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?

[lroumen]

I would have expected it to be called the Evening Star.

[/off-topic]



I like Phosphorous since it doesn't only do good damage by itself, but also increases strength to aid in thac0 and damage. Strength bonus from gear is always nice to have rather than dispellable potions.
Hesperous I never forged before, but it looks good on paper.

This post has been edited by lroumen: Jan 7 2009, 01:59 PM

[Zarathustra]

I would have expected it to be called the Evening Star.

It is. 'Hesperus' is the Ancient Greek name of the evening star, 'Phosphorus' of the morning star. (Never mind that they refer to the same object, namely Venus. That's where it gets philosophical.) If there actually was a weapon type called 'evening star', the play on words would be even better, but there isn't.

Hesperous I never forged before, but it looks good on paper.

It does, but as has been kindly pointed out, there are two problems: by the time you can beat Orcus, there aren't many really difficult fights against undead; and whenever a Sunray is triggered, the wielding character stops attacking. That doesn't render the weapon useless by any means, but Hesperus deserves an upgrade - which Sikret will indeed provide (see above).