Serg BlackStrider

And you've just killed one of the best/strongest Caed Nua's hirelings, what a loss... Great progress and perfect battle approach. Keep rocking!

Why? Doesn't he deserve a proper punishment? Yep, to complete the 'Brave Derrin' quest you don't need to, but what about 'triumph of justice first of all'?

@Enuhal: I agree that for Shod in Faith to proc reliably having average deflection is a boon but I still don't like to dump any stats below 10. I've also checked a wiki about all those Deadfire Pack items, and truth be told I find them a bit 'over the top' for PoE 1.

@Alesia: got it, thanks for explanation! @Jaheiras Witness: I really don't like min-maxing approach. Glass cannons are surely impractical, especially for no-reload. On the other hand purely defensive builds, a 'walking fortresses', able only to soak loads of damage and very little else, don't attract me either. I like my characters to be 'real'.

But does the development of a magician as a melee brute not pursue the same goal - 'to maximize its greatest weakness, physical damage dealing'? Which you are making now with Arcadia. The only difference I can see is ranged vs melee approach.

That surprises me. I appreciate why Jaheiras Witness used Yenwood with his solo chanter, but in party play Shame or Glory seems a better choice, in most circumstances. At present I have Pallegina wielding Shame or Glory. It's great. It allows her to wield a shield while significantly increasing the efficiency of her off-tank who can be specialized for damage. With Shame or Glory + Coordinated Attacks, she can toss a +20 over to Eder, radically increasing his hit and crit percentages. And those bonuses can be applied to whatever weapon we choose, including weapons with on crit effects, such as Starcaller or weapons with +0.5 crit damage modifiers. I'm tempted to respect Eder with Ruffian + dual-wield, in the interest of seeing what he can do with Resolution + Purgatory +20 Acc. I think it would work nicely. Make sence. The thing is that I have a single sword-wielder in the party (Eder) and Pallegina is always a two-hander - I just don't envision her otherwise. When I build a character I'm trying to avoid of making the most effective outcome at the cost of losing the 'theme' of a person. For example, Mazzy would be a beast wielding Ravager but a Halfling lass with huge halberd or some two-handed sword seems a bit weird looking. The same way using Outworn Buckler makes Pallegina more effective defensively but again, a Paladin with tiny shield... I don't use items just because they exist in the game world and looks attractive. Such as? I take Aloth, train him to use Blast/Penetrating Blast, give him Engwithan Scepter and later Golden Gaze and as a result have him able to 'stun-lock' the enemies via autoattack interruption, bypass DR and apply 'free' Expose Vulnerabilities (which you need on PotD anyway). I don't use Dangerous Implement (or any other approaches based on 'low health advantages') since I don't like my characters to be hurt (that's why Monks aren't of any interest to me). And he still is able to cast all of wizard's nukes and buffs if needed. What sacrifices does he make in this case?

On the Blast matter - yes, I'm not a fan of the 'fighter/mage' concept and I also don't like to rest after each and every battle (neither in BG nor in PoE) so having a decent auto-attacking option is what I prefer. Since I always play on PotD, I also need some means to penetrate a sky-high DR of my opponents. And here comes a @Boeroer's Zeblastian Hurtstacker autoattacking double trouble dps wizard. I don't follow the build letter by letter but pretty much like an overal concept.

Yes, there are seven marking weapons and out of those I only use two - Blade of the Endless Paths (+20% attack speed, superb, 5DR bypass, marking - just lovely) and Cgadob's Hazel sometimes (one could have better implements at the moment of acquiring it). I've never crafted Cladhalíath since this requires a Soul Vessel and I always let Nridek go peacefully using the Soul Vessel to revive his colony. Spectacular Spetum might be an interesting option before you get the Blade but I'm usually short of money early on (Caed Nua's upgrades are costly and there are many other expenses). Who need Shame or Glory when there is Whispers of Yenwood, and I don't use firearms at all.

From the Black Hound Inn in Gilded Vale naturally. Speak with Pasca about the inn story, discover that there is a dog on the second floor missing her former master and here we are. No one can look into such dreary eyes indifferently ...

The Tale of Gloomy Face: Hearth Orlan, Druid - Chapter IV: Defiance Bay, part II. 1. Introduction. 2. Chapter I. 3. Chapter II. 4. Chapter III. Wandering through the Ondra’s Gift we met Marceno and triggered ‘All Hands on Deck’ task. The fight with Waldr "Three Fingers" and his gang was trivial. Standart opening with Armor of Faith, Blessing, Painful Interdiction, Tanglefoot, Returning Storm, Curse of Blackened Sight, Chill Fog was supplemented with Despondent Blows and Infestation of Maggots. Thugs, suffering all kinds of debuffs were hopeless. Aloth got Drinking Horn of Moderation to further increase an AoE of his devastation spells. ‘Brave Derrin’ was next on agenda and then we fought the first bunch of Animats guarding a piece of Engwithan Scepter. The same opening salvo of buffs/debuffs with some Wood Beetles to help hold the line. Gloomy Face add a Nature’s Mark into the mixt to lower a sky-high Deflection of Animats. Wizard’s Double Potion for Eder, a Curse of Blackened Sight, Expose Vulnerabilities with a bit of Burst of Summer Flame and Animats are already badly injured. Itumaak is the beast with 37 damage on hit vs DR20>Pierce of Animats and he just ripped through while the rest of the Crew barely scratch them. Adra Animat stands for the last but since it doesn’t immune to Prone, its fate is sealed: We are short of spell casting so a quick nap in Guilded Vale (+2 Resolve as usual) followed and since a Palace Messenger arrived to Caed Nua (‘A Call to Court’), as well as Solmar the Shackler and Gafol the Drunkard all at once, we went there (spent 5000cp to buy and free slaves – Steward was quite pleased of that), spare 1200cp for Gafol (don’t have many other options) and then get Gyrd Haewanes Stenes for Xoti - I find Llengrath's Displaced Image when hit by a Critical Hit (2 per encounter) for her as far more useful than Gref's Authority (1 per encounter) for Aloth, who is a ranged Wizard, or Restore Spiritshift on Hit or Critical Hit (1 per encounter) for myself, since I rarely Spiritshift. After all those mundane tasks Xoti is 110 exp short of level 6 which we could get by visiting some new areas but I decided not to and just went to deal with the second group of Animats in Ondra’s Gift. This time it went even smoother and we nearly took no meaningful damage at all (Aloth burned a Scroll of Defense alone with our usual buffs). Wood Beetles served as decoys long enough for us to buff/debuff properly. Animats are vulnerable to electrical damage so Returning Storm make wonders. And have I already said that Itumaak is the beast? Xoti choose a Weapon and Shield Style talent on level up to make it easier for her to apply all those buffs/debuffs undisturbed and we purchased an Engwithan Scepter for Aloth. Next ‘The Forgotten’. Since Aloth has the weakest defences he was a prime target for enemy’s Wizards and had to apply Infuse with Vital Essence + Llengrath’s Displaced Image to stay on foot. Gloomy Face support him with Nature’s Vigor in addition to Xoti’s Consecrated Ground. Pallegina heal him with Lay on Hands and called for Shades from Obsidian Lamp Figurine to keep those Wizards busy. Aloth sent one Wizard Prone with Slicken and Blind both with Curse of Blackened Sight. Orimanth Hassan spent most of the fight laid Prone by Eder’s Knock Down. Xoti softened them all with Painful Interdiction and strengthened us with the Circle of Protection. Gloomy Face add Insect Swarm into the mixt, was stunned by, I think, some monk ability (I’m not familiar with Monks at all in PoE) but the fight turned in our favor already. Harkeen Willthurm struggled to cast Confusion suffering from the swarm of insects with another Wizard lay dead. Shade chunked him soon after. And few seconds later it was all over. Eder got a new shiny suit. Some more mundane tasks – ‘A Return to Court’, Lord Byrnwigar’s visit, Nyry the Deft Hand (helped her to escape for the Cape of the Cheat for whatever reason), easy the angry mob of farmers for 1000cp and +3 Prestige, and talked Gathbin’s captain out of fight. Maybe we’ll see each other again, who knows, but I’m always trying to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Time to solve Wael’s mystery. We approach from the west forcing the enemy to take a long way around right into the warm embrace of Tanglefoot, Returning Storm and Chill Fog. They are all doomed… Since our food buffs are still active we dealt with the Lion’s pack right away. Xoti has only two lvl 1 castings (for Armor of Faith and Blessing) so Aloth applied Prayer Against Fear from the scroll and Sagani cast Tanglefoot from the scroll too while I was busy with calling for Returning Storm. Aloth add Chill Fog and Eder sip Wizard’s Double potion. Elder Lion engaged Itumaak dealing heavy damage but Pallegina Lay on Hands him while I cast Hold Beasts. Grateful Itumaak shredded Elder Lion to pieces, another Hold Beasts for remaining Lions and it’s all over – Hearth Harvest is ours. From now on Pallegina could pet Itumaak whenever she like to. She’s his best friend (not counting Sagani). We buried the scroll of Wael, got access to Elder Archives, obtained the Theorems of Pandgram (need to rest in the Goose and Fox for +1 Mechanic to be able to disarm a trap on the chest), gave the Theorems to Nedyn and stole Heart of White March for Abrecan Doemenel. Meanwhile Kana returned from the ruins of Ibrel’s Well with valuable Father‘s Teeth amulet With that done most of the Crew hit level 7 – Gloomy Face gain access to level 4 spells, Eder choose Armored Grace, Sagani>Driving Flight, Aloth>Essential Phantom, Minor Arcane Reflection. Current state: Gloomy Face - Druid (lvl 7); Stealth:0; Athletic:1; Lore:1; Mechanics:8; Survival:4; Talents: Veteran's Recovery>Bear's Fortitude>Superior Deflection; Equipment: Hermit's Hut, Aru-Brekr Brigandine, Minor Cloak of Protection, Minor Ring of Deflection, Ring of Overseeing, Fulvano's Boots, Fine Hunting Bow/Hearth Harvest+Fine Hatchet; Eder - Fighter (lvl 7); Stealth:0; Athletic:3; Lore:8; Mechanics:0; Survival:5; Talents: Rapid Recovery>Vulnerable Attack>Superior Deflection; Abilities: Knock Down (auto)>Confident Aim>Disciplined Barrage>Armored Grace; Equipment: The Pilgrim's Lasting Vigil, Sanguine Plate Armor, Cloak of Eothasian Priest, Minor Ring of Deflection, Minor Ring of Protection, Boots of Stability, Blunting Belt, Whispers of Yenwood (Burning Lash)+Oidhreacht/Fine War bow; Aloth - Wizard (lvl 7); Stealth:0; Athletic:3; Lore:9; Mechanics:2; Survival:5; Talents: Blast>Penetrating Blast>Bear's Fortitude; Equipment: Aloth's Leather Armor, Drinking Horn of Moderation, Healing Hands, Minor Ring of Protection, Engwithan Scepter/Rapier+Fine Small Shield; Grimoire: Level 1 - Fan of Flames, Slicken, Chill Fog, Minoletta's Minor Missiles; Level 2 - Curse of Blackened Sight, Infuse With Vital Essence, Combusting Wounds, Bulwark Against The Elements; Level 3 - Expose Vulnerabilities, Fireball, Llengrath's Displaced Image, Arcane Dampener; Level 4 - Essential Phantom, Minor Arcane Reflection; Xoti - Priest of Eothas (lvl 6); Stealth:0; Athletic:2; Lore:8; Mechanics:0; Survival:5; Talents: Interdiction>Painful Interdiction>Weapon and Shield Style; Equipment: Plate Armor, Cape of Deflection, Fulvano's Gloves, Minor Ring of Protection, Ring of Overseeing, Gaun's Share+Fine Large Shield/Gyrd Haewanes Stenes; Sagani - Ranger (lvl 7); Stealth:3; Athletic:1; Lore:7; Mechanics:0; Survival:6; Talents: Agile Retreat (auto)>Resilient Companion>Vicious Companion>Merciless Companion; Abilities: Wounding Shot (auto)>Predator's Sense>Stalker's Link>Driving Flight; Equipment: Footpad’s Hood, Fine Hide Armor, Fulvano's Amulet, Bartender's Ring, Massuk Hunting Bow/Fine Dagger+Fine Hatchet; Pallegina - Palladin (lvl 6); Stealth:0; Athletic:3; Lore:7; Mechanics:0; Survival:5; Talents: Deep Faith>Veteran's Recovery>Superior Deflection; Abilities: Faith and Conviction (auto)>Flames of Devotion (auto)>Lay on Hands>Zealous Focus; Equipment: Pallegina's Breastplate, Minor Cloak of Protection, Shod-in-Faith, Gaun’s Pledge, Fine Great Sword/Fine Arbalest; to be continued...

Aye, Druids rocks. I'll try to post my update tomorrow - most 'to-be-hard' fights are smooth sailing for me with Druid's crowd controls.

@Ehuhal: Glad you've started a new run! As for images: copy a 'direct link' from imgur>paste it here (like you've done it before)> add [img*=direct link] (without *)>done. If you want to hide a picture under spoiler tag: add [spoiler*]...[/spoiler*] (without *)

No one is born a veteran no-reloader and skills are trained by trials and errors. Just try (when you'll get an opportunity) and you'll quickly find out that a no-reload is the only way to play properly. Hope that with time you'll join us. I'm looking forward for that.

Armor of Faith work for all sources, both physical and elemental: There is no need to specifically mention elemental DR in the description since when we talk about it in general - i.e. Plate Armor base 12 DR - it means DR12 vs all sources with specific adjustments vs Slash(15)/Pierce(15)/Shock(6). And if we apply a spell which increases DR in general - it increases them all by default. Some talents only modify a single DR (Scion of Flame: +5 Burn DR only, etc.). And all this means that if you want a better Freeze DR vs Shadows then you better use not a Hide (6 Freeze DR) or Scale armor (9 Freeze DR) but Mail (9 Freeze DR), Brigandine (10 Freeze DR) or Plate (12 Freeze DR). edit: and I think it's might be worth to mention, that it's generally a bad idea to apply DR proofing for sources with 'negative efficiency coefficient'. I.e. for example Brigandine has -25% armor efficiency coefficient vs Corrode damage and so you don't want to apply Corrode Proofing to it. It's far better to 'proof' those sources, which have 'positive or neutral increasing coefficient' - i.e. for Brigandine it would be Crush (+25%) or Slash/Pierce/Burn/Freeze/Shock (0%) since 'Proofing' enchants are always applied at first and then a total value is modified by 'armor efficiency coefficient': (Base+Quality+Proof)*Armor Efficiency Coefficient.

Thanks, Alesia! Yes, that's an old habit of mine, rooted in the days when I started the Baldur's Gate no-reload runs and slightly extended here. I guess it's easier this way to comprehend what's going on with my Crew, what equipment/resources we have, how I build my characters and, to some extend, what quests we have done already. edit: Oh, no! I'm so sorry, Alesia... Aotha's run was so promising... I hope, you'll give her another chance someday. Until then, looking forward for your next character.

The Tale of Gloomy Face: Hearth Orlan, Druid - Chapter III: Defiance Bay. 1. Introduction. 2. Chapter I. 3. Chapter II. After recruiting Sagani we scouted a Woodend Planes a bit, killed a lone Lion and then a pack of two Pwgra and five Forest Trolls. We were able to weaken Trolls with Chill Fog, Tanglefoot, Painful Interdiction, Expose Vulnerabilities and make them suffer under a Returning Storm so we need not care of them much and turn all our attention to those two Pwgra as a bigger threat. Eder and Xoti were affected with Infestation of Maggots early on and a single Autumn's Decay blast wound Xoti quite badly. And since she is infested the damage she is taken rapidly increase. I put her under Beetle Shell (a Withdraw would be a better option), she cast Consecrated Ground and sip a Potion of Infuse with Vital Essence while Aloth spent all three charges of Healing Hands to keep her up. Upon the end of the fight she had only 4 endurance points left. If not that PoIwVE she would be Knocked Out, and I don't like my Crew members to be KO. Ever. I tend to look at the Knock Out of a characters like PoE variant of BG non-chunked death with the only difference that you don't need to cast a spell or visit a Temple to rise them. And thus, just like for BG, I'm going to prevent KO for my Crew members by all means possible. I took it as a sign to not not think of this place as a children's sandbox (especially after spotting another pack of Forest Lurkers to the East and a pride of lions led by an elder one) and left to the Defiance Bay. First I took a tour around the city speaking with peoples, checking houses and locked chests and accepting quests (EXP gain through that tour alone was enough for Xoti to advance to 5th level and get access to lvl3 spells. yay!). The most notable loot are a Bartender's Ring (nice bonuses vs Spirits and Vessels), Plate Armor for Eder and Obsidian Lamp Figurine. Then I proceed with some easy, non-combat tasks: 'Rogue Knight' (peacefully), 'Something Secret' (gave the dagger to Gordy, and since I have high enough Survival skill, I taught him to handle it safely). I want Pallegina in my Crew as soon as possible and thus 'At All Costs' is on an agenda. We didn't try too hard to save him vs Danna so he died but we got Forgiveness anyway (don't think I'll use it, or any other firearms though). Pallegina joined the Crew (Deep Faith>Lay on Hands>Veteran's Recovery>Zealous Focus) and we are finally set. Harassing Thugs are next, and we can see a reason behind Aefre's motives so in order to get maximum gain form 'Supply and Demand' we want that Bricanta's discount on bitter squash seeds for Maea. With our horrific reputation with the Doemenels, the only way to get this is to obtain a letter from the Thieves' Hideout in Copperlane but the Doemenels are after us already (their network of informants works flawlessly) Hideout fight is quite flashy and all that but aside from initial Crackling Bolt from Langden we took precious little damage - Desponent Blows weakens their melee capabilities substantially: In order to convince Bricanta to cooperate we need to make her a favor - 'Hard Feelings' quest, which we solved peacefully. We brought good news to Maea and gained a major reputation boost in Defiance Bay and enough experience to level up (6) as the result: Gloomy Face (Superior Deflection), Eder (Superior Deflection), Aloth (Llengrath's Displaced Image, Bear's Fortitude), Sagani (Merciless Companion). Next we saved Vianna during 'Built to Last': Armor of Faith, Blessing, Interdiction, Returning Storm, Nature's Mark, Chill Fog, Llengrath's Dislpaced Image, Curse of Blackened Sight - all in. When I saw Dodwyna target Aloth with Pillar of Faith I move him away from others to prevent Prone AoE. But she wasn't able to cast it anyway under heavy preasure of ranged attacks. Now Gloomy Face is sporting a new stylish suit: Upon completing the 'Built to Last' Pallegina hit level 6 too (Superior Deflection) and gain a Shod-in-Faith as a present. Since she is a Two-hander her defences aren't sky-high so Consecrated Ground from those boots proc quite reliably giving us a 'free' cast of them each major fight. The last objective for this session is resolution of 'His Old Self' quest. We took an already traditional position near south wall of Nyrid's room, apply also traditional starting salvo of Armor of Faith, Blessing, Interdiction, Chill Fog, Curse of Blackened Sight, Returning Storm, Nature's Mark and since we also tightly bunched > Holy Power. Pallegina proc Consecrated Ground from Shod-in-Faith. Nyrid fired Rolling Flame but only hit his own Mercenaries and fell soon after (we don't have a Prison in Caed Nua yet, so we can't spare his life now). Speaking with Purnisc afterwards I choose ''Perhaps you should trust her to make her own decisions rather than lie to her" and thus cut off an opportunity to speak with Kaenra on his behave. Nice Unwavering Resolve amulet is out of reach for us this time, oh well... Current state: Gloomy Face - Druid (lvl 6); Stealth:0; Athletic:1; Lore:1; Mechanics:7; Survival:4; Talents: Veteran's Recovery>Bear's Fortitude>Superior Deflection; Equipment: Hermit's Hut, Aru-Brekr Brigandine, Minor Cloak of Protection, Minor Ring of Deflection, Ring of Overseeing, Fulvano's Boots, Fine Hunting Bow/Fine Hatchet+Small Shield; Eder - Fighter (lvl 6); Stealth:0; Athletic:2; Lore:7; Mechanics:0; Survival:5; Talents: Rapid Recovery>Vulnerable Attack>Superior Deflection; Abilities: Knock Down (auto)>Confident Aim>Disciplined Barrage; Equipment: The Pilgrim's Lasting Vigil, Plate Armor, Cloak of Eothasian Priest, Minor Ring of Deflection, Minor Ring of Protection, Boots of Stability, Blunting Belt, Whispers of Yenwood (Burning Lash)+Oidhreacht/Fine War bow; Aloth - Wizard (lvl 6); Stealth:0; Athletic:1; Lore:8; Mechanics:2; Survival:5; Talents: Blast>Penetrating Blast>Bear's Fortitude; Equipment: Aloth's Leather Armor, Minor Cloak of Protection, Healing Hands, Gaun's Pledge, Scepter/Rapier+Small Shield; Grimoire: Level 1 - Fan of Flames, Slicken, Chill Fog, Minoletta's Minor Missiles; Level 2 - Curse of Blackened Sight, Infuse With Vital Essence, Combusting Wounds, Bulwark Against The Elements; Level 3 - Expose Vulnerabilities, Fireball, Llengrath's Displaced Image; Xoti - Priest of Eothas (lvl 5); Stealth:0; Athletic:1; Lore:7; Mechanics:0; Survival:5; Talents: Interdiction>Painful Interdiction; Equipment: Plate Armor, Cape of Deflection, Fulvano's Gloves, Minor Ring of Protection, Ring of Overseeing, Gaun's Share+Medium Shield/Fine Wand; Sagani - Ranger (lvl 6); Stealth:3; Athletic:1; Lore:6; Mechanics:0; Survival:6; Talents: Agile Retreat (auto)>Resilient Companion>Vicious Companion>Merciless Companion; Abilities: Wounding Shot (auto)>Predator's Sense>Stalker's Link; Equipment: Fine Hide Armor, Fulvano's Amulet, Bartender's Ring, Massuk Hunting Bow/Fine Dagger+Fine Hatchet; Pallegina - Palladin (lvl 6); Stealth:0; Athletic:3; Lore:7; Mechanics:0; Survival:5; Talents: Deep Faith>Veteran's Recovery>Superior Deflection; Abilities: Faith and Conviction (auto)>Flames of Devotion (auto)>Lay on Hands>Zealous Focus; Equipment: Pallegina's Breastplate, Shod-in-Faith, Fine Great Sword/Fine Arbalest; to be continued...

I'm not fond of pure tanks too, that's one of the reasons I build Eder as DW fighter. He's still able to stand a ground vs a crowd of enemies just fine (wearing a Plate Armor and with occasional use of cheap Wizard's Double potion) and deal a respectable damage as well. And at first glance it may seem that early on Priests only busy with buffing/debuffing since fights usually don't last long enough for them to show their full potential. Further in the game though they might literally turn into the Juggernauts of Destruction since there are more prolonged fights with crowds of foes and Priests have enough time to buff themselves and smite them all to dust. Especially if you turn your attention into the White March.

I'd be curious to hear what others think of the legitimacy of this tactics (and the related Shadowing Beyond idea). I noticed early on that I could run away from conflicts, end them, and re-engage, whittling away enemy groups while effectively gaining free healing. It's particularly effective if you lure enemies away from their spawn points, insuring they will walk back, allowing free resuscitation of any fallen party members. I found it unsatisfying and exploity. As a matter of fact, when I composed the intro post, I considered signaling this tactic out as an example of something cheesy enough that audience members might find it off putting. In the end, though, I decided to refrain from citing any examples, since I didn't want to canalize player options. I've personally chosen to allow combat to resolve -one way or another- in the interest of avoiding what I see as an exploit of the game's fundamental engagement/recovery system. Are others inclined to see this the same way? Make sence, I'm not fond of such approach either. At the same time we probably don't want to strip player of a ''last resort escape' option completely. Like Frost vs Drakes. Let's say, if you accidently stumble upon an enemy you have no means to defeat right here and now, you'll be allowed to flee and return another day (in some, predefined, distant future). But an approach when you lure creatures one by one from the spawn point to deal with the way you've described it is not allowed.

@Jaheiras Witness: Glad, you've made it through that encounter! It's truly fearsome. Myself only dealt with that single wandering lion and a pack of Pwgras/Forest Trolls on my first visit of Woodend Plains. That's was enough for me to not touch that huge lion's pack no matter how much I want to put my hands on Hearth Harvest.

Got it, thanks!

Please do. Because in my case they where standing right in that narrow pass to the east and engaged Eder (Stealth 0) the very moment he approached them (stealthy of course).

I see. So that's not an invariably safe approach. For solo character with decent Stealth yes. But I don't think one would build the whole party around Stealth. There are other useful skills out there to develop and even high ranks in Stealth don't allow you to get an enemy close enough for surprise attack (i.e. backstab). This all is just a fair warning for those, who might think ''Oh, I could sneak around south wall right into the a main hall'' and then suddenly get in troubles unprepared.

Didn't you meet the big group of Phantoms/Shadows near the Amphitheatre down there?

Congratulations, Enuhal! I pretty much adore a thorough completionist approach and glad I'm not alone here. While I absolutely respect any other approaches (if someone doesn't want to be distracted from the saving of the world from yet another Big Boss Scum or whatever else), you miss a lot if you skip the stuff. And I don't like to skip the stuff - it's just feel 'incomplete' to me. The thing is that I see my character not as a Hero, set on a world saving mission, but as a Wanderer (Strider), who just love to explore the world, look at every nook, meet new characters to banter and vicious creatures to test his mettle. Anyway, Liresh just entered the list of Honorable Mentions here and I hope you'll solve your Deadfire's performance issues in due time to see his adventures there. Congratulations one again. Fantastic run!

So is this run on Hard or PotD? It's not entirely obvious from your message.