I've never ascended, but last night I lost my most promising character yet, an Orc Ranger. He had just finished the Mines, had plenty of food, and was generally rockin'. With cursed arrows that misfire he was taking down squads of soldier ants for sport.
I really felt tough for the first time in this game. Then I came across a "more primitive world" and ran into an Air Elemental. Turns out I did want my possessions identified.
Well, Air-E is one of the big killers. Big nonelemental damage, engulf that can't be dug out of.
The mines are kind of a trap. It all depends on your equipment. I recommend you don't go past Minetown if you want to live. Otherwise it's not that bad, since you mainly fight weak gnomes.
Sokoban is "meh" for me, I don't really care when I take it on.
Anyway, just wondering guys, what's your favorite class?
Wizard is most interesting. I should get back to my in-Gehennom-priest though.
I habitually go to mines [to Town- the tools, temple, and the plethora of shops help a lot] then Soko and finish the Mines sometime later.
Also, I should take time to re-espouse my belief that the tinning kit is the best item in the game, especially blessed ones.
Tinning a dead Rodney is also fun, even if it doesn't accomplish anything.
I'd agree if it weren't so heavy, like the also-useful pickaxe.
The mines often have magic lamps in them so I always go there.
Not to be insulting Dwarf, but that's some flimsy logic.
Infinite-time light radius is far more valuable than the wish at that point.
Arguably the biggest trap is minetown bones, at least on public servers.
I #named the rock that killed him "Dogrock," and I will carry it with me always.
Stone-to-flesh!