Tim James
07-03-2009, 04:34 PM
I have played ADOM for a decade but never won without save scumming. Closest I got was reaching D:50 legitimately and having to use a couple of backups. I haven't played in years but decided to really make an effort this time. There have been a lot of new insights since the last time I played so I put those spoilers to good use, and used the easy Archer class to make a run. Two bow users died in the early midgame but this slinging hurthling seemed unstoppable for no particular reason at all -- no lucky items or good fortune, just straightforward play with an archer.
I reached the Mana Temple and cleared out the first half of the room. Then the Archmage showed up but I was able to make it to the hallway. I even read up about him beforehand, had a death ray amulet and humanoid slaying ammo, but made a few key mistakes all due to being out of practice for years:
I forgot he was invisible and had to change rings.
I forgot the phial used power points and kept using it over and over wondering what was going on.
I forgot to go Coward when he showed up; clearly the way to be when you're an archer with slaying ammo.
He got some hits in and then finally blasted me with energy from about 150 HP. I thought about praying but figured it would be no problem to dodge around the corner first. The reason I had no healing potions? Earlier in the dungeon I accidentally picked up all my items with poison hands, including the thick gauntlets I had left on the ground for the Air Temple.
I reloaded a backup just for fun. Killed him in 4 hits as he sat picking up items.
Tens of hours wasted for lack of a torch and the roguelike mechanic of no reloads. Really, what's the point? Time to shelve it for a few more years.
I reached the Mana Temple and cleared out the first half of the room. Then the Archmage showed up but I was able to make it to the hallway. I even read up about him beforehand, had a death ray amulet and humanoid slaying ammo, but made a few key mistakes all due to being out of practice for years:
I forgot he was invisible and had to change rings.
I forgot the phial used power points and kept using it over and over wondering what was going on.
I forgot to go Coward when he showed up; clearly the way to be when you're an archer with slaying ammo.
He got some hits in and then finally blasted me with energy from about 150 HP. I thought about praying but figured it would be no problem to dodge around the corner first. The reason I had no healing potions? Earlier in the dungeon I accidentally picked up all my items with poison hands, including the thick gauntlets I had left on the ground for the Air Temple.
I reloaded a backup just for fun. Killed him in 4 hits as he sat picking up items.
Tens of hours wasted for lack of a torch and the roguelike mechanic of no reloads. Really, what's the point? Time to shelve it for a few more years.