:
       case AT_DAZZLE:
-        sprintf(buf2, "ein magischer Angriff");
+        sprintf(buf2, "%s", LOC(f->locale, "attack_natural"));
         break;
       case AT_STRUCTURAL:
-        sprintf(buf2, "ein Angriff, der %s Gebäudeschaden verursacht", rc->attack[a].data.dice);
+        sprintf(buf2, "%s (%s)", LOC(f->locale, "attack_structural"), rc->attack[a].data.dice);
       }
       rsize = strlcpy(bufp, buf2, size);
       if (rsize>size) rsize = size-1;
@@ -2255,7 +2256,7 @@ display_race(faction *f, unit *u, const race * rc)
     --size;
   }
 
-  addmessage(0, f, buf, MSG_EVENT, ML_IMPORTANT);
+  addmessage(0, f, (const xmlChar *)buf, MSG_EVENT, ML_IMPORTANT);
 
   return true;
 }
diff --git a/src/common/gamecode/xmlreport.c b/src/common/gamecode/xmlreport.c
index 9953d37b9..112116dc0 100644
--- a/src/common/gamecode/xmlreport.c
+++ b/src/common/gamecode/xmlreport.c
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ report_region(report_context * ctx, seen_region * sr)
     xmlNewProp(node, BAD_CAST "plane", xml_s(r->planep->name));
   }
   if (r->land!=NULL) {
-    xmlNewProp(node, BAD_CAST "name", xml_s(r->land->name));
+    xmlNewProp(node, BAD_CAST "name", r->land->name);
   }
   return node;
 }
diff --git a/src/common/kernel/building.h b/src/common/kernel/building.h
index 3b8c29f2b..a3ba7656d 100644
--- a/src/common/kernel/building.h
+++ b/src/common/kernel/building.h
@@ -109,7 +109,8 @@ extern void add_buildinglist(building_list **bl, struct building *b);
 
 extern struct attrib_type at_building_generic_type;
 extern const char * buildingtype(const building_type * btype, const struct building * b, int bsize);
-extern const char * buildingname(const struct building * b);
+extern const xmlChar * buildingname(const struct building * b);
+extern const xmlChar * write_buildingname(const building * b, xmlChar * ibuf, size_t size);
 extern int buildingcapacity(const struct building * b);
 extern struct building *new_building(const struct building_type * typ, struct region * r, const struct locale * lang);
 void build_building(struct unit * u, const struct building_type * typ, int size, struct order * ord);
diff --git a/src/common/kernel/eressea.c b/src/common/kernel/eressea.c
index e1b1f744e..c0a35c070 100644
--- a/src/common/kernel/eressea.c
+++ b/src/common/kernel/eressea.c
@@ -1556,52 +1556,67 @@ typedef char name[OBJECTIDSIZE+1];
 static name idbuf[8];
 static int nextbuf = 0;
 
+char *
+estring_i(char *ibuf)
+{
+  char *p = ibuf;
+
+  while (*p) {
+    if (isspace(*(unsigned*)p) == ' ') {
+      *p = '~';
+    }
+    ++p;
+  }
+  return ibuf;
+}
+
 char *
 estring(const char *s)
 {
   char *ibuf = idbuf[(++nextbuf) % 8];
-  char *r;
 
   strlcpy(ibuf, s, sizeof(name));
-  r = ibuf;
+  return estring_i(ibuf);
+}
 
-  while (*ibuf) {
-    if(*ibuf == ' ') {
-      *ibuf = '~';
+char *
+cstring_i(char *ibuf)
+{
+  char *p = ibuf;
+
+  while (*p) {
+    if (*p == '~') {
+      *p = ' ';
     }
-    ibuf++;
+    ++p;
   }
-  return r;
+  return ibuf;
 }
 
 char *
 cstring(const char *s)
 {
   char *ibuf = idbuf[(++nextbuf) % 8];
-  char *r;
 
   strlcpy(ibuf,s, sizeof(name));
-  r = ibuf;
-
-  while (*ibuf) {
-    if (*ibuf == '~') {
-      *ibuf = ' ';
-    }
-    ibuf++;
-  }
-  return r;
+  return cstring_i(ibuf);
 }
 
-const char *
-buildingname (const building * b)
+const xmlChar *
+write_buildingname(const building * b, xmlChar * ibuf, size_t size)
 {
-  char *ibuf = idbuf[(++nextbuf) % 8];
-
-  snprintf(ibuf, sizeof(name), "%s (%s)", b->name, itoa36(b->no));
+  snprintf((char*)ibuf, sizeof(name), "%s (%s)", b->name, itoa36(b->no));
   ibuf[sizeof(name)-1] = 0;
   return ibuf;
 }
 
+const xmlChar *
+buildingname(const building * b)
+{
+  char *ibuf = idbuf[(++nextbuf) % 8];
+  return write_buildingname(b, (xmlChar*)ibuf, sizeof(name));
+}
+
 building *
 largestbuilding (const region * r, boolean img)
 {
diff --git a/src/common/kernel/eressea.h b/src/common/kernel/eressea.h
index b00bfaa6b..4a23ed7e5 100644
--- a/src/common/kernel/eressea.h
+++ b/src/common/kernel/eressea.h
@@ -43,7 +43,6 @@ extern "C" {
 #define INSECT_POTION /* Spezialtrank für Insekten */
 #define ORCIFICATION /* gioving snotlings to the peasants gets counted */
 #undef TROLLSAVE /* saving throw for dead trolls */
-#undef AFFECT_SALARY /* gibt es ein attribut at_salary (ist noch nicht fertig!) */
 
 #include <settings.h>
 
@@ -256,8 +255,10 @@ struct unit *findunit(int n);
 struct unit *findunitr(const struct region * r, int n);
 struct region *findunitregion(const struct unit * su);
 
-char *estring(const char *s);
-char *cstring(const char *s);
+extern char *estring(const char *s);
+extern char *estring_i(char *s);
+extern char *cstring(const char *s);
+extern char *cstring_i(char *s);
 extern const xmlChar *unitname(const struct unit * u);
 extern xmlChar * write_unitname(const struct unit * u, xmlChar * buffer, size_t size);
 
diff --git a/src/common/kernel/kernel.vcproj b/src/common/kernel/kernel.vcproj
index 9a0f0058d..d6a5c5440 100644
--- a/src/common/kernel/kernel.vcproj
+++ b/src/common/kernel/kernel.vcproj
@@ -409,6 +409,9 @@
 		<File
 			RelativePath=".\unit.c">
 		</File>
+		<File
+			RelativePath=".\version.h">
+		</File>
 		<File
 			RelativePath=".\xmlkernel.h">
 		</File>
diff --git a/src/common/kernel/region.c b/src/common/kernel/region.c
index 183e31d8c..0890009a0 100644
--- a/src/common/kernel/region.c
+++ b/src/common/kernel/region.c
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@
 #include "terrain.h"
 #include "terrainid.h"
 #include "unit.h"
+#include "version.h"
 
 /* util includes */
 #include <util/attrib.h>
@@ -102,29 +103,30 @@ dir_invert(direction_t dir)
 }
 
 const xmlChar *
-regionname(const region * r, const faction * f)
+write_regionname(const region * r, const faction * f, xmlChar * buffer, size_t size)
 {
-  static char buf[65];
+  char * buf = (char *)buffer;
   const struct locale * lang = f ? f->locale : 0;
   if (r==NULL) {
     strcpy(buf, "(null)");
   } else {
     plane *pl = r->planep;
     if (pl && fval(pl, PFL_NOCOORDS)) {
-      strncpy(buf, rname(r, lang), 65);
+      strncpy(buf, (const char *)rname(r, lang), size);
     } else {
-#ifdef HAVE_SNPRINTF
-      snprintf(buf, 65, "%s (%d,%d)", rname(r, lang),
+      snprintf(buf, size, "%s (%d,%d)", rname(r, lang),
         region_x(r, f), region_y(r, f));
-#else
-      strncpy(buf, rname(r, lang), 50);
-      buf[50]=0;
-      sprintf(buf+strlen(buf), " (%d,%d)", region_x(r, f), region_y(r, f));
-#endif
     }
   }
   buf[64] = 0;
-  return buf;
+  return buffer;
+}
+
+const xmlChar *
+regionname(const region * r, const faction * f)
+{
+  static xmlChar buf[65];
+  return write_regionname(r, f, buf, sizeof(buf));
 }
 
 int
@@ -207,9 +209,15 @@ a_readdirection(attrib *a, FILE *f)
   spec_direction *d = (spec_direction *)(a->data.v);
   fscanf(f, "%hd %hd %d", &d->x, &d->y, &d->duration);
   fscanf(f, "%15s ", lbuf);
-  d->desc = strdup(cstring(lbuf));
+  d->desc = strdup(lbuf);
   fscanf(f, "%15s ", lbuf);
-  d->keyword = strdup(cstring(lbuf));
+  d->keyword = strdup(lbuf);
+  if (global.data_version<UNICODE_VERSION) {
+    cstring_i(d->desc);
+    cstring_i(d->keyword);
+    /* TODO: reverse lookup of desc and keyword or something? */
+    assert(!"not implemented");
+  }
   d->active = true;
   return AT_READ_OK;
 }
@@ -220,7 +228,7 @@ a_writedirection(const attrib *a, FILE *f)
   spec_direction *d = (spec_direction *)(a->data.v);
 
   fprintf(f, "%d %d %d %s %s ", d->x, d->y, d->duration,
-      estring(d->desc), estring(d->keyword));
+      (const char *)d->desc, (const char *)d->keyword);
 }
 
 attrib_type at_direction = {
@@ -686,11 +694,12 @@ r_demand(const region * r, const luxury_type * ltype)
   return d->value;
 }
 
-const char *
+const xmlChar *
 rname(const region * r, const struct locale * lang) {
-  if (r->land)
+  if (r->land) {
     return r->land->name;
-  return locale_string(lang, terrain_name(r));
+  }
+  return LOC(lang, terrain_name(r));
 }
 
 int
@@ -789,7 +798,10 @@ free_region(region * r)
   free(r);
 }
 
-static char *
+/** creates a name for a region
+ * TODO: Make this XML-configurable and allow non-ascii characters again.
+ */
+static xmlChar *
 makename(void)
 {
   int s, v, k, e, p = 0, x = 0;
@@ -797,12 +809,16 @@ makename(void)
   static char name[16];
   const char *kons = "bcdfghklmnprstvwz",
     *end = "nlrdst",
-    *vokal = "aaaaaaaaaāâeeeeeeeeeéčęiiiiiiiiiíîoooooooooķōôuuuuuuuuuúyy",
+#if 0
+    *vowels = "aaaaaaaaaāâeeeeeeeeeéčęiiiiiiiiiíîoooooooooķōôuuuuuuuuuúyy",
+#else
+    *vowels = "aaaaaaaaaaaeeeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiiiiioooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuyy",
+#endif
     *start = "bcdgtskpvfr";
 
   nk = strlen(kons);
   ne = strlen(end);
-  nv = strlen(vokal);
+  nv = strlen(vowels);
   ns = strlen(start);
 
   for (s = rng_int() % 3 + 2; s > 0; s--) {
@@ -816,7 +832,7 @@ makename(void)
       p++;
     }
     v = rng_int() % (int)nv;
-    name[p] = vokal[v];
+    name[p] = vowels[v];
     p++;
     if (rng_int() % 3 == 2 || s == 1) {
       e = rng_int() % (int)ne;
@@ -828,7 +844,7 @@ makename(void)
   }
   name[p] = '\0';
   name[0] = (char) toupper(name[0]);
-  return name;
+  return (xmlChar*)name;
 }
 
 void
diff --git a/src/common/kernel/region.h b/src/common/kernel/region.h
index c8ceae1e6..199e565c1 100644
--- a/src/common/kernel/region.h
+++ b/src/common/kernel/region.h
@@ -131,8 +131,8 @@ typedef struct spec_direction {
   short x, y;
   int  duration;
   boolean active;
-  xmlChar *desc;
-  xmlChar *keyword;
+  char *desc;
+  char *keyword;
 } spec_direction;
 
 typedef struct {
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ extern boolean r_isforest(const struct region * r);
 #define rterrain(r) (oldterrain((r)->terrain))
 #define rsetterrain(r, t) ((r)->terrain = newterrain(t))
 
-extern const char * rname(const struct region * r, const struct locale * lang);
+extern const xmlChar * rname(const struct region * r, const struct locale * lang);
 #define rsetname(r, str) (set_string(&(r)->land->name, str))
 
 #define rplane(r) getplane(r)
@@ -218,6 +218,8 @@ extern void r_setdemand(struct region * r, const struct luxury_type * ltype, int
 extern int r_demand(const struct region * r, const struct luxury_type * ltype);
 
 extern const xmlChar * regionname(const struct region * r, const struct faction * f);
+extern const xmlChar * write_regionname(const struct region * r, const struct faction * f, xmlChar * buffer, size_t size);
+
 extern void * resolve_region(variant data);
 extern struct region * new_region(short x, short y);
 extern void terraform(struct region * r, terrain_t terrain);
diff --git a/src/common/kernel/version.h b/src/common/kernel/version.h
index b7f5883f9..c8a879aeb 100644
--- a/src/common/kernel/version.h
+++ b/src/common/kernel/version.h
@@ -64,6 +64,7 @@
 #define REGIONITEMS_VERSION 323 /* regions have items */
 #define ATTRIBREAD_VERSION 324 /* remove a_readint */
 #define CURSEFLAGS_VERSION 325 /* remove a_readint */
+#define UNICODE_VERSION 326 /* everything is stored as UTF8 */
 
 #define MIN_VERSION CURSETYPE_VERSION
 #define REGIONOWNERS_VERSION 400
diff --git a/src/common/kernel/xmlreader.c b/src/common/kernel/xmlreader.c
index 1474b6c35..f9e47eabf 100644
--- a/src/common/kernel/xmlreader.c
+++ b/src/common/kernel/xmlreader.c
@@ -103,12 +103,12 @@ xml_cleanup_string(xmlChar * str)
 
   while (*read) {
     /* eat leading whitespace */
-	if (*read && isspace(*read)) {
-	  while (*read && isspace(*read)) {
-		++read;
-	  }
-	  *write++ = ' ';
-	}
+    if (*read && isspace(*read)) {
+      while (*read && isspace(*read)) {
+        ++read;
+      }
+      *write++ = ' ';
+    }
     while (*read) {
       if (*read== '\n') break;
       if (*read== '\r') break;
@@ -1625,7 +1625,7 @@ parse_terrains(xmlDocPtr doc)
 
   xpath = xmlXPathNewContext(doc);
 
-  /* reading eressea/strings/string */
+  /* reading eressea/terrains/terrain */
   terrains = xmlXPathEvalExpression(BAD_CAST "/eressea/terrains/terrain", xpath);
   nodes = terrains->nodesetval;
   for (i=0;i!=nodes->nodeNr;++i) {
@@ -1740,7 +1740,7 @@ parse_messages(xmlDocPtr doc)
 
   xpath = xmlXPathNewContext(doc);
 
-  /* reading eressea/strings/string */
+  /* reading eressea/messages/message */
   messages = xmlXPathEvalExpression(BAD_CAST "/eressea/messages/message", xpath);
   nodes = messages->nodesetval;
   for (i=0;i!=nodes->nodeNr;++i) {
@@ -1806,7 +1806,7 @@ parse_messages(xmlDocPtr doc)
 
       xml_readtext(node, &lang, &text);
       xml_cleanup_string(text);
-      nrt_register(mtype, lang, xml_to_locale(text), 0, (const char*)section);
+      nrt_register(mtype, lang, (const char *)text, 0, (const char*)section);
       xmlFree(text);
 
     }
diff --git a/src/common/spells/combatspells.c b/src/common/spells/combatspells.c
index 24e49363b..5dede6c77 100644
--- a/src/common/spells/combatspells.c
+++ b/src/common/spells/combatspells.c
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ sp_kampfzauber(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
 
 /* Versteinern */
 int
-sp_versteinern(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
+sp_petrify(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
 {
   battle *b = fi->side->battle;
   unit *mage = fi->unit;
@@ -194,9 +194,7 @@ sp_versteinern(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
     --force;
   }
 
-  sprintf(buf, "%d Personen %s versteinert",
-      stoned, stoned == 1 ? "wurde" : "wurden");
-  m = msg_message("cast_spell_effect", "mage spell effect", mage, sp, buf);
+  m = msg_message("cast_petrify_effect", "mage spell amount", fi->unit, sp, stoned);
   message_all(b, m);
   msg_release(m);
   return level;
@@ -247,9 +245,7 @@ sp_stun(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
     }
   }
 
-  sprintf(buf, "%d Krieger %s für einen Moment benommen",
-      stunned, stunned == 1 ? "ist" : "sind");
-  m = msg_message("cast_spell_effect", "mage spell effect", mage, sp, buf);
+  m = msg_message("cast_stun_effect", "mage spell amount", fi->unit, sp, stunned);
   message_all(b, m);
   msg_release(m);
   return level;
@@ -381,9 +377,7 @@ sp_sleep(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
     --force;
   }
 
-  sprintf(buf, "%d Krieger %s in Schlaf versetzt",
-      k, k == 1 ? "wurde" : "wurden");
-  m = msg_message("cast_spell_effect", "mage spell effect", mage, sp, buf);
+  m = msg_message("cast_sleep_effect", "mage spell amount", fi->unit, sp, k);
   message_all(b, m);
   msg_release(m);
   return level;
@@ -455,9 +449,7 @@ sp_speed(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
     }
   }
 
-  sprintf(buf, "%d Krieger %s magisch beschleunigt",
-      targets, targets == 1 ? "wurde" : "wurden");
-  m = msg_message("cast_spell_effect", "mage spell effect", fi->unit, sp, buf);
+  m = msg_message("cast_speed_effect", "mage spell amount", fi->unit, sp, targets);
   message_all(b, m);
   msg_release(m);
   return 1;
@@ -687,10 +679,7 @@ sp_drainodem(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
     --force;
   }
 
-  sprintf(buf, "%d Person%s wurde ihre Lebenskraft entzogen",
-    drained, drained == 1 ? " wurde" : "en wurden");
-
-  m = msg_message("cast_spell_effect", "mage spell effect", fi->unit, sp, buf);
+  m = msg_message("cast_drainlife_effect", "mage spell amount", fi->unit, sp, drained);
   message_all(b, m);
   msg_release(m);
   return level;
@@ -1030,9 +1019,7 @@ sp_hero(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
     }
   }
 
-  sprintf(buf, "%d Krieger %s moralisch gestärkt",
-      targets, targets == 1 ? "wurde" : "wurden");
-  m = msg_message("cast_spell_effect", "mage spell effect", mage, sp, buf);
+  m = msg_message("cast_hero_effect", "mage spell amount", fi->unit, sp, targets);
   message_all(b, m);
   msg_release(m);
 
@@ -1086,9 +1073,7 @@ sp_berserk(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
     }
   }
 
-  sprintf(buf, "%d Krieger %s in Blutrausch versetzt",
-      targets, targets == 1 ? "wurde" : "wurden");
-  m = msg_message("cast_spell_effect", "mage spell effect", mage, sp, buf);
+  m = msg_message("cast_berserk_effect", "mage spell amount", fi->unit, sp, targets);
   message_all(b, m);
   msg_release(m);
   return level;
@@ -1139,9 +1124,7 @@ sp_frighten(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
     --force;
   }
 
-  sprintf(buf, "%d Krieger %s eingeschüchtert",
-      targets, targets == 1 ? "wurde" : "wurden");
-  m = msg_message("cast_spell_effect", "mage spell effect", fi->unit, sp, buf);
+  m = msg_message("cast_frighten_effect", "mage spell amount", fi->unit, sp, targets);
   message_all(b, m);
   msg_release(m);
   return level;
@@ -1183,15 +1166,7 @@ sp_tiredsoldiers(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
     --force;
   }
 
-  if (n == 0) {
-    effect = "Der Zauber konnte keinen Krieger ermüden";
-  } else if (n == 1) {
-    effect = "Ein Krieger schleppt sich müde in den Kampf";
-  } else {
-    sprintf(buf, "%d Krieger schleppen sich müde in den Kampf", n);
-    effect = buf;
-  }
-  m = msg_message("cast_spell_effect", "mage spell effect", fi->unit, sp, effect);
+  m = msg_message("cast_tired_effect", "mage spell amount", fi->unit, sp, n);
   message_all(b, m);
   msg_release(m);
   return level;
@@ -1240,8 +1215,7 @@ sp_windshield(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
     }
   }
 
-  m = msg_message("cast_spell_effect", "mage spell effect", mage, sp, 
-    "Ein Sturm kommt auf und die Schützen können kaum noch zielen");
+  m = msg_message("cast_storm_effect", "mage spell", fi->unit, sp);
   message_all(b, m);
   msg_release(m);
   return level;
@@ -1256,8 +1230,7 @@ sp_reeling_arrows(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
   unused(power);
 
   b->reelarrow = true;
-  m = msg_message("cast_spell_effect", "mage spell effect", fi->unit, sp, 
-    "Ein Sturm kommt auf und die Schützen können kaum noch zielen");
+  m = msg_message("cast_tired_effect", "mage spell amount", fi->unit, sp, n);
   message_all(b, m);
   msg_release(m);
   return level;
@@ -1310,8 +1283,7 @@ sp_denyattack(fighter * fi, int level, double power, spell * sp)
   /* fighter leeren */
   rmfighter(fi, mage->number);
 
-  m = msg_message("cast_spell_effect", "mage spell effect", fi->unit, sp,
-    "Das Kampfgetümmel erstirbt und er kann unbehelligt seines Weges ziehen");
+  m = msg_message("cast_escape_effect", "mage spell", fi->unit, sp);
   message_all(b, m);
   msg_release(m);
 
diff --git a/src/common/spells/combatspells.h b/src/common/spells/combatspells.h
index 4e72d3636..1061e01c4 100644
--- a/src/common/spells/combatspells.h
+++ b/src/common/spells/combatspells.h
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ extern "C" {
   extern int sp_sleep(struct fighter * fi, int level, double power, struct spell * sp);
   extern int sp_windshield(struct fighter * fi, int level, double power, struct spell * sp);
   extern int sp_strong_wall(struct fighter * fi, int level, double power, struct spell * sp);
-  extern int sp_versteinern(struct fighter * fi, int level, double power, struct spell * sp);
+  extern int sp_petrify(struct fighter * fi, int level, double power, struct spell * sp);
   extern int sp_hero(struct fighter * fi, int level, double power, struct spell * sp);
   extern int sp_frighten(struct fighter * fi, int level, double power, struct spell * sp);
   extern int sp_mindblast(struct fighter * fi, int level, double power, struct spell * sp);
diff --git a/src/common/spells/spells.c b/src/common/spells/spells.c
index 9046e1efa..ede3a5997 100644
--- a/src/common/spells/spells.c
+++ b/src/common/spells/spells.c
@@ -580,7 +580,7 @@ sp_summon_familiar(castorder *co)
   }
 
   msg = msg_message("familiar_name", "unit", mage);
-  nr_render(msg, mage->faction->locale, zText, sizeof(zText), mage->faction);
+  nr_render(msg, mage->faction->locale, (char *)zText, sizeof(zText), mage->faction);
   msg_release(msg);
   familiar = create_unit(target_region, mage->faction, 1, rc, 0, zText, mage);
   setstatus(familiar, ST_FLEE);
@@ -635,7 +635,7 @@ sp_destroy_magic(castorder *co)
   double force = co->force;
   spellparameter *pa = co->par;
   curse * c = NULL;
-  char ts[80];
+  xmlChar ts[80];
   attrib **ap;
   int obj;
   int succ;
@@ -653,7 +653,7 @@ sp_destroy_magic(castorder *co)
       /* region *tr = pa->param[0]->data.r; -- farcasting! */
       region *tr = co->rt;
       ap = &tr->attribs;
-      strcpy(ts, regionname(tr, mage->faction));
+      write_regionname(tr, mage->faction, ts, sizeof(ts));
       break;
     }
     case SPP_TEMP:
@@ -662,7 +662,7 @@ sp_destroy_magic(castorder *co)
       unit *u;
       u = pa->param[0]->data.u;
       ap = &u->attribs;
-      strcpy(ts, unitname(u));
+      write_unitname(u, ts, sizeof(ts));
       break;
     }
     case SPP_BUILDING:
@@ -4450,9 +4450,7 @@ sp_pump(castorder *co)
   target = pa->param[0]->data.u; /* Zieleinheit */
 
   if (fval(target->race, RCF_UNDEAD)) {
-    sprintf(buf, "%s kann nicht auf Untote gezaubert werden.",
-      spell_name(sp, mage->faction->locale));
-    addmessage(0, mage->faction, buf, MSG_EVENT, ML_WARN);
+    ADDMSG(&mage->faction->msgs, msg_feedback(mage, co->order, "error_not_on_undead", ""));
     return 0;
   }
   if (is_magic_resistant(mage, target, 0) || target->faction->no == MONSTER_FACTION) {
@@ -7357,7 +7355,7 @@ static spelldata spelldaten[] =
       { 0, 0, 0 },
       { 0, 0, 0 }
     },
-    (spell_f)sp_versteinern, NULL
+    (spell_f)sp_petrify, NULL
   },
   {
     SPL_STRONG_WALL, "strongwall", NULL, NULL, NULL,
diff --git a/src/common/spells/unitcurse.c b/src/common/spells/unitcurse.c
index d709c18f7..3553886b6 100644
--- a/src/common/spells/unitcurse.c
+++ b/src/common/spells/unitcurse.c
@@ -45,20 +45,16 @@
 static message *
 cinfo_auraboost(const void * obj, typ_t typ, const curse *c, int self)
 {
-  struct unit *u;
+  struct unit *u = (struct unit *)obj;
   unused(typ);
   assert(typ == TYP_UNIT);
-  u = (struct unit *)obj;
 
   if (self != 0){
     if (curse_geteffect(c) > 100){
-      sprintf(buf, "%s fühlt sich von starken magischen Energien "
-        "durchströmt", u->name);
+      return msg_message("curseinfo::auraboost_0", "unit id", u, c->no);
     } else {
-      sprintf(buf, "%s hat Schwierigkeiten seine magischen Energien "
-          "zu sammeln", u->name);
+      return msg_message("curseinfo::auraboost_1", "unit id", u, c->no);
     }
-    return msg_message("curseinfo::info_str", "text id", buf, c->no);
   }
   return NULL;
 }
diff --git a/src/common/util/nrmessage.c b/src/common/util/nrmessage.c
index 47097b368..28410e18b 100644
--- a/src/common/util/nrmessage.c
+++ b/src/common/util/nrmessage.c
@@ -119,8 +119,8 @@ nrt_register(const struct message_type * mtype, const struct locale * lang, cons
     else nrt->section = NULL;
     messagetypes[hash] = nrt;
     assert(string && *string);
-    nrt->string = strdup(string);
-                *c = '\0';
+    nrt->string = xstrdup(string);
+    *c = '\0';
     for (i=0;i!=mtype->nparameters;++i) {
       if (i!=0) *c++ = ' ';
       c+= strlen(strcpy(c, mtype->pnames[i]));
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ nrt_register(const struct message_type * mtype, const struct locale * lang, cons
 }
 
 size_t
-nr_render(const struct message * msg, const struct locale * lang, xmlChar * buffer, size_t size, const void * userdata)
+nr_render(const struct message * msg, const struct locale * lang, char * buffer, size_t size, const void * userdata)
 {
   struct nrmessage_type * nrt = nrt_find(lang, msg->type);
 
diff --git a/src/common/util/nrmessage.h b/src/common/util/nrmessage.h
index 89668998e..d9a931570 100644
--- a/src/common/util/nrmessage.h
+++ b/src/common/util/nrmessage.h
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ extern const char * nrt_string(const struct nrmessage_type *type);
 extern const char * nrt_section(const struct nrmessage_type * mt);
 
 extern size_t nr_render(const struct message * msg, const struct locale * lang,
-                     xmlChar * buffer, size_t size, const void * userdata);
+                     char * buffer, size_t size, const void * userdata);
 extern int nr_level(const struct message *msg);
 extern const char * nr_section(const struct message *msg);