Permadeath tips (light spoilers)

[Canuck]

I've played a good number of permadeath characters, some into the mid 40s (level-wise), and I thought I'd share what works and doesn't work for me here. YMMV.

• You can take on quests at the normal times. I've seen advice here that you need to be at double the recommended level to take on a quest in permadeath mode, but that has never been my experience. Likewise, there's no need to grind for levels or equipment — just play the game as designed.
• Watch for monsters with high crits (you can check their stats when you're fighting them). They can seem to be doing no damage for several rounds, then suddenly hit you for 50+ HP. Use hit-and-run tactics, and set a hard-bottom HP limit before you flee and recover to full HP.
• The Venemous Dagger is weak, but it's your first useful hit-and-run weapon (4 AP), so hang onto it until you have something better.
• When you're fighting a monster, keep your eyes glued to your own HP at the bottom of the screen.
• Be proactive; don't wait to see if you need to run away, eat cooked meat, and/or swallow a healing potion. Doing it early keeps your character alive.
• Don't fight more than one monster at once unless you're much more powerful than they are.
• Load up on cooked meat. By "load up", I mean you're carrying over 100 pieces by the time you're in the 20s. If you're already recovering 3 points/round when things get hairy, you're less likely to run out of HP.
• Carry lots of healing potions in case of emergency, but don't rely on them. If the only way to fight a monster or complete a quest is constantly swallowing potions, then you're trying to fight above your level. Come back later. Potions are for getting you out of trouble, not into it.
• A decent damage resistance (at least 4) will keep you out of trouble from most swarming attacks, at least until later in the game.
• Run away. A lot. Don't keep fighting when your HP are low because things will probably be OK. If you do that enough times, the odds will catch up with you.
• Upgrade your equipment frequently as the opportunity arises, but don't waste hours grinding for it. I'll add a spoiler at the end for one of my favourites.
• Don't play for too long at once, because you'll get impatient or tired and start making mistakes. I do best when I set a 1 hour/day timer on my phone.
• Any equipment that reduces your movement or attack cost is a huge benefit.

Bonus hint:

By level 20 or a little later, if you're experienced at dodging, your character is probably strong enough to go into the Green Maze as far as the Zortaks and grab the Serpent's hauberk from their leader. It's a very powerful piece of light armour that's worth a bit of an extra risk (maybe a 20% chance of dying), and gives your permadeath character a much-better chance of making it to level 30 and beyond. I often grab it just before I start the BWM quests.

[Pooka]

Thanks for the great tips!

I don't play a permadeath character yet (although I have played many a game of nethack & moria), these apply equally well to deathless characters.

The "don't rely on potions" rule was my biggest problem when I started playing. I got into all kinds of trouble

I'd like to explore your no-grinding hint a bit more, as I still seem to need this (unless there are areas suited to my level I have yet not explored.)

Cheers!

[Canuck]

Make sure you do all the available quests around Crossglen, Fallhaven, and Vilegard (except Another Ruthless Crackshot and The Dead Are Walking, of course) before moving on to Stoutford and BWM.