[Cerek]

Another item that will come in handy is the Ring of Human Influence from the Circus in Waukeen's Promenade. It allows you to attempt to Charm one person per day.

Since it sounds as if you're getting close to the Slaver's Stronghold, this could be invaluable in that first major fight. Use your ring to "charm" the main fighter in that room, then have him attack the mage. I alwasy try to target the fighter-types with charm because they usually have a lower intelligence and wisdom than the spellcasters. They also have more hit points and better attacking capability, so let THEM take out the opposing spellcasters.

This will cause the mage to focus his spells on his former pal instead of you. Even if the fighter loses, the mage will have used up a lot of his spells and probably have taken a fair amount of damage in the process. Also, any "enemies" close to the "charmed" person automatically attack him instead of you.

My solo bard relied VERY heavily on Dire Charm through the early encounters of the game and I still keep at least one spell memorized - just in case I need it again.