Seeking advice for an old game...

[Jarulf]

Question 1:&nbsp; What do I miss by not doing the Planar Sphere quest?&nbsp; I really don't much like Valygar, and basically planned to hunt him down (he is in Umar Hills, right?) and just warn him that the Cowled Wizards were looking for him.&nbsp; Screw those guys.&nbsp; But, since you need Valygar in your party to get into the Sphere (or possibly just his body?) I miss out on everything in there this way.&nbsp; <_<

Question 2:&nbsp; When is a good point to move on to Chapter 3?&nbsp; If all I need is 20,000 gold, it doesn't seem like it will take long (already have near 7,000).&nbsp; Should I go as soon as possible, to get Imoen back at a lower level?&nbsp; Or should I stick around awhile, gain another level or two, and buy some gear (that Robe of Vecna is calling me...)?

You will miss out on the Gauntlets of Ogre Power which in themselves can be nice and their are also part of The Crom Faeyr. There are few rings at the end too (Ring of Acuity and Ring of Danger Sense). That seems to be all I could see from a look in a good Walkthrough. There are probably many other items that are more of a "must" than those though before you leave the city.

As for chapter 3. I would say you can start it of by now. Not to spoil anything, but you will still be able to do chapter 2 stuff once you go to chapter 3. So if it gets too hard, it is not a super problem. I waited quite long though so it might be some tough fights.