[chrispedersen]

If Ermor is in the game, go Heat 3.
Use as little chaff as possible. As another poster noted, use the unarmored version of the illithid.

I don't use a bless strategy, and I usually don't rely on star gate much. once he gets up to +10 or +11 I switch him out.

I personally don't remember - but does luck influence the void gate? If so reconsider misfortune.. you dont need scales much at all.

Blood Vengeance rock!