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?

[crunk]

Phosphorus will be a MUST if treefolk's +4 is removed. I think the nerf is a good idea. Right now, B-C is easymode because there are SO many overpowered blunt weapons around, SO easy to obtain, and you have no choice but to get them because there are tons of golems and grandlords. Nothing else is a real problem in Chapter 3, or even throughout SoA. It's those fights with the golem/grandlord entourage that are the hardest early on.

I happened to have two B-C on my first playthrough, not knowing they'd be so overpowered.. Some liches were a joke without even having access to ruby ray. My characters took turns eating spells one by one, then healing 5 at once in a corner with mass cure/recalls ...until all lich buffs wore off, being sure to make him waste PfMW scrolls along the way.

Being low level, occasionally my guy didnt survive CC:ADHWx3, but then protag easily just walks in, picks up the treefolk, and then its GG from there. Later on, having 10+ greater restorations...it's nearly impossible to lose, unless you get caught off guard ie. Illasera's goofy antics, or those two gith smithies, unseen and busy doing something annoying somewhere off in the distance.

"What the hell is that clanking sound?" oh...Jesus... /facepalm