Sunday Hardcore Grind

Since its apparently tough to find anyone in San Antonio willing to play the hardcore grind that is Settlers Cities and Knights, I decided to settle in with the brand new release of Stone Soup, version 0.5. You may remember a post where I describe this essentially as Angband on steroids. The new version greatly improves the user interface, making the game even faster and more exciting, though just as horribly difficult.

My most recent character:

Ben the Chopper (level 8, -3/68 HPs)
Began as a Mountain Dwarf Fighter on June 14, 2009.
Was a Follower of The Shining One.
Slain by a killer bee (5 damage)
... on Level 8 of the Dungeon.
The game lasted 00:34:09 (6314 turns).

Ben the Mountain Dwarf had a super-powered magical mace that pretty much leveled anything in its path. Unfortunately it had a terrible side effect of giving off horribly mutating radiation when used too frequently:

The +6,+5 mace of Khutauh (weapon) {freeze, MUT AC+4 Stlth+}
(You found it on level 6 of the Dungeon)
It has been specially enchanted to freeze those struck by it, causing extra
injury to most foes and up to double damage against particularly
susceptible opponents.
It affects your AC (+4).
It makes you much more stealthy.
It emits mutagenic radiation.

I eventually succumbed to yet another stupid death (poison from killer bees this time) unrelated to these side effects, but the weapon was taking its toll on me nonetheless. Here is a summary of what this wonder weapon had done to me thus far:

Innate Abilities, Weirdness & Mutations
You now digest meat inefficiently. (Food consumption is a key mechanic)
You are weak (Str -1).
Your body is slowly deteriorating.
You are partially covered in blue scales (AC +1).

Anyway.... hope the board game session went well!