So my 3rd generation Vanquisher is armored like a tank. She's even getting some "glancing blows" in the Lost Fortress. Only died 4 times in the whole game (3 due to those annoying slamming doors when the monsters kept pushing her back into them - oops) (very hard difficulty)

Well, time for the black palace. I've done this before and I know what I'm getting into.

Killed 3 times within sight of the entry staircase!

Curse You Black Palace!

Yes, the Black Palace can be an annoying difficulty spike. They probably thought, since this is the last area of the main quest we should make it extra hard. Grinding a few levels in the Shadow Vault or in vendor maps can help.

This makes me feel so much better. I finally decided to go play TL1 after playing tons of TL2 and just got to the Black Palace with my Outlander and while I am doing okay - the Blood Disciples and the little skeleton guys keep getting past my traps and killing me. Just picked up an Elemental Protection V spell that seems to be helping but even then... sheesh!