> Obviously there is something I need to find somewhere to be able to get around on Level 10... I fall down the chute but can't go anywhere because of the force field. I don't want a total spoiler, but I would like to know if the object I need is
>
> a) to be obtained by fighting the Leviathan on Level 9 (I didn't think so, because he seems to be Murkon which would end the game)
> b) to be found in the pool near the Leviathan guy (although I've never found anything important in a pool before)
> c) to be found elsewhere on level 9 (one of those enclosures near the town)
> d) to be found on an earlier level, and I missed it somehow.

Nope, the Leviathan is not Murkon. Also, even when you do defeat Murkon, it doesn't end the game (this is not a spoiler, as it's described in the instructions somewhere).