[Cerek the Barbaric]

Hello, Russ - and a Hearty Welcome to you too.

Unfortunately, I had no Protection From Undead scrolls and my primary character (Cerek) is a Wizard Slayer...not much help against vampires.

My first go around with these guys, I ended up losing 23 levels between my 4 fighter-types (Cerek, Minsc, Keldorn, & Yoshimo). I didn't realize I got level drained with EACH hit (OUUUCH!) Keldorn was taken from 12th level down to 3rd!!!! I had to re-start from the beginning of the Temple.

My winning strategy was actually about my 5th try. I beat them each time, but not without someone getting level drained. So I finally threw the 2 biggest back-ups I had (the elementals) against the room while Yoshi and Aerie did their thing. I didn't know the Air Elemental would block the door - that was just a lucky break.

Still, I learned a lot from that encounter - mainly to make sure to SAVE the game BEFORE any major encounter!!!