I've always felt that the last part of SoA is really too easy when playing with SoA+ToB.
This is mainly because we usually are a bit above 3,000,000xp (HLAs and 9th level spells) at the time of the fights against Irenicus, which was not the case in the classic game, with its 2,950,000xp cap.
An idea to make Irenicus a stronger mage than you are again, would be to bring back this xp cap, and removing it just after. The xp you gain would still be granted in the background, but disactivated until you retrieve your soul. Hence no balance issue at all for ToB. No headache for the developers.
I even think it makes some sense roleplay wise. Not having your soul should be limiting your potential, right?
There is the problem of Watcher's Keep, which can be made during SoA time. You would have to do it at a somewhat lower level than before. I personnally don't see it as a big issue. If you're stuck, wait until ToB to see what is lower down.
This is mainly because we usually are a bit above 3,000,000xp (HLAs and 9th level spells) at the time of the fights against Irenicus, which was not the case in the classic game, with its 2,950,000xp cap.
An idea to make Irenicus a stronger mage than you are again, would be to bring back this xp cap, and removing it just after. The xp you gain would still be granted in the background, but disactivated until you retrieve your soul. Hence no balance issue at all for ToB. No headache for the developers.
I even think it makes some sense roleplay wise. Not having your soul should be limiting your potential, right?
There is the problem of Watcher's Keep, which can be made during SoA time. You would have to do it at a somewhat lower level than before. I personnally don't see it as a big issue. If you're stuck, wait until ToB to see what is lower down.