Hesperus and Phosphorus - worth it? Options

[Zarathustra]

My party has exited the Underdark and defeated most SoA enemies, with the Ranger stronghold stuff, Orcus and the Twisted Rune up next.

I did not forge Phosphorus in Chapter 3, and am wondering whether it would still be worth it. If I do forge it, it would replace FoA+4 as my Vagrant protagonist's off-hand weapon (main hand is The Truth); however, no one else in the party needs FoA. Is the Strength bonus worth the investment at this stage?

Also, while I have yet to defeat Orcus, I'm thinking that improving Anomen's shield maybe more worthwhile than creating Hesperus. After all, and if I remember correctly, there are only two difficult battles involving the Undead after Orcus; on the other hand, Anomen could use Supreme Shelter. Noe that Phosphorus would be used by the protagonist, or possibly Valygar, but that both are well-equipped as it is.

So, what are your opinions? Hesperus and Phosphorus - yay or nay?

[LZJ]

Personally, I wouldn't forge Hesperus for one reason: when the Sunray-on-hit ability activates, the character would simply stop attacking, which I personally dislike. Further, by the time I can forge it, I don't really see much need for the protection from level drain it confers. Therefore, I would personally opt to improve Anomen's shield.

Note, however, that Hesperus would be different in v6, and what I've said only applies to v5.

For Phosphorous, you already seem to have enough powerful weapons at this point. If you don't have any difficulty in hitting your opponents or doing sufficient damage to them, I don't really think you need to forge it. Gold is rather scarce in IA after all, so I would only spend when I really need to.