What would you do?

[Soirana]

Any tips on late game strategy would be much appreciated. Should I even consider the minotaur maze? I've heard its all kinds of not-worth-it. What about the rift? even with my literacy at 100 most books just tend to explode on me, and I already have like 9 or 10 scrolls of chaos resistance, so the minstrel's scrolls probably arent necessary.

Personally i'd say no and no. None of these are particulary rewarding compared to risks and item destruction involved. Maze especially is sucky place.

As far as temples goes...

Air temple:
has both electricity damage [few levels of resistance are needed - elemental gauntlets + ring of kings is enough] and item destruction. Item destruction is unpreventable sadly.
Basically due to item destruction, things need to be done fast and with some thoughts ahead.

Outside part consist on some air grues, elementals and chaos servants. Only servants see invisible. So being invisble via stacked pots/castings or ring under artifact gauntlets is highly recommended. I'd suggest elimnating most of these or at least servants and stuff which starts to wander in eastern part - highly recommended to do so while wearing high metal/artifact gear. In particular stuff like bows, 7LB, girdles of giant strength and a like should probably be left aside.
Bring in wand of digging or two ensure prayers do not go to waste, although water orb+ elemental gauntlets should keep char safe.

Next step is disabling few rows of traps just before inner temple [not strictly needed, but makes less surprises once inner sanctum is opened].

Last step is attacking inner temple. The one and only problem here is master summoner. Guy can really roll nuts like emperor liches into molochs into whatever you not ready for. Or kobolds into orcs. Still better be prepared.
For goodness sake bring death resistance on you. IMO, best option is to disable him as soon as possible - wands of stun, paralyze really make wonders. Unluckily these are pretty much best options as you likely won't have clear shot [guess can trigger traps outside and afterwards he usually moves, so could detect monsters and open inner from side he wanders too - but i never tried this myself].
Once you close to him in melle , i'd say toss phial of caladriel at him for safety and bash to death.
And also do not get fancy ideas about luring summoning out of that level, if my memmory serves right he is in general capable to teleport [might be wrong do not have notes on hand].


Earth temple is somewhat simplier and uglier:
Stuff in where both sees invisible and goes through stone walls. So that goes against usual fights - sticking in corridor and fighting one at time is certainly not possible. Two common approaches,
either drag them to level up or level down and kill in small groups
or charge head on, switch on coward and start fireballing with Thundars wand. Charging that wand to some 30ish charges in advance is recommended.
Second method is somewhat faster but uses up more resources naturally.

[Phoobnahr]

So I'm down to the earth temple... Only level 22, which makes me a bit apprehensive about tackling this temple...
gonna look for ways to gain a few levels. Gearing up currently to slay the cat lord. I've got him off his own level and I've got my wands of webbing and teleportation charged up and lots of humanoid slaying ammo.

slg follows in case it's pertinent

Gregor    St:41  Le:15  Wi:27  Dx:29  To:40  Ch: 9  Ap: 9  Ma: 9  Pe:24  N+
DV/PV: 71/46   H: 388(388)   P: 82(82)   Exp: 22/4524196   M: 114551

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Inventory
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total weight: 8063 stones                Carrying capacity: 12469 stones

Head          : uncursed eternium cap [+0, +4]                        [28s]
Neck          : uncursed ankh                                          [3s]
Body          : uncursed eternium plate mail (-1, -2) [-1, +13]      [240s]
Girdle        : blessed girdle of greed [+0, +0]                       [7s]
Cloak         : uncursed cloak of protection [+0, +3]                 [20s]
Right Hand    : blessed adamantium spear of mayhem (+1, 3d8+12)       [36s]
Left Hand     : tower crystal shield (-2) [+14, +6]                  [260s]
Right Ring    : uncursed ring of slaying (+9 melee damage, +6 missile damage)
Left Ring     : uncursed ring of slaying (+6 melee damage, +6 missile damage)
Bracers       : uncursed bracers of toughness [+0, +0] {To+4}         [10s]
Gauntlets     : uncursed elemental gauntlets (-1, +0) [+0, +3]        [10s]
Boots         : blessed boots of the divine messenger [+3, +3] {Dx+5} [25s]
Missile weapon: blessed light crossbow (+5, +3)                       [70s]
Missiles      : bundle of 7 uncursed mithril quarrels (+2, 2d6+3)     [14s]
Tool          : uncursed Chaos Orb of Elemental Fire {St+10}         [100s]


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Stuff
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total weight: 7238 stones   Carrying capacity: 12469 stones

Helmets ('[')
   uncursed crown of regeneration [+0, +0]                            [55s]
Armor ('[')
   uncursed ancient mummy wrapping [+1, +5] {Ap-8}                    [60s]
   uncursed robe of invisibility [+0, +1]                             [60s]
Cloaks ('[')
   uncursed cloak of protection [+0, +3]                              [20s]
   cloak of defense [+3, +0]                                          [20s]
Missile weapons ('}')
   uncursed long bow (+4, +4)                                         [30s]
Missiles ('/')
 
   bundle of 6 uncursed quarrels of demon slaying (+6, 2d6+3)         [24s]
   bundle of 7 uncursed quarrels of dragon slaying (+3, 2d6+3)        [28s]
   bundle of 6 blessed arrows of dragon slaying (+3, 1d6+3)           [12s]
   bundle of 8 uncursed quarrels of demon slaying (+3, 2d6+3)         [32s]
   bundle of 5 uncursed quarrels of demon slaying (+5, 2d6+3)         [20s]
   bundle of 5 blessed quarrels of humanoid slaying (+3, 2d6+3)       [20s]
   bundle of 7 uncursed quarrels of humanoid slaying (+3, 2d6+2)      [28s]
   bundle of 6 cursed arrows of demon slaying (+3, 1d6+3)             [12s]
   bundle of 7 uncursed arrows of giant slaying (+5, 1d10+3)          [14s]
   bundle of 6 uncursed quarrels of giant slaying (+3, 2d8+4)         [24s]
   bundle of 8 uncursed arrows of undead slaying (+4, 2d4+4)          [16s]
   bundle of 5 blessed arrows of demon slaying (+3, 1d6+3)            [10s]
   bundle of 4 uncursed arrows of giant slaying (+3, 1d10+6)           [8s]
   bundle of 10 blessed quarrels of dragon slaying (+3, 2d6+3)        [40s]
   bundle of 5 blessed arrows of dragon slaying (+3, 1d6+6)           [10s]
   bundle of 7 blessed quarrels of humanoid slaying (+5, 2d6+3)       [28s]
   bundle of 11 uncursed arrows of humanoid slaying (+3, 1d6+3)       [22s]

   writing set                                                         [5s]

Wands ('\')
  
   uncursed wand of wishing (0 charges)                                [3s]
   uncursed wand of lightning (4 charges)                              [4s]
   uncursed wand of lightning (4 charges)                              [4s]
   blessed wand of fireballs (31 charges)                              [3s]
   uncursed wand of digging (1 charge)                                 [3s]
   wand of teleportation                                               [4s]
Potions ('!')
   uncursed potion of ultra healing                                    [2s]
   uncursed potion of wonder                                           [2s]
   heap of 3 blessed potions of boost strength                         [6s]
   heap of 5 blessed potions of booze                                 [20s]
   uncursed phial of Caladriel                                         [2s]
   heap of 3 uncursed potions of boost dexterity                       [6s]
   heap of 4 blessed potions of ultra healing                          [8s]
   uncursed potion of boost mana                                       [2s]
   heap of 2 uncursed potions of boost toughness                       [4s]
   blessed potion of oil                                               [2s]
   heap of 2 uncursed potions of oil                                   [4s]
   heap of 2 uncursed berzio potions                                   [4s]
   uncursed potion of troll blood                                      [2s]
   heap of 8 uncursed potions of healing                              [32s]
   uncursed potion of potential charisma                               [4s]
   uncursed potion of boost perception                                 [2s]
   heap of 3 uncursed potions of boost appearance                      [6s]
   cursed potion of booze                                              [4s]
   blessed potion of boost mana                                        [2s]
   heap of 5 potions of holy water                                    [20s]
   uncursed potion of boost willpower                                  [2s]
   heap of 6 uncursed potions of invisibility                         [24s]
   heap of 3 blessed potions of invisibility                          [12s]
   blessed potion of healing                                           [4s]
   uncursed mercury potion                                             [2s]
   uncursed icky potion                                                [2s]
   potion of ultra healing                                             [2s]
   potion of exchange                                                  [4s]
   potion of water                                                     [4s]
   potion of charisma                                                  [4s]
   potion of booze                                                     [4s]
   potion of healing                                                   [4s]
   potion of cure corruption                                           [2s]
   potion of water                                                     [4s]
   potion of potential beauty                                          [4s]
Scrolls ('?')
   heap of 2 blessed scrolls of uncursing                              [4s]
   heap of 2 uncursed scrolls of magic mapping                         [4s]
   heap of 3 uncursed scrolls of satiation                             [6s]
   heap of 4 uncursed scrolls of power                                 [8s]
   uncursed scroll of vermin control                                   [2s]
   uncursed scroll of darkness                                         [2s]
   blessed scroll of increase melee accuracy                           [2s]
   heap of 7 blessed scrolls of identify                              [14s]
   uncursed scroll of luck                                             [2s]
   uncursed scroll of item destruction                                 [2s]
   scroll of power                                                     [2s]
   scroll of repair                                                    [2s]
   scroll of power                                                     [2s]
   scroll of identify                                                  [2s]
Gems ('*')
   uncursed crystal of power                                           [1s]

you guys have been pretty good with the advice so far, so what do you think? I've got a cavernous level above me at around D36, but that might be a touch too dangerous... I could also work the cavernous levels in the TotHK, tedious but maybe safer.
I've also got one wish still intact. I could use it to wish for an emperor moloch, but I'm really not sure I'm ready for that... never encountered a greater moloch yet, and don't have tons of magic missiles to blast down a hallway at them. What would be my best strategy here? barbarian's glade and demon slaying ammo? forget the molochs all together and keep the wand of wishing around as a life saver?
Speaking of which, If I get into a really tough situation, what's the best use of the wand of wishing to save my ass?

as always, any advice helps
thanks

edit: no greater vaults encountered yet, much to my dismay, my last character to pass the fire temple found one just below the casino, and was then promptly beaten to death by an ogre emperor. Was really counting on some greater vaults to up my experience a touch, but what are you going to do, right?
I'm also on the prowl for a new weapon... my adamantium spear of mayhem has served me well so far, but its starting to seem like I could do better if I keep my eyes open.
I've got a couple phase daggers in my stash if necessary, but I seem to have no problem dispatching normal molochs without them

[Silfir]

The earth temple is among the least problematic; it just takes a ton of time to kill the stuff in it. You also have to avoid getting surrounded by the earth elementals and stone grues, but that's pretty easy. Abuse the stairs to fight a few at a time and you shouldn't get in trouble. Once they're done, wake and fight the Stone Beast. Your best bet is probably your demon slaying ammo.

I still wouldn't spend a wish on the emperor moloch. 380 HP means you don't need to, and there's always a risk of screwing up and getting manhandled by one of the damn things.

[Phoobnahr]

what about my immediate future after the earth temple? am I buff enough to handle the unreal caves and the mana temple?

[gut]

wish for an ancient karmic wyrm while in a high danger level area.
be invis, have a wand of magic missiles with 25 zaps handy.
zap it to critical, slow yourself down as much as possible, chuck an invis potion at it.
finish it off for about 4 million free xp.

[Phoobnahr]

Well I guess this is a progress thread now...

Earth temple and cat lord down, quick detour to terinyo to unload the stone beast's corpse aside, I'm set to dive deeper in the caverns of chaos, unreal caves and the mana temple are next.
I'm level 25 now, with over 400 hitpoints. Still have my wish, and now have 10 scrolls of cure corruption in my stash.

Should I even bother with the blue dragon caves?

Any other tips for the deep CoC?

[JellySlayer]

Don't worry about levels from this point on. You're a troll, IIRC, so your low level is expected at this point. You will probably finish no higher than about 35--which, for a regular PC, is about level 50. At this point, it's pretty much all about equipment and careful play, anyway. Your DV/PV is quite good, and your stats are nice. Your weapon isn't that great, but it should be good enough I guess. As long as you don't die, I think you're in the clear

I dunno what to tell you about wishes. Do you have a wand of destruction yet? Could save your wish for that at the end if you need one and don't feel like killing a bunch of balors. Girdle of giant strength is still a good option too, IMHO. Ring of invis if you don't have one, maybe... Note that in a desperate emergency (unlikely at this point), your wand of wishing isn't 100% reliable. It might take a couple turns to wrench the last charge, so if you're in danger of dying in like 1 or 2 turns. The only situation I could imagine this being a problem is if you're in the process of getting aged to death by ghost lords and desperately need a pot of youth.

[edit]Skip the BDC. Your goal is to win. Anything that distracts you from that goal should be avoided.

[edit2]Make sure you have a light source, death ray protection, and half-decent confusion resistance before fighting the archmage. Keep an eye out for a pot of uselessness if you don't have one already.

[Phoobnahr]

I not only have a wand of destruction, I have two, as well as a potion of uselessness and several scrolls of cure blindness to throw on D49.
I have an amulet of death ray resistance, which I will most definitely wear in the mana temple, and I can cast the light spell, and have a spellbook (I'll read up on it a bit before diving further). My confusion resistance has been pretty good throughout the game, but I've heard the archmage will confuse just about anybody eventually, thinking I'll carry the water orb for this fight, which makes a girdle of giant strength extremely appealing...

I'll keep you posted, Hopefull I'll see all you guys in the YAVP board soon enough.

[JellySlayer]

If you still have it, the mummy wrapping gives death resist. Better to keep the ankh or an amulet of light for necklace instead (use a torch if you have one... light spell is less useful because it wastes a turn to cast). Water Orb is probably a good idea.

[Silfir]

So it's either having the orb in the slot or a torch. Maybe you should put the torch in the right hand slot, keeping in mind that your humanoid slayers are your best bet anyway, and the real reason you need there to be light in the first place.

The Light spell works too if the Archmage is disabled first. That has the gratifying side effect of disabling his confusion powers. You still have that wand of para, right?