Any tips for a newbie?

[robbiodobbio]

how does forced descent work? Do you only have a fixed time on each level? Or is it just that there aren't any up stairs?

[Estie]

Congrats on a job well done. Forced descent simply means that you can never enter a level higher than your lowest; upstairs are generated, but wont work (you get an error message when trying to use them); scrolls of tele level always take you down, etc. Unless you also have no recall set for full ironman, you can (and probably should) leave a level via town portal, then recall; it will take you to the next lower one.

[robbiodobbio]

Ok, I'm thinking of going for the no recalls version. What should I spend my initial cash on?

[Ingwe Ingweron]

Originally Posted by robbiodobbio

Ok, I'm thinking of going for the no recalls version. What should I spend my initial cash on?

If doing No Recall Ironman, with or without forced descent, but especially if you are also doing forced descent, I would turn Selling back on and or turn off Start with Useful Gear. This way you can sell that recall scroll for cash and buy more of what you need.

I don't see the town purchase requirements any differently than a regular excursion, you'll want lot's of ?Phase Door and CLW. Maybe a launcher and ammo, if available. An extra copy of the first magic book or prayer book, if applicable. (I never buy more than the first , relying on the dungeon to provide). Then descend and hope for the best. Squelch the money, as it will do you no good. You'll still collect cash if you happen to walk over its location, but you won't be distracted with it on-screen.

Congrats on your win. And props for jumping right into Ironman right away. I'm impressed!

[robbiodobbio]

Any race/class recommendations?

[robbiodobbio]

I decided to go for a Dwarf Priest named Father Iron. Not loving the bad disarming and stealth.

Just found Narthanc though. What effect does being uncomfortable with your weapon have? I know priests don't like using edged weapons but surely it's better to use the 'thanc than my standard mace right?

[Estie]

Yes, by all means wield that Thanc. Check your attack rating, it should suffer some malus, and your spell fail chance with/without Thanc. Basically, use it till you switch to OoD for damage.

I hope the lions share of your purchase went towards phase door scrolls; healing potions are very common, but phase door can be elusive.

[robbiodobbio]

I've found a stack of identify scrolls, should I identify the potions I'm picking up? I tried a few and the didn't ID. Tried a scroll and it was deep descent so down to DL10 now.

[robbiodobbio]

I bought 10 phase doors and blazed through them all pretty quickly. Had a nasty run in with a tiger that I barely survived. Got 2nd prayerbook now so got portal.

[robbiodobbio]

Are priests just awful at melee? Even with a dagger I only get 1 blow per round. Is the orb of destruction or whatever it is a spell? I'm guessing it's in the 3rd spellbook.