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?

[Kerkes]

I believe there are far better options for off-hand wpn than Phosphorous flail in late-game, such as Equilizer, Foebane+5, Storm Star, Axe of Unyielding, FoA, the Truth etc. But that's just me.
Permenancy scrolls may or may not be a problem, sometimes they are, even if you know where to look. I like that Lakesider axe for Vagrant's main hand, it's practically a Vorpal if something is not immune to ice, extra hp is always nice. Besides, you don't need to forge girdles, only one is forged, and I rarely forge it, a bit too expensive.