Locmaar

I found that it makes a huge difference from where you enter Monarch's Realm. Sneaking up on him from behind, using the Mechanic's path, was always a hell of a lot easier than rushing in through the front door. It didn't make too much of a difference what PC class I was using, either. To me this encounter feels appropriate.

Better yet, try North East

I am uncertain if this is the correct answer, but I have found that entering the checkpoint for the fourth time turned the chill into chilli con carne...

PS: It would seem that the honored established member beat me to the reply.

EDIT: added PS and fixed typo

---SPOILER---

keep reading at your own peril...

There is another essence-infused skin in Turabi Gate, though it is kind of really painful and time-consuming to get.

Furthermore, the artifact stats do not seem to be static. Here is what I found thus far:

Cloak of the Shadows – Perfected Cloak, Pure Crystal Shard, Purified Essence. (Armor +10%, +2 to Mechanics, +2 to Leadership, +2 to Stealth, +1 to Action Points)

Impervious Cape - Perfected Cloak, Purified Essence, Essence-Infused Skin. (Armor +12%, +5% to hit, +10% Hostile Effect Resistance of Creations)

Flameweaver Greaves – Perfected Greaves, Solidified Flame, Crystalline Fibers. (Armor +12-16%, +2 to Battle Magic, +2 Fire Shaping, +20% to Cold Resistance)

Legs of the Tyrant – Perfected Greaves, Essence-Infused Iron, Blood Poison. (Armor +14%, +8 Vampiric Touch, +3 Melee Weapons)

Gloves of Savagery – Perfected Gauntlets, Essence-Infused Skin, Blood Poison. (Armor +6%, +2 to Strength, +2 to Melee Weapons, +4 to Quick Action, +2 to Strength of Creations)

Shapemaster Boots – Perfected Boots, Deep Focus Orb, Ur-Drakon Skin. (Armor +10 - 16%, +2 to all Shaping Skills, +3 to Creation Damage in Combat OR +10% Hostile Effect Resistance of creations)

Girdle of Succor – Perfected Belt, Unmelting Ice, Ur-Drakon Skin. (Armor +8%, +2 to Blessing Magic, +2 to Healing Craft, +8 to Creation Armor, +4% Hostile Effect Resistance of creations)

Sunstone Belt – Perfected Belt, Unmelting Ice, Deep Focus Orb. (Armor +14%, +10 Energy Preservation, +20% Energy Resistance, +20% Fire Resistance)