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?

[Sikret]

News in v6 which are relevant to this topic:

- There is a third item-upgrade which has "The Black Blood of Orcus" as one of its ingredients. So, players will have one extra motive to fight Orcus.

- Hesperus is improved (instead of Sunray, it triggers the more powerful 'Disrupt Undead' spell and no longer causes the wielder to stop attacking). Again, this is another step to encurage players to fight Orcus and to make the battle more rewarding.

- Tree Folk's Arm is nerfed (it's now +3 and its extra acid damage applies with a chance per hit, not always -- though the amount of the damage is moderately increased) and is usable by fewer classes. Hence, Phosphorous gains its intended (and deserved) position as the best weapon you can forge in chapter 3.