Originally posted by Coot
.... He's not supposed to die however, and I'm not sure his demise won't cause technical game-problems.
Seems the developers forsaw some players would try to kill Saemon or that Saemon could be killed by pirates since they gave journal and dialog tree options to the Aran Linvail and the main char. After the Underdark return to the docks and you should be met by a thief with a message that Linvail wants to see you. You should be going there anyway to enlist the shadow thieves help in killing Bodhi. Here are some of the statements:
"Leaving the Island" Journal Entry if Saemon gets killed by the pirates:
"I got the horn that Saemon needed, but Desharik caught us before we could cast off. In the ensuing battle with his men, Saemon was killed... and that means that I have no way off the island. I shall have to re-enter the asylum and find the magic portal that Saemon mentioned. It is my only hope."
Also this dialog when you return to Aran after the Underdark:
Aran: "Ah... you have returned, after all. And far sooner than I expected. After you left on Havarian's ship, I must admit that I half-wondered if you would reach the island, never mind return.
Main Char: "I half-wondered that, myself, considering the fact that your captain betrayed me."
Aran: "He betrayed you? I'm not surprised. Oh, don't look at me like that, it was *not* because of me. Saemon Havarian was not one of my men in the slightest."
Aran: "I did tell you that few ships dare to visit Brynnlaw, and you saw the type of person that haunts the place. Havarian was the best available, I am afraid."
Aran: "If you wish, I could have the good captain tracked and punished for his... misdeeds. I did pay him extra to keep you safe, gold that apparently was wasted."
Main Char: "No need! The bastard rots as we speak!" OR "No, don't bother. Havarian is already dead."
Aran: "Is he? What a shame. The matter is settled, then."
So even if they didn't plan on your party being able to kill Saemon they made provisions for him dying at least, perhaps by Desherik and his pirates. It doesn't mess up the game. Plus they made provisions for his untimely death in ToB as well.
To kill him you have to pounce on him with everything you've got once the githyanki have boarded the ship. I've never been able to kill him in the Asylum, however, as he transports away to soon.