@Akhier:
You know how you only see Death Yaks at the bottom of the lair? Branch ends are always like that, except rune branches which are even worse. It's certainly doable but conventional wisdom is to clear a rune branch down to 4th floor and then go muck about somewhere else for a while. Remember that it's ok (even advisable) to switch between branches if you come across something particularly nasty.
@Xgamer4:
Uncontrolled rage will get you killed. If you're the kind of guy who would (briefly) wield a chaos brand for giggles, feel free to use it pre-lair. But I still can't recommend it. All it takes is one ill-timed rage and you're slow&exhausted against an orc pack. Seriously drop it by lair.
I'm actually kindof confused as to why people recommend Kobolds to beginners. They're almost exactly the same as Halflings, but with less HP.
Playing a Ko is like having an intrinsic gourmand and sustenance. Because apparently food clock is a problem to some people.
I just like them because they're the underdog of every fantasy setting ever. And I love the idea of slaying an ogre and eating the whole thing afterwards.
I'm actually playing a KOAK stabber right now. I've never played a stealth/stabber before, so if anyone has any generic advice (skills, gear, tactics) before I splat this one, it'd be appreciated.
I've got a no AC robe (+str,+int) which I'll probably replace with leather, later with light dragon armour.
For weapons I've got a couple of branded daggers and a sabre of protection. I'm pumping all my enchantments on and plan to distort the sabre come midgame.
I'm putting skills into short blades and stealth. Once I've got sabre to mindelay I will switch to dodge and stealth. Basically stealth all game and whatever else I happen to be wanting at the time.