Armag's Tomb (Part 3)

Zorek's Trial: Return to the first level of Armag's Tomb and proceed to the eastern half. You will encounter Zorek, a barbarian guardian. You can attempt to persuade him through dialogue or fight him.

Diplomacy with Zorek: To avoid combat, choose the dialogue option "Let me tell you of my deeds - they’ll make my worth clear." followed by "I’m ready. Listen well." This will initiate a series of skill checks, including Diplomacy, Bluff, and Intimidate (DC 50).

Boasting to Zorek: Your boasts depend on your past actions. Sparing Hargulka or Tartuk, or sparing Vordakai, will lead to dialogue options that provoke Zorek and may result in combat. Killing both Tartuk and Hargulka, or killing Vordakai, provides options that impress Zorek and lower the DC of his Intimidate check. Other impressive feats include defeating the Stag Lord, the Longtail tribe, murdering villagers of Lake Silverstep, and defeating Dugath and his barbarians. Claiming to follow Gorum (or lying convincingly) also appeases Zorek and grants significant experience.

Outcome of Diplomacy: Successfully passing the Intimidate check proves your worth and earns passage without a fight, yielding substantial experience.

Combat with Zorek: If diplomacy fails or is not attempted, Zorek can be fought. He has high attack bonus and AC, but lower HP and no Damage Reduction compared to previous enemies. A spellbuffed party should be able to defeat him.

Loot from Zorek: If you defeat Zorek, loot his body for a Falchion +3, Full Plate +1, Headband of Inspired Wisdom +2, Amulet of Natural Armor +2, Ring of Protection +2, Cloak of Resistance +3, potions, and scrolls.

Hidden Items: After dealing with Zorek, search the eastern corner of the room for a hidden Perception check (DC 35) and the northern corner for a body to loot. A grate in the western corner (Perception DC 9) contains a Leather Scrap Covered in Ancient Runes.

Boss Fight: Armag: Proceed to the next chamber to the southwest for the boss fight against Armag. He will summon Greater Skeletal Champions to assist him.

Armag's Strengths: Armag has an extremely high Attack Bonus and high Armor Class (near forty). He hits very hard, with critical hits capable of nearly one-shotting party members. He also has high Hit Points.

Armag's Weaknesses: Armag is immune to Magic Missile. His Reflex Save is moderate, and his Touch Armor Class is low, making him vulnerable to spells.

Strategy against Armag: Use spells like Chains of Light to attempt to hold him (requires a caster with +5 Attribute Modifier for ~50% chance of success for a round or two). Focus on direct damaging spells for the best results. Stoneskin can help mitigate some damage.