Talk:The Claw of Kazgaroth/@comment-50.72.253.114-20150925213427

This item is incredibly powerful in the hands of an experienced PC that knows how to play to its' strengths and counter the detriments. Frequently chosen as an import item to BG 2 for that reason. NOT recommended on a first playthrough, as the penalty to poison/death saves will kill you fast and frequently.

Essentially, you need to recognize a high Constitution is required to handle the loss to that Stat of 2 points, so 18 minimum. As stated above "Shorty Saving Throws" (Halflings, Gnomes and Dwarves) makes it more palatable.

You also need to know WHERE to use it, which can be considered a form of cheating I suppose unless you elect to treat each game play as a new experience and go into each new encounter blind. Unlike a standard item therefore, your Priest will need to have "Remove Curse" memorized at all times otherwise.