[Sever]

Thanks guys. I haven't really used the Bhaal powers since chapter 3 so it's no surprise i missed the focus ability.

As for Balthazar, a little research tells me that most people find him to be the weakest of the Five by far. Not for my party however. Maybe i'm not using the right defense against his attacks, but he's managing to tiger kick (or sumfin) my PfMW, SS kensai/mage PC all over the park. I'll think of something eventually, but even so, here is my party:

CHARNAME - Kensai/Mage 13/28
SilverStar - Assassin 40
Valen - Vampire Fighter/Thief 24/28
Sarevok - Fighter 33
Viconia - Cleric 24 (late addition)

Viconia and SilverStar (though maxed) are virtually useless in this fight until the strong melee element has been dealt with. Valen (and Sarevok, soon..) is powerful enough to do some major damage in this battle, but Balthazar is getting the drop on both her and the PC during the opening round TS (whether mine or Sendai's). After that, the whole party is on the back foot and quickly loses.

Apparently Ascension is supposed to fast forward the remaining dialogues, but i'm pretty sure it didn't do so for me. Ctrl-I should enable me to keep him in the party. Thanks Six.