GITHYANKI BASE - LEVEL 2
Interdimensional Sphere
I start off at #1 on the Level 2 map. Just ahead at #2 are three Succubi who have surrounded another fiend. I kill them off, and then speak with the Devil named Mephasm. The point of the conversation is that I acquire an Interdimensional Sphere that I'll use later. Making a Spellcraft check during the dialogue also gets a +1 influence with Grobnar for me. I also gain influence with Casavir by agreeing to be cautious with Mephasm.
I then explore the rooms that are to either side, and just ahead of me, killing whatever Succubi or Imps I find along the way. Some of the chests can yield a Diamond or an Emerald or 600+gp. I got a Diamond and Emerald from two of the chests, with the understanding that I can sell off an excess beyond what I need for enchantment purposes.
*Evil* Interdimensional Sphere
The equivalent video for Zarathos. Zarathos makes a point of insulting Neeshka by telling her to be silent, thus losing -2 influence with her. My intention is to drive Neeshka out of the evil party towards the climax.
Zaxis
I go on ahead to #3, where the Hezrou demon named Zaxis bars my way. I could try using Bluff or Intimidation on him, but I'd just as soon kill him and his Succubi for the xp. I take out the Succubi first, and then flank Zaxis. I am able to wear him down despite the ability penalties that his stench aura imposes.
The room to the right has a couple of chests with random loot. The way to Zeeaire is now open.
Zeeaire
Now I enter the room ahead at #4 to initiate the final encounter of Act 1. I engage in a lengthy dialogue with Zeeaire, the leader of the Githyanki, but combat is inevitable. I could try and kill Zeeaire right away, but I want to collect the xp for killing the other Githyanki first. Bishop uses Manyshot to drill the Mage to the left. Gronbar uses his Curse Song as always. Valeria protects herself with Greater Invisibility, and then jumps into the action. Casavir readies himself with Divine Might, and then starts hacking away.
Only Zeeaire is left, but she is invulnerable while she remains inside her portal and she can become quite dangerous with her missile attacks and offensive spells. It's a simple matter of using the Interdimensional Sphere from my inventory on the portal itself to destroy it. I then gang up on her. She issues a few parting words out of spite and then dies, leaving behind:
*Evil* Zeeaire
Pretty much the same, albeit truncated. I also snap Zeearie's neck to gain +1 influence with Bishop.
Shandra Joins
Well, one of the Githyanki left behind an Adamantine Heavy Shield, so I loot that for sale. Now I speak to Shandra, and we head back to the Sunken Flagon. Valeria speaks in a warm and welcoming fashion towards Shandra.
*Evil* Shandra Joins
Zarathos by comparison is considerably more callous and hostile with Shandra, and loses influence with her as a result. The "leave you to the Githyanki" dialogue option in particular results in a -3 loss.
Either way, she now becomes an extra member of the party for the duration of Act 2.