ToME: the Tales of Maj'Eyal

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????

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.