I see now what you mean about close runs. Just had the most epic conclusion to the freshly unlocked Shivan.
I had only Mind Control as extra system and spent my last tiny bits of scrap for measly 3 more % of dodge and it saved my bacon.
First stage - my shields get hacked and all hell breaks loose as they are followed by the nastiest hits. However, thanks to recently acquired second flak 1 (exchanged for heavy laser 2) I am able to slaughter cloak and shields very quick. I lost slightly less than half of my hull in this one.
Second stage - boarding drone lands into shields (which are guarded by measly Zoltan & Engi duo) followed by a rocket later. I manage to disable drone control quick enough to avoid complete wreckage but eat a full 4-room flagship beam for 8 damage. Barely holding I finish the flagship off (hull down to about 7).
Stage 3 - I am boarded by pmultiple guys, my shield catch fire and I jump away to a single safe beacon nearby right before the power surge hits me straight in the face. I kill off the guys but lose one more point as shield get completely wrecked by the fires. Down to about 5 hull points.
I go back without any hopes of success. Theres is only one guy left to board me, who gets killed by weapons dude, my mind control keeps my guys from going insane. All what's left is to dodge a couple of power surges and missile volleys. I cheered my guys and they freaking pulled it off. The fucking ship itself was fighting for the victory of the Federation, as I evaded 3 (!) points of damage thanks to Rock Plating. It was fascinating, it was absolutely surreal.
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I like my women like my ADOM loot - hunted as treasure and in extra quantity.