Originally Posted by Starshine
I like it as it is, there is a high value reward,
the gem for the evil book that eventually gives you a very strong ability
but even if there wasn't it'd be good, it's optional, out of the way and clearly signaled that it will be dangerous.
If it wasn't as strong it wouldn't be an achievement to beat which is, optional boss rule #1
You don't need to exploit or even use mechanics, it's not unwinnable it's just hard and again, entirely optional.

I assume the intention of her isn't to fight but sneak around to get the spoiler and out again, but having it there as an optional very hard fight is great. Not everything needs to be levelled to the player in PnP or video games.

The other big reward of course is (not news to anyone spoiler):

An access point for the underdark.

As for the OP, the first part of the game in particular is very open. It’s easy to stumble into fights you are probably not ready for. If they made them all easily doable at level 3, there would be no challenge left for level or 4 or 5 parties. One level makes a big difference at the beginning.

So save regularly and if you get absolutely destroyed maybe think about coming back to it a little later.