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?

[matti]

Three permanency scrolls is not a problem at all, imo. Phosphorus is worth it, even after Underdark. Belts with strenght bonuses are not that good, at least not all of them. Gridle of Lordy Might is pretty good but the other (23 STR) is not worth forging, imo. Save the money, forge Phosphorus and then give it to my Vagrant - that's what I will do. Then I'll give him belt of initial barrier and Treefolk's Arm (and later FoDaW if I managed to forge it) main hand and with his improved armor, resistance to magic damage will be 75 and STR will be 25 with Phosphorus. And here it is - ultimate damage dealer with probably the best defensive abilities. Not to mention that with Imp. Boots of the Ranger Lord immunity to missiles will be somewhat extraordinary (hello, Imp. Orc Horde). Yep, that's a LOT of cash. (sigh) One way or another - Crom Faeyr goes to my R/C.