How hard should the Vale be? Options

[1halfelf]

I just wanted to ask a question or two... Can anyone give me some tactical hints on how to survive the encounter the first time I enter the Vale of Shadows? I just can't seem to make it --- I get attacked immediately by 3 yetis with 2 wandering horrors showing up a few rounds later. Another few rounds and all of a sudden I start seeing vampiric mists and invisible stalkers come into the battle. After several more rounds even shadow fiends join in the merriment! Is it supposed to be this hard?

I can kill the yetis pretty fast, and then I cast a Cloak of bravery to help with the horrors, but as soon as the mists start showing I'm fighting a losing battle. Even with all the fireballs and other spells I can cast I get whomped. The stalkers and Shadow Fiends just top off the carnage.

My party:

Taran - a 7/7 cleric/mage
Imoen
Yoshimo
Kachiko
Accalia
Hrothgar

I'm running BP-BGT-NEJ with all the trimmings. It's a slight bit of a beast, I admit, but it sure is fun!

Thanks for the help.

1halfelf

[erebusant]

The Vale should be as difficult as humanly (or non-humanly as the case may be) possible,, . However, if you have Jaheira with you and she's capable of Conjure Animals, you've got it made! Them Greater Bearwere's take a licking and keep right on wasting the Wandering Horrors and Vampiric Mists, and Shadow Fiends.