After being in the slums, should I continue to explore rest of Athkatla, or should I rush of to de'Arnise hold? Nalia said it might already be too late...

I kept her hanging about for weeks. In the death she cops the hump and goes by herself. I met up with her a day or two later...no prob's.

Heres the deal. Do the stronghold first, DUMP Nalia, and get someone more enticing while exploring Athkala. : )

I guess it depends on who you have in your party and if you want Nalia. I myself skipped her for Aerie. Either way, I covered all of Athkala before even going to the De'Arnise Hold and she was still there waiting. I don't think there is a time limit even though you are led to believe so.

Ey ladyzekke! hehe well, yeah, but if you are a fighter, get the stronghold first, then dump Nalia.

Right, yes, Bahamut, as I said, depends on your party. Unfortunaely, I'm a Paladin/Cavelier so couldn't take any strongholds. But even after covering all of Athkala first, when I eventually went to De'Arnise Hold and killed all the beasties, Nalia still, I think, would have given me the stronghold (from what her conversations were like) if I was a fighter. Basically, no time limit no matter what your goal is that's my point. Good luck to you BFaU.

What do you mean, you couldn't get a stronghold? I thought every class/kit could get a stronghold.

Never would've picked you fer a paladin, ladyzekke. Take a trip to Windspear Hills to start your stronghold quest. Just don't kill Firkraag.

Hmmm, and with a name like Ladyzekke, I woulda thought royalty. A Paladin for sure, but a Cavalier, hmmmmm

That's one confused looking spiritual hammer.