Temple of the Stars by Taws

 

Talk about your under-utilized areas. Of course, that could have to do with the fact that even if you got a pretty good idea where it is, your not finding it easily - it's a long way into the mountains out the North-west gate. But once you get there, interesting things abound - including some probably oft-overlooked things that make this area a winner, instead of just another area.

The Equipment here is pretty good; but the good stuff's well hidden away, and easily overlooked. I will say that there's a quest in this area - one of the more complex one's i've ever encountered to be honest; not even the Nexus', with it's 4-item quest, is as difficult and tricky as this one. The main reason for this is that to complete the quest, you have to find the person/thing (StarGazer) to give the items to - and this can be a real challange.

However, finding stargazer is it's own reward - the two paladins/templars guarding him are toting around some Nice gear, and are a fair challange to kill. StarGazer himself is a dragon, and a fair fight (as are all dragons, in my opinion). There's also a food store, and some general items laying about - some maces that are pretty nice, for example. Theres' also a safe room (see if ya can find it), and 2 healers.

All things considered, a "reason" or "motivation" for the quest (ala The Nexus) would have been nice - but barring that, it's a fine area, and well worth checking out - and finding it is half the battle :)