Blasted Armor...

[dhegler]

How did Thalkettoth just turn into a "blasted leather scale mail (-7)"? I was just wondering why my speed was low. I guess that would answer my question... What happened????

[Derakon]

You read a Scroll of Curse Armor. To my knowledge that's the only way to produce such an effect, in ToME as well as in Vanilla.

[dhegler]

I don't remember reading any un-ID'ed scrolls... No other ways?

[Lord Estraven]

IIRC certain traps can destroy artifacts. So always, ALWAYS carry a fail-safe means of disarming, especially at high levels!

[Derakon]

Speaking of traps, don't bother with the Disarming skill. Magic Device + Rod of Disarming is much better -- cheaper points-wise for most characters, and you can use Magic Device for plenty of other things. All you lose is an inventory slot.

[dhegler]

Just found my first rod tip of disarming... Waiting for an iron rod or better. These traps are starting to @#$%@$#% me off.

I just got annoyed by a trap of no return. Of course, in the maze, right after beating the minotaur, but no Merle yet...

I found a randart that made me immune to cold and electricity, so I don't fell so bad about thalkettoth anymore. I can pray for fire immunity and have something with acid immunity.

[Xandor Tik'Roth]

Iron Rods are fine for starters, but you'll want something with more charges on it just in case you run into a lot of traps or a vault.