Thanks for the advise, koconnor100. I am still looking for the suggested levels for the interlude and what level other people found their characters at the end of chapter one.
I found a way around the Manticore.
SPOILER
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Unfortunately laying traps is not a good option for this fight as once you enter the Manticore room the doors shut and lock behind you. Fortunately the designers left alternate routes around the guy for us non-melee types. Stealth is of no use in this dungeon as the stingers have insanely high spot and listen, even detecting my PC while invisible from a potion.
I chose Deekin for the roleplay and humor value he provides. My extremely vain and power-hungry assassin likes the idea of a Bard recording her rise to ultimate power. Plus Deekin cracks me up!
I have maxxed Set trap and use magic device as well as the groovy new craft trap skill. Many a foe have fallen to the traps I lay, while I sit and watch from the shadows, ready to spring on any survivors.