FOFC Crawl Comp #5-Octopode Venom Mage

[Thomkal]

Well I guess I'll start this since nobody else has. In honor of the new race being added to this version of Crawl, the Octopode, I've decided to use it for this Comp. The original idea was to use your choice of Elementalist for it, but I was looking back at the previous Comps, and saw we had already done an Ice Elementalist. Was going to go Wizard, then saw Venom Mage recommended as something that has an easy time early on. Given that some of us might be rusty (like me) with our Crawl skills or new to the game entirely, this seemed like a nice way to ease ourselves back into the game. I've not tested it though so may not turn out that great in the long run.

First off-make sure you have the latest version of Crawl, 10.2 because there are no Octopodes in previous versions. You can download the game here:

Downloads « Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup

I much prefer the graphical version. I would recommend doing a search for Crawl Comp in this forum and read through the first comp for sure and maybe the second as a lot of good advice and helpful tips were given there. You can also check out the link to the Tavern on the downloads page-its a forum with a ton of good info/help. Don't be shy if you haven't played before-the game comes with a tutorial mode you can try first-and as you'll see if you read the first comp, many of us will help you if you need it here. And a complete newcomer won one of the comps, so everyone has a shot of winning.

We'll go with High Score-you can post your morgue dumps here (you may need to kill your current character at the end to get a dump-can't remember if we found a workaround for that or not). Make sure you use code tags for sure and spoilers tag if you want as the dumps are quite large.

As with the first comps, please post regularly with your experiences-funny/embarassing/annoying deaths-great finds (and remember an Octopode can wear eight rings!), last second saves, ideas on how to use your spells, etc. Please post in here to let me know you are participating. Let's set an end date of July 1 at midnight EST since its a nice easy to remember end point.

:::waves his tentacles in greeting and celebration of the new comp:::

[Zinto]

I am in, but it will be my first time playing this game as a caster so we shall see how it goes

[Grover]

Count me in. First time player.

[Thomkal]

Welcome Zinto and Grover! One thing to remember is that it costs food to cast spells, so you can't just use them on every mob you meet. Save them for tougher mobs (hobgoblins and snakes for example on level 1) if you can and try to find alternate ways of fighting easier mobs (rats and bats for example on level 1)

[Thomkal]

One thing I'm noticing with the Octopod is its ability to constrict mobs-grab hold of them to prevent them from moving away and doing damage every round they are held. You start out with a decent amount of stealth-so it is possible to fight without a weapon early on if you want to save your Sting spell (which does a lot of damage starting out) for the more threatening mobs. Haven't found any rings yet with my Octowizzy, but I'm still on Level 1.

[Thomkal]

Made it to the second level of the dungeon with my guy without too much trouble but did have to rest a lot from damage taken and regen mana. Was hungry a lot towards the end of exploring level 1, thankfully had found a couple pieces of fruit and of course had corpses to eat.

I found my first piece of jewelry-an amulet-was hoping for gourmand to help with the food crisis, but alas it was an amulet of rage-which is pretty funny when you think about it, a berserker spell casting Octopode-but will actually be nice in a life or death situation. Made it to Character Level 3 and have picked up the mighty Mephitic Cloud spell-Just remember to make sure you are out of the radius when you cast it!

[Thomkal]

So how's everybody doing so far? Just found my first ring...and it was cursed of course. Thankfully had a scroll of remove curse. I'm now out of food, so may not last long with this guy. Which is why I'm not a big fan of the spells using up food part of Crawl. I like the idea behind it, but it makes me stay away from the pure spellcasting classes unless I pick a race that helps with food issues.

[Thomkal]

Moving down to level 3 of the dungeon now after exploring level 2, one of my favorite level layouts, five rows of small interconnected rooms. Food issues a little better found an apple and forgot I had a potion of porridge. No runed or glowing weapons found yet, no rings besides the cursed one, and no potions of curing/heal wounds ID'ed yet.

[Grover]

Moving down to level 2 of the dungeon. 17% from XL3. Found a +2 glowing elvish whip. Haven't had to expel any mana yet, which is nice. Have a pot of heal wounds and restore abilities.

[Zinto]

After a couple of poor showings, I finally made it down to the third level of the dungeon only to run into some Orcs and was hit by a smite which ended that Octopode's life.

[Thomkal]

Just started Dungeon Level 3, and my guy found another amulet..this time it was the Amulet of the Gourmand though. I likely will die within five paces after posting this.

[Zinto]

Well started on my next guy and pushed through the first level of the dungeon without using any spells. Got to level two and is really close to level three. Also found a ring of magical power which will be helpful going forward.

[Zinto]

And then I flew through the second level of the dungeon. It was smaller level and there was not any exciting items. The coolest thing was one of my favorite rooms I have seen with a bunch of dead minotaurs and some beef jerkey. I leveled up twice and learned Mephitic Cloud. My food situation is looking pretty good right now too since I have two loafs of bread on three sticks of beef jerkey.

[Zinto]

Well, on level three everything was looking pretty good. I found a ring of wizardry and was sitting on three loafs of bread, two sticks of beef jerky, and an apple. Unfortunately I ran into the ghost of dungeon crawlers past and was easily handled by him as I tried to run away.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Zinto

Well, on level three everything was looking pretty good. I found a ring of wizardry and was sitting on three loafs of bread, two sticks of beef jerky, and an apple. Unfortunately I ran into the ghost of dungeon crawlers past and was easily handled by him as I tried to run away.

Ooof that was looking pretty sweet for you with the Wizardry/Magical Power 1-2 punch. I hate player ghosts-oh they are cool and all, but always seem way overpowered for the level that you encounter them on. I would have tried to run away too.

[Thomkal]

Just hit character level 6 while on Dungeon Level 4. Been running for my life a bit-avoiding named mobs-Duvessa and her lover on this level, which is mostly open. Nearly died to a worker ant, but my constriction saved me just in time.

[Izulde]

So I downloaded the Mac version for the hell of it but it crashes whenever I open it.

[thesloppy]

I can't stop playing Football Manager, but once I do, I'm on this. I suck at spellcasters even more than the usual fare, so I'm sure it'll be quick and tragic.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Izulde

So I downloaded the Mac version for the hell of it but it crashes whenever I open it.

Sorry to hear that Izulde. You might ask at The Tavern in their Technical Support forum to see if anybody can help.

Index page • The Tavern

[Thomkal]

I've made it Character Level 7 after taking out Jessica and getting lucky taking out Sigmund and a few orcs hanging out around the Temple. Sif Muna altar was not in the Temple so went with Vehumet instead.

Successfully avoided D&D on that level and another worker ant after the last one nearly killed me-have to leave Dungeon Level 4 a bit unexplored to stay away from them, but I'd rather live than risk it on them.

[dzilla77]

I hate ghosts of adventurers past and jellies!

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Thomkal

I've made it Character Level 7 after taking out Jessica and getting lucky taking out Sigmund and a few orcs hanging out around the Temple. Sif Muna altar was not in the Temple so went with Vehumet instead.

Successfully avoided D&D on that level and another worker ant after the last one nearly killed me-have to leave Dungeon Level 4 a bit unexplored to stay away from them, but I'd rather live than risk it on them.

Sadly have to report the death of the original Octowizzy here. Had successfully snuck around an ogre on dungeon level 5 but then woke him up. Had him poisoned, but it wasn't killing him quickly and three hits of his giant club did me in. Had an Un-ID'ed wand of fireballs that I forgot to try out, might have saved me, but had no healing an an Un-Id'ed Scroll of Teleportation.

Shame though had just got Vehumet's power of getting mana back with each kill, and needed one more level to learn Venom Bolt spell. Will probably start Octowizzy2 later today. How is everyone else doing?

Spoiler

 Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup version 0.10.2 character file.

915 OctoWizzy the Stinger (level 7, -17/41 HPs)
             Began as an Octopode Venom Mage on June 12, 2012.
             Was a Follower of Vehumet.
             Demolished by an ogre
             ... wielding a +0,+0 giant club
              (18 damage)
             ... on Level 5 of the Dungeon on June 16, 2012.
             The game lasted 01:56:02 (8209 turns).

OctoWizzy the Stinger (Octopode Venom Mage)         Turns: 8209, Time: 01:56:02

HP -17/41        AC  7     Str  8      XL: 7   Next: 70%
MP   7/13        EV 12     Int 19      God: Vehumet [*.....]
Gold 192         SH  7     Dex 12      Spells:  3 memorised,  4 levels left

Res.Fire  : . . .   See Invis. : .    b - +2,+0 short sword (protect)
Res.Cold  : . . .   Warding    : . .  j - +0 elf buckler
Life Prot.: . . .   Conserve   : .    d - +1 orc wizard hat
Res.Acid. : . . .   Res.Corr.  : .    A - amulet of the gourmand
Res.Poison: .       Clarity    : .    (no ring)
Res.Elec. : .       Spirit.Shd : .    (no ring)
Sust.Abil.: . .     Stasis     : .    (no ring)
Res.Mut.  : .       Ctrl.Telep.: .    (no ring)
Res.Rott. : .       Levitation : .    (no ring)
Gourmand  : +       Ctrl.Flight: .    (no ring)
                                      (no ring)
                                      (no ring)

@: slightly resistant to hostile enchantments, quite stealthy
A: almost no armour, amphibious, constrict 8, camouflage 1, tentacles 3, AC +1
a: Renounce Religion


You were on level 5 of the Dungeon.
You worshipped Vehumet.
Vehumet was pleased with you.
You were not hungry.

You visited 2 branches of the dungeon, and saw 6 of its levels.

You collected 172 gold pieces.

Inventory:

Hand weapons
 a - a +2,+1 sling
 b - a +2,+0 short sword of protection (weapon)
 z - a +0,+1 falchion of holy wrath
 D - a +1,+2 sling
Missiles
 g - 47 +0 sling bullets
 k - 133 +0 darts (quivered)
 p - 138 +0 stones
 B - 3 +3 darts
Armour
 d - a +1 orcish wizard hat (worn)
 j - a +0 elven buckler (worn)
Magical devices
 t - a wand of slowing (1)
 w - a wand of fireball (6) {unknown}
Comestibles
 l - 3 bread rations
 s - a meat ration
Scrolls
 e - 2 scrolls of remove curse
 f - 2 scrolls of fog
 n - a scroll of random uselessness {unknown}
 o - a scroll of curse jewellery {unknown}
 q - a scroll of enchant weapon II {unknown}
 v - a scroll of enchant armour {unknown}
 y - a scroll of teleportation {unknown}
 E - a scroll of blinking {unknown}
Jewellery
 m - an uncursed amulet of rage
 x - an uncursed ring of sustenance {unknown}
 A - an amulet of the gourmand (around mantle)
 G - an uncursed amulet of resist corrosion {unknown}
Potions
 h - a potion of porridge
 i - a potion of cure mutation
 r - a potion of restore abilities
 u - a potion of speed {unknown}
 C - a potion of resistance {unknown}
Books
 c - a Young Poisoner's Handbook   
   
   Spells                             Type                      Level
   *Sting                             Conjuration/Poison           1
   *Cure Poison                       Poison                       2
   *Mephitic Cloud                    Conjuration/Poison/Air       3
   Olgreb's Toxic Radiance            Poison                       4
   Venom Bolt                         Conjuration/Poison           5


   Skills:
 + Level 1.1 Fighting
 + Level 0.1 Short Blades
 + Level 3.5 Slings
 + Level 3.3 Throwing
 + Level 3.3 Dodging
 + Level 4.0 Stealth
 + Level 1.8 Stabbing
 + Level 0.2 Shields
 + Level 1.7 Unarmed Combat
 + Level 2.3 Spellcasting
 + Level 1.7 Conjurations
 * Level 6.9 Poison Magic


You had 4 spell levels left.
You knew the following spells:

 Your Spells              Type           Power        Failure   Level  Hunger
a - Sting                 Pois/Conj      ####.        3%          1    Sultana
b - Mephitic Cloud        Pois/Air/Conj  ###......    21%         3    Choko
c - Cure Poison           Pois           #####.....   1%          2    Choko


Dungeon Overview and Level Annotations

Branches:
Dungeon (5/27)             Temple (1/1) D:4         

Altars:
Ashenzari
Cheibriados
Elyvilon
Kikubaaqudgha
Makhleb
Nemelex Xobeh
Okawaru
The Shining One
Trog
Vehumet
Xom
Yredelemnul
Zin

Annotations
D:4 Dowan, Duvessa


                    Innate Abilities, Weirdness & Mutations

You cannot wear most types of armour.
You can wear up to eight rings at the same time.
You are amphibious.
You can use your tentacles to constrict many enemies at once.
Your rubbery body absorbs attacks (AC +1).
Your skin changes colour to match your surroundings (Stlth).
You have a mass of large tentacles instead of arms.


Message History

You barely miss the ogre. Your squeeze misses the ogre.
The ogre is heavily wounded.
The ogre hits you with a giant club!
You hit the ogre.
The ogre is severely wounded.
You block the ogre's attack.
You hit the ogre but do no damage.
The ogre is severely wounded.
The ogre looks more healthy. The ogre hits you with a giant club!
Ouch! That really hurt!
* * * LOW HITPOINT WARNING * * *
Drink which item? (? for menu, Esc to quit)
Okay, then.
You hit the ogre but do no damage. Your squeeze misses the ogre.
The ogre is severely wounded.
The ogre closely misses you.
You hit the ogre.
The ogre is severely wounded.
The ogre hits you with a giant club!
You die...

 #####
 #...##
 #....#
##....###########
................###
#####...##...##...#
##   ...##...##...#
..  ......... #...
.##...#####.###.#
...........zO@..#
.# ..######%##..#
.#        #.##..#
.#        #.##..###
.#        #.......#
.#        #.###...#
.#        #.# #...#
.#        #.# #.###
.##       #.# #)###
..#           #...#


You could see an ogre and a giant gecko skeleton.

Vanquished Creatures
  A centaur (D:5)
  Sigmund (D:4)
  A crimson imp (D:5)
  2 hounds (D:4)
  6 orc priests
  An orc wizard (D:4)
  A worker ant (D:5)
  Jessica (D:3)
  7 adders
  3 gnolls (D:5)
  2 worms
  4 giant geckos
  An ooze (D:1)
  12 orcs
  14 bats
  3 giant cockroaches
  9 goblins
  15 hobgoblins
  A jackal (D:1)
  A quokka (D:4)
  4 ball pythons
  9 giant newts
  13 kobolds
  A kobold skeleton (D:4)
  An orc skeleton (D:4)
  An orc zombie (D:5)
  17 rats
  A rat zombie (D:5)
  A plant (D:1)
  5 toadstools
139 creatures vanquished.

Vanquished Creatures (others)
  An orc (D:5)
  A goblin (D:1)
  A hobgoblin (D:1)
  A kobold (D:5)
  9 toadstools
13 creatures vanquished.

Grand Total: 152 creatures vanquished

Notes
Turn   | Place    | Note
--------------------------------------------------------------
     0 | D:1      | OctoWizzy, the Octopode Venom Mage, began the quest for the Orb.
     0 | D:1      | Reached XP level 1. HP: 11/11 MP: 3/3
   107 | D:1      | Found a glowing golden altar of the Shining One.
   115 | D:1      | Reached skill level 5 in Poison Magic
   704 | D:1      | Reached XP level 2. HP: 17/17 MP: 2/4
  1405 | D:1      | Reached XP level 3. HP: 16/21 MP: 5/5
  1588 | D:1      | Learned a level 3 spell: Mephitic Cloud
  2187 | D:2      | Found a shattered altar of Ashenzari.
  2265 | D:2      | Found a bloodstained altar of Trog.
  2479 | D:2      | Reached skill level 1 in Stabbing
  2932 | D:3      | Reached skill level 1 in Unarmed Combat
  3034 | D:3      | Reached skill level 1 in Throwing
  3065 | D:3      | Reached skill level 6 in Poison Magic
  3065 | D:3      | Reached XP level 4. HP: 25/27 MP: 4/7
  3859 | D:3      | Reached XP level 5. HP: 31/31 MP: 6/8
  4376 | D:3      | Noticed Jessica
  4615 | D:4      | Noticed Duvessa
  4694 | D:4      | Reached skill level 1 in Slings
  4694 | D:4      | Reached skill level 1 in Conjurations
  4871 | D:5      | Entered Level 5 of the Dungeon
  5277 | D:4      | Noticed Dowan
  5400 | D:4      | Reached XP level 6. HP: 33/36 MP: 10/10
  5689 | D:3      | Killed Jessica
  5822 | D:4      | Learned a level 2 spell: Cure Poison
  6102 | D:4      | Found a staircase to the Ecumenical Temple.
  6106 | D:4      | Noticed Sigmund
  6110 | Temple   | Entered the Ecumenical Temple
  6426 | Temple   | Became a worshipper of Vehumet
  6785 | D:4      | Killed Sigmund
  6785 | D:4      | Reached skill level 1 in Fighting
  6785 | D:4      | Reached XP level 7. HP: 41/41 MP: 2/12
  8174 | D:5      | Acquired Vehumet's first power
  8207 | D:5      | HP: 1/41 [ogre/giant club (21)]
  8209 | D:5      | Demolished by an ogre

[dzilla77]

Here is my best effort so far:
8 Ball X the Tainter (Octopode Venom Mage)

Spoiler

 Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup version 0.10.2 character file.

1582 8 Ball X the Tainter (level 8, 0/47 HPs)
             Began as an Octopode Venom Mage on June 16, 2012.
             Was a Follower of Vehumet.
             Slain by a jelly (2 damage)
             ... on Level 6 of the Dungeon.
             The game lasted 00:51:36 (5824 turns).

8 Ball X the Tainter (Octopode Venom Mage)          Turns: 5824, Time: 00:51:36

HP   0/47        AC  1     Str  8      XL: 8   Next: 66%
MP   6/18        EV 13     Int 17      God: Vehumet [*.....]
Gold 196         SH  0     Dex 13      Spells:  5 memorised,  0 levels left

Res.Fire  : . . .   See Invis. : +    v - +3,+4 quarterstaff (chaos)
Res.Cold  : . . .   Warding    : . .  (no shield)
Life Prot.: . . .   Conserve   : .    (helmet restricted)
Res.Acid. : . . .   Res.Corr.  : .    (no amulet)
Res.Poison: .       Clarity    : .    l - ring of see invisible
Res.Elec. : .       Spirit.Shd : .    (no ring)
Sust.Abil.: . .     Stasis     : .    (no ring)
Res.Mut.  : .       Ctrl.Telep.: .    (no ring)
Res.Rott. : .       Levitation : .    (no ring)
Saprovore : . . .   Ctrl.Flight: .    (no ring)
                                      (no ring)
                                      (no ring)

@: about to teleport, slightly resistant to hostile enchantments, very stealthy
A: almost no armour, amphibious, constrict 8, carnivore 1, spit poison 1,
camouflage 1, tentacles 3, AC +1, Int -1
a: Spit Poison, Renounce Religion


You were on level 6 of the Dungeon.
You worshipped Vehumet.
Vehumet was most pleased with you.
You were not hungry.

You visited 1 branch of the dungeon, and saw 6 of its levels.

You collected 176 gold pieces.

Inventory:

Hand weapons
 d - a +1,+1 dwarven dagger
 g - a +2,+1 short sword
 p - a +1,+1 dagger of returning
 r - a +1,+1 dwarven short sword
 s - a +2,+0 elven long sword
 u - a +1,+1 long sword of holy wrath
 v - a +3,+4 quarterstaff of chaos (weapon)
Missiles
 f - 30 +0 darts (quivered)
 h - 4 poisoned +0 darts
 j - a +1 dart
 k - 4 +0 darts of flame
 m - 2 +2 darts
Magical devices
 a - a wand of teleportation (8)
Comestibles
 c - 2 bread rations
 w - a meat ration
Scrolls
 e - a scroll of teleportation
 i - 3 scrolls of identify
 n - 4 scrolls of remove curse
 o - 3 scrolls of enchant armour
 q - a scroll of magic mapping {unknown}
Jewellery
 l - a ring of see invisible (on tentacle)
Potions
 t - a potion of magic
Books
 b - a Young Poisoner's Handbook   
   
   Spells                             Type                      Level
   *Sting                             Conjuration/Poison           1
   *Cure Poison                       Poison                       2
   *Mephitic Cloud                    Conjuration/Poison/Air       3
   *Olgreb's Toxic Radiance           Poison                       4
   *Venom Bolt                        Conjuration/Poison           5


   Skills:
 + Level 1.4 Fighting
 + Level 1.1 Long Blades
 + Level 0.3 Staves
 + Level 1.3 Throwing
 + Level 3.9 Dodging
 + Level 4.5 Stealth
 + Level 0.7 Stabbing
 + Level 2.1 Traps & Doors
 + Level 0.7 Unarmed Combat
 + Level 4.3 Spellcasting
 + Level 3.9 Conjurations
 + Level 1.0 Air Magic
 + Level 8.2 Poison Magic


You couldn't memorise any spells.
You knew the following spells:

 Your Spells              Type           Power        Failure   Level  Hunger
a - Sting                 Pois/Conj      ####.        1%          1    None
b - Cure Poison           Pois           #####.....   1%          2    Strawberry
c - Mephitic Cloud        Pois/Air/Conj  ####.....    10%         3    Choko
d - Olgreb's Toxic Radia  Pois           #####....    8%          4    Honeycomb
e - Venom Bolt            Pois/Conj      ####......   38%         5    Honeycomb


Dungeon Overview and Level Annotations

Branches:
Dungeon (6/27)            
Temple: D:4-7          Orc: D:6-11      

Altars:
Sif Muna
Vehumet
Yredelemnul
Zin

Annotations
D:2 Sigmund
D:6 8 Ball VII's ghost, experienced OpVM


                    Innate Abilities, Weirdness & Mutations

You cannot wear most types of armour.
You can wear up to eight rings at the same time.
You are amphibious.
You can use your tentacles to constrict many enemies at once.
Your rubbery body absorbs attacks (AC +1).
Your skin changes colour to match your surroundings (Stlth).
You have a mass of large tentacles instead of arms.
Your digestive system is specialised to digest meat.
You are dopey (Int -1).
You can spit poison.


Message History

a spear; a gnoll corpse
You hear a slurping noise.
You sock the jelly!
Your +3,+4 quarterstaff of chaos resists.
The jelly is moderately wounded.
The jelly misses you.
You hit the jelly.
Wisps of condensation drift from your quarterstaff of chaos.
The jelly is moderately wounded.
The jelly hits you! You are splashed with acid! The acid burns!
* * * LOW HITPOINT WARNING * * *
Read which item? (? for menu, Esc to quit)
Okay, then.
Drink which item? (? for menu, Esc to quit)
You feel better. The jelly hits you. You are splashed with acid! The acid burns!
* * * LOW HITPOINT WARNING * * *
Read which item? (? for menu, Esc to quit)
As you read the scroll labeled GHUBEDDIALOOD, it crumbles to dust.
You feel strangely unstable. It was a scroll of teleportation. The jelly hits you.
You die...

######
#...<#.
#.####.#
#.#  #.#
#.#  #.#
#.#  #.#
#.# ##.######
#.# #.......#     .
#.# #.......#   ...
#.# #......)###.....
#.###.%..).@J..#
#......###.....#
###.....##.....#
  #.....##%....#
  #.....##.....#
  #.....########
  #.....#
  #######


You could see a jelly.

Vanquished Creatures
  Grinder (D:4)
  Prince Ribbit (D:4)
  A sky beast (D:5)
  2 ogres
  The ghost of 8 Ball II the Stinger, an average OpVM (D:4)
  Blork the orc (D:5)
  A crimson imp (D:6)
  Crazy Yiuf (D:4)
  An orc priest (D:3)
  A worker ant (D:4)
  An orc wizard (D:5)
  2 worm zombies (D:5)
  Ijyb (D:5)
  7 adders
  10 gnolls
  A scorpion zombie (D:6)
  4 giant mites
  2 worms
  A giant eyeball (D:6)
  7 giant geckos
  An ooze (D:1)
  15 orcs
  7 giant cockroaches
  15 goblins
  12 hobgoblins
  20 kobolds
  A quokka (D:5)
  2 ball pythons
  17 bats
  4 giant newts
  11 rats
  2 toadstools
154 creatures vanquished.

Vanquished Creatures (others)
  A gnoll (D:3)
  18 toadstools
19 creatures vanquished.

Grand Total: 173 creatures vanquished

Notes
Turn   | Place    | Note
--------------------------------------------------------------
     0 | D:1      | 8 Ball X, the Octopode Venom Mage, began the quest for the Orb.
     0 | D:1      | Reached XP level 1. HP: 11/11 MP: 3/3
    77 | D:1      | Reached skill level 5 in Poison Magic
   229 | D:1      | Reached XP level 2. HP: 9/17 MP: 0/4
   233 | D:1      | Learned a level 2 spell: Cure Poison
   811 | D:1      | Reached XP level 3. HP: 14/21 MP: 2/5
  1213 | D:2      | Reached skill level 6 in Poison Magic
  1237 | D:2      | Found a basalt altar of Yredelemnul.
  1237 | D:2      | Noticed Sigmund
  1673 | D:3      | Reached XP level 4. HP: 24/27 MP: 0/7
  1730 | D:3      | Reached skill level 1 in Conjurations
  2005 | D:3      | Reached XP level 5. HP: 29/31 MP: 2/9
  2010 | D:3      | Learned a level 3 spell: Mephitic Cloud
  2503 | D:3      | Reached skill level 1 in Traps & Doors
  2614 | D:4      | Found a glowing silver altar of Zin.
  2667 | D:4      | Reached skill level 1 in Fighting
  2667 | D:4      | Reached XP level 6. HP: 36/36 MP: 7/11
  2711 | D:4      | Learned a level 4 spell: Olgreb's Toxic Radiance
  2744 | D:4      | Noticed Crazy Yiuf
  2755 | D:4      | Killed Crazy Yiuf
  2961 | D:4      | Noticed 8 Ball II's ghost (average OpVM)
  2986 | D:4      | Killed 8 Ball II's ghost
  3106 | D:4      | Found a radiant altar of Vehumet.
  3114 | D:4      | Became a worshipper of Vehumet
  3224 | D:4      | Noticed Grinder
  3241 | D:4      | Killed Grinder
  3241 | D:4      | Reached skill level 1 in Throwing
  3241 | D:4      | Reached skill level 7 in Poison Magic
  3241 | D:4      | Reached XP level 7. HP: 2/42 MP: 12/14
  3862 | D:4      | Noticed Prince Ribbit
  3870 | D:4      | Killed Prince Ribbit
  3870 | D:4      | Reached skill level 1 in Long Blades
  3870 | D:4      | Reached XP level 8. HP: 47/47 MP: 11/17
  4129 | D:5      | Entered Level 5 of the Dungeon
  4274 | D:5      | Noticed Ijyb
  4285 | D:5      | Killed Ijyb
  4440 | D:5      | Gained mutation: You can spit poison.
  4440 | D:5      | Gained mutation: Your digestive system is specialised to digest meat.
  4440 | D:5      | Gained mutation: You are dopey (Int -1).
  4696 | D:5      | Acquired Vehumet's first power
  4939 | D:5      | Found a deep blue altar of Sif Muna.
  5030 | D:5      | Reached skill level 8 in Poison Magic
  5205 | D:5      | Noticed Blork the orc
  5218 | D:5      | Killed Blork the orc
  5581 | D:5      | Learned a level 5 spell: Venom Bolt
  5584 | D:6      | Noticed 8 Ball VII's ghost (experienced OpVM)
  5799 | D:6      | Reached skill level 1 in Air Magic
  5823 | D:6      | HP: 2/47 [acid (16)]
  5824 | D:6      | Slain by a jelly

[Thomkal]

Ooof yeah had a jelly on that level with the Ogre I was avoiding too, so not surprised to see a death by jelly here.

[dzilla77]

And then 8 Ball X's ghost takes his revenge on my second best effort (although I nearly had him):
8 Ball XIV the Stinger (Octopode Venom Mage)

Spoiler

 Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup version 0.10.2 character file.

1410 8 Ball XIV the Stinger (level 8, -1/46 HPs)
             Began as an Octopode Venom Mage on June 16, 2012.
             Slain by 8 Ball X's ghost (17 damage)
             ... on Level 6 of the Dungeon.
             The game lasted 00:53:17 (5714 turns).

8 Ball XIV the Stinger (Octopode Venom Mage)        Turns: 5714, Time: 00:53:17

HP  -1/46        AC  1     Str  8      XL: 8   Next: 43%
MP   0/16        EV 18     Int 19      God: 
Gold 206         SH  0     Dex 18      Spells:  4 memorised,  2 levels left

Res.Fire  : . . .   See Invis. : .    B - +4,+6 elf short sword (elec)
Res.Cold  : . . .   Warding    : . .  (no shield)
Life Prot.: . . .   Conserve   : .    (helmet restricted)
Res.Acid. : . . .   Res.Corr.  : .    (no amulet)
Res.Poison: .       Clarity    : .    a - +6 ring of dexterity
Res.Elec. : .       Spirit.Shd : .    h - +4 ring of evasion
Sust.Abil.: . .     Stasis     : .    (no ring)
Res.Mut.  : .       Ctrl.Telep.: .    (no ring)
Res.Rott. : .       Levitation : .    (no ring)
Saprovore : . . .   Ctrl.Flight: .    (no ring)
                                      (no ring)
                                      (no ring)

@: confused, mildly poisoned, slightly resistant to hostile enchantments, fairly
stealthy
A: almost no armour, amphibious, constrict 8, mutation resistance 1, camouflage
1, tentacles 3, spike 1, AC +1
a: no special abilities


You were on level 6 of the Dungeon.
You were not hungry.

You visited 1 branch of the dungeon, and saw 6 of its levels.
You visited 1 portal chamber: ossuary.

You collected 186 gold pieces.

Inventory:

Hand weapons
 j - a +1,+1 dwarven sabre
 k - a +2,+3 quarterstaff of chaos
 B - a +4,+6 elven short sword of electrocution (weapon)
 C - a +1,+0 elven dagger
Missiles
 q - 21 +0 darts (quivered)
 y - 14 exploding +0 darts
Magical devices
 d - a wand of lightning (5)
 z - a wand of confusion (0)
Comestibles
 t - a bread ration
Scrolls
 g - a scroll of recharging {unknown}
 l - 2 scrolls of fog
 m - a scroll of blinking
 r - a scroll of teleportation
 s - a scroll of fear
 w - a scroll of amnesia {unknown}
 A - 2 scrolls of detect curse
 D - a scroll of remove curse {unknown}
Jewellery
 a - a +6 ring of dexterity (on tentacle)
 h - a +4 ring of evasion (on tentacle)
Potions
 c - a potion of magic
 e - a potion of agility
 f - a potion of degeneration {unknown}
 i - a potion of curing
 n - 2 potions of resistance
 o - a potion of heal wounds {unknown}
 p - 2 potions of confusion {unknown}
 v - a potion of might {unknown}
 x - a potion of restore abilities {unknown}
 F - 2 potions of invisibility
Books
 b - a Young Poisoner's Handbook   
   
   Spells                             Type                      Level
   *Sting                             Conjuration/Poison           1
   *Cure Poison                       Poison                       2
   *Mephitic Cloud                    Conjuration/Poison/Air       3
   Olgreb's Toxic Radiance            Poison                       4
   *Venom Bolt                        Conjuration/Poison           5


   Skills:
 + Level 0.9 Fighting
 + Level 0.4 Short Blades
 + Level 0.8 Staves
 + Level 2.7 Throwing
 + Level 3.9 Dodging
 + Level 4.2 Stealth
 + Level 2.6 Stabbing
 + Level 2.0 Traps & Doors
 + Level 2.3 Unarmed Combat
 + Level 3.3 Spellcasting
 + Level 3.7 Conjurations
 + Level 1.5 Air Magic
 + Level 7.1 Poison Magic


You had 2 spell levels left.
You knew the following spells:

 Your Spells              Type           Power        Failure   Level  Hunger
a - Sting                 Pois/Conj      ####.        1%          1    None
b - Cure Poison           Pois           #####.....   1%          2    Strawberry
c - Mephitic Cloud        Pois/Air/Conj  ####.....    12%         3    Choko
d - Venom Bolt            Pois/Conj      ####......   50%         5    Honeycomb


Dungeon Overview and Level Annotations

Branches:
Dungeon (6/27)            
Temple: D:4-7          Orc: D:6-11      

Altars:
Fedhas
Makhleb
Okawaru
Sif Muna
Yredelemnul

Annotations
D:6 8 Ball X's ghost, experienced OpVM


                    Innate Abilities, Weirdness & Mutations

You cannot wear most types of armour.
You can wear up to eight rings at the same time.
You are amphibious.
You can use your tentacles to constrict many enemies at once.
Your rubbery body absorbs attacks (AC +1).
Your skin changes colour to match your surroundings (Stlth).
You have a mass of large tentacles instead of arms.
You are somewhat resistant to further mutation.
One of your tentacles bears a spike.


Message History

A hobgoblin comes into view.
Ouch! You are engulfed in noxious fumes. You choke on the stench!
You are more confused.
8 Ball X's ghost gestures at you while chanting.
The sting hits you!
You are poisoned.
Ouch! You are engulfed in noxious fumes. You choke on the stench!
You are more confused.
You feel sick. 8 Ball X's ghost barely misses you.
You are engulfed in noxious fumes. You choke on the stench!
You are more confused.
You miss 8 Ball X's ghost. You pierce 8 Ball X's ghost.
8 Ball X's ghost is almost destroyed.
You are engulfed in noxious fumes. You choke on the stench!
You are more confused.
8 Ball X's ghost whispers, "Everlasting silence awaits you..."
8 Ball X's ghost hits you!
You feel your power leaking away.
You are engulfed in noxious fumes. 8 Ball X's ghost hits you! You are electrocuted!
You die...

                      ##.#####
                       #..###
                       ##...#
                        ###.#
                          #.#
                    #######.####
                    #..........##
                    #............
                    #..........##
                    #..........#
          #+#       ...........#
          #.#       #...>......#
          #@#       ########.###
        ###p######   #.......#
      ###.§§..>..# ###'#########
     ##..g˜˜˜....# #...........#
######..˜˜˜˜˜˜˜..###...........#
......g˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜..##...........##
......˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜.##...........##
......˜˜˜˜.?P˜˜˜˜..#...........'.
 ....˜˜˜˜?....˜˜˜˜.'...........##
 ....˜˜˜˜P?_P?˜˜˜˜.#.......)...#
 ###.˜˜˜˜.P?..˜˜˜˜.###+#########
   #..˜˜˜˜PPP˜˜˜˜..# #..#####
   ##.˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜.##  #.....#


You could see 8 Ball X's ghost and a hobgoblin.

Vanquished Creatures
  Purgy (D:4)
  2 ogres
  2 centaurs (D:5)
  Sigmund (D:3)
  Duvessa (D:4)
  Dowan (D:4)
  A crimson imp (D:6)
  2 scorpions
  Crazy Yiuf (D:2)
  2 orc priests (D:5)
  4 orc wizards
  2 hound skeletons (D:5)
  An iguana (D:4)
  4 worker ants
  Jessica (D:3)
  A jelly (D:5)
  4 gnolls (D:5)
  An adder zombie (D:4)
  6 adders
  2 giant geckos
  An ooze (D:1)
  15 orcs
  A ball python (D:1)
  3 giant cockroaches
  10 goblins
  3 hobgoblins
  8 kobolds
  2 quokkas
  12 bats
  9 giant newts
  8 jackals (D:5)
  A kobold zombie (D:5)
  14 rats
  A toadstool (D:3)
128 creatures vanquished.

Vanquished Creatures (others)
  A crimson imp (D:3)
  A human (D:3)
  5 orcs
  A hobgoblin (D:3)
  A bat (D:3)
  2 goblins
  A rat (D:2)
  15 toadstools
27 creatures vanquished.

Grand Total: 155 creatures vanquished

Notes
Turn   | Place    | Note
--------------------------------------------------------------
     0 | D:1      | 8 Ball XIV, the Octopode Venom Mage, began the quest for the Orb.
     0 | D:1      | Reached XP level 1. HP: 11/11 MP: 3/3
    96 | D:1      | Reached skill level 5 in Poison Magic
   144 | D:1      | Reached XP level 2. HP: 10/17 MP: 0/4
   818 | D:1      | Reached skill level 1 in Conjurations
   906 | D:2      | Reached XP level 3. HP: 14/21 MP: 1/5
   958 | D:2      | Learned a level 2 spell: Cure Poison
  1121 | D:2      | Found a basalt altar of Yredelemnul.
  1358 | D:2      | Noticed Crazy Yiuf
  1366 | D:2      | Killed Crazy Yiuf
  1366 | D:2      | Reached skill level 1 in Unarmed Combat
  1366 | D:2      | Reached XP level 4. HP: 27/27 MP: 4/7
  1518 | D:3      | Noticed Jessica
  1705 | D:3      | Learned a level 3 spell: Mephitic Cloud
  1732 | D:3      | Killed Jessica
  1792 | D:3      | Noticed Sigmund
  1870 | D:3      | Killed Sigmund
  1870 | D:3      | Reached skill level 1 in Stabbing
  1870 | D:3      | Reached skill level 1 in Traps & Doors
  1870 | D:3      | Reached skill level 6 in Poison Magic
  1870 | D:3      | Reached XP level 5. HP: 31/31 MP: 1/9
  2380 | D:4      | Reached XP level 6. HP: 29/36 MP: 1/11
  2383 | D:4      | Noticed Duvessa
  2392 | D:4      | Noticed Dowan
  2832 | D:4      | Noticed Purgy
  2847 | D:4      | Killed Purgy
  2847 | D:4      | Reached skill level 1 in Air Magic
  3284 | D:4      | Found a burning altar of Makhleb.
  3356 | D:4      | Killed Dowan
  3364 | D:4      | Killed Duvessa
  3364 | D:4      | Reached XP level 7. HP: 11/41 MP: 1/13
  3636 | D:4      | Learned a level 5 spell: Venom Bolt
  3670 | D:4      | Found a deep blue altar of Sif Muna.
  3821 | D:5      | Entered Level 5 of the Dungeon
  3991 | D:5      | Found a sand-covered staircase.
  4016 | ossuary  | Entered a tomb
  4289 | D:5      | Reached skill level 1 in Throwing
  4509 | D:5      | Found an iron altar of Okawaru.
  4536 | D:5      | Reached XP level 8. HP: 44/46 MP: 2/16
  4666 | D:5      | Paralysed by a potion of paralysis for 2 turns
  4668 | D:5      | Gained mutation: One of your tentacles bears a spike.
  4668 | D:5      | Gained mutation: You are somewhat resistant to further mutation.
  5013 | D:5      | Reached skill level 7 in Poison Magic
  5682 | D:6      | Found a blossoming altar of Fedhas.
  5687 | D:6      | Noticed 8 Ball X's ghost (experienced OpVM)
  5714 | D:6      | Slain by 8 Ball X's ghost

[Thomkal]

Made it to Dungeon Level 2, and Character Level 3 with OctoWizzy2. Been lucky so far with items-found ID scroll right away then three more on the level, an always welcome ring of magical power, a +0, +3 hand axe I can throw since I then found a +2, +3 dagger of protection that brings my AC up to a "robust" 6.

[thesloppy]

First guy down. RIP Krumplestiltskin. He didn't make it very far, and it was a ton of work just to keep him stumbling around. It didn't help that I didn't find anything worth shit. This should be a fun one.

Spoiler

Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup version 0.10.0 character file.

146 Krumplestiltskin the Stinger (level 3, -1/21 HPs)
Began as an Octopode Venom Mage on June 17, 2012.
Slain by an orc
... wielding a cursed -3,-1 orcish club
(3 damage)
... on Level 3 of the Dungeon.
The game lasted 00:16:41 (2622 turns).

Krumplestiltskin the Stinger (Octopode Venom Mage) Turns: 2622, Time: 00:16:41

HP -1/21 AC 1 Str 8 XL: 3 Next: 97%
MP 6/6 EV 13 Int 17 God:
Gold 90 SH 0 Dex 12 Spells: 2 memorised, 1 level left

Res.Fire : . . . See Invis. : . j - +0 dagger
Res.Cold : . . . Warding : . . (no shield)
Life Prot.: . . . Conserve : . (helmet restricted)
Res.Acid. : . . . Res.Corr. : . m - amulet of rage
Res.Poison: + Clarity : . k - ring of sustain abilities
Res.Elec. : . Spirit.Shd : . q - ring of poison resistance
Sust.Abil.: + . Stasis : . (no ring)
Res.Mut. : . Ctrl.Telep.: . (no ring)
Res.Rott. : . Levitation : . (no ring)
Saprovore : . . . Ctrl.Flight: . (no ring)
(no ring)
(no ring)

@: not resistant to hostile enchantments, quite stealthy
A: almost no armour, amphibious, constrict 8, camouflage 1, tentacles 3, AC +1
a: Evoke Berserk Rage


You were on level 3 of the Dungeon.
You were not hungry.

You visited 1 branch of the dungeon, and saw 3 of its levels.

You collected 70 gold pieces.

Inventory:

Hand weapons
e - a +0,+0 dagger (quivered)
i - a +0,+0 flail
j - a +0,+0 dagger (weapon)
Missiles
g - 28 +0 darts
Comestibles
c - a bread ration
Scrolls
a - 2 scrolls of fog {unknown}
d - a scroll of identify
n - a scroll of teleportation {unknown}
o - a scroll of detect curse {unknown}
p - a scroll of random uselessness {unknown}
Jewellery
k - a ring of sustain abilities (on tentacle)
m - an amulet of rage (around mantle)
q - a ring of poison resistance (on tentacle)
Potions
h - a potion of brilliance {unknown}
l - 2 potions of curing {unknown}
Books
b - a Young Poisoner's Handbook

Spells Type Level
*Sting Conjuration/Poison 1
*Cure Poison Poison 2
Mephitic Cloud Conjuration/Poison/Air 3
Olgreb's Toxic Radiance Poison 4
Venom Bolt Conjuration/Poison 5


Skills:
+ Level 0.1 Fighting
+ Level 3.2 Dodging
+ Level 3.6 Stealth
+ Level 1.3 Spellcasting
+ Level 1.2 Conjurations
+ Level 5.9 Poison Magic


You had one spell level left.
You knew the following spells:

Your Spells Type Power Failure Level Hunger
a - Sting Pois/Conj ###.. 6% 1 Strawberry
b - Cure Poison Pois ####...... 2% 2 Choko


Dungeon Overview and Level Annotations

Branches:
Dungeon (3/27)

Altars:


Innate Abilities, Weirdness & Mutations

You cannot wear most types of armour.
You can wear up to eight rings at the same time.
You are amphibious.
You can use your tentacles to constrict many enemies at once.
Your rubbery body absorbs attacks (AC +1).
Your skin changes colour to match your surroundings (Stlth).
You have a mass of large tentacles instead of arms.


Message History

As you read the scroll of identify, it crumbles to dust.
f - a -1,+1 orcish dagger
You drop a -1,+1 orcish dagger.
You start resting.
Magic restored.
There is a stone staircase leading down here.
You start resting.
HP restored.
You climb downwards. The giant cockroach closely misses you. The giant cockroach bites you.
The orc hits you with an orcish trident!
Ouch! That really hurt!
The orc hits you with an orcish club.
The kobold hits you with a runed elven whip.
* * * LOW HITPOINT WARNING * * *
The kobold closely misses you.
There is a stone staircase leading up here.
The giant cockroach bites you.
* * * LOW HITPOINT WARNING * * *
The orc closely misses you. The orc hits you with an orcish club.
You die...

#
.#
######### ..#
........+ ...#
........s#....#
[email protected]..#
.......o.o...##
#..............
#.........#####
#.........<
.........##
........#
.......#
...


You could see a worm, an orc priest, 2 orcs, a giant cockroach and a kobold.

Vanquished Creatures
An adder (D:2)
A worm (D:2)
A giant gecko (D:1)
An orc (D:2)
3 giant cockroaches
4 goblins
4 hobgoblins
5 kobolds
2 ball pythons
8 bats
2 giant newts (D:1)
6 rats
38 creatures vanquished.

Vanquished Creatures (others)
2 toadstools
2 creatures vanquished.

Grand Total: 40 creatures vanquished

Notes
Turn | Place | Note
--------------------------------------------------------------
0 | D:1 | Krumplestiltskin, the Octopode Venom Mage, began the quest for the Orb.
0 | D:1 | Reached XP level 1. HP: 11/11 MP: 3/3
95 | D:1 | Reached skill level 5 in Poison Magic
235 | D:1 | Reached XP level 2. HP: 3/17 MP: 1/4
594 | D:1 | Learned a level 2 spell: Cure Poison
1503 | D:2 | Reached skill level 1 in Conjurations
1503 | D:2 | Reached XP level 3. HP: 19/21 MP: 0/5
2622 | D:3 | Slain by an orc

[Thomkal]

Ooof the orc killed you with a cursed -3/-1 club, that's like adding insult to injury. Better luck next time.

[Narcizo]

Gah Thomkal! I was just getting off playing computer games altogether and then you go and mention this time sink.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Narcizo

Gah Thomkal! I was just getting off playing computer games altogether and then you go and mention this time sink.

I'm glad to help refuel the addiction.

[Thomkal]

Lose out on +4 scale mail because its armor our octopode friend here can't wear But I do find an mace of crushing in that same group of orcs. Going to test it out but will probably stay with the dagger of protection due to the AC boost. I have to bypass my first portal, the sewers, because just about everything there resists poison. And I only have one food item-most everything in the sewers is poisonous to eat.

[Thomkal]

Have to fight Dowan and Duvessa on the next level, and mephitic cloud comes to the rescue big time. Kill them both and get two levels for it. One more level and I can get Venom Bolt.

[Thomkal]

faced down an ogre with my poison spells and a blowgun with poisoned needles and get revenge for OctoWizzy1. Heading to Dungeon Level 5.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Like the Werewolf thread, this is another that I'm bummed I won't have time to participate in. Once I get all moved in, I should have some free time, so I'll be back for the next challenge

[Grover]

I am tired of being foiled by an ooze on the first floor.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Vince, Pt. II

Like the Werewolf thread, this is another that I'm bummed I won't have time to participate in. Once I get all moved in, I should have some free time, so I'll be back for the next challenge

Bah the moving boxes can sit there for another day or two!

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Grover

I am tired of being foiled by an ooze on the first floor.

You move faster than an ooze I believe (?) so you can outrun it if all else fails. I've not had a problem with them with this challenge though.

[Narcizo]

Off to to great start as I run into a kobold with a dagger of draining on the first level. 37 points. Things can only get better. Well, they can't get any worse anyway.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Narcizo

Off to to great start as I run into a kobold with a dagger of draining on the first level. 37 points. Things can only get better. Well, they can't get any worse anyway.

Oof, well it wasn't the first mob you saw was it? If not, then yes it can get worse. Better luck with the new guy.

[Thomkal]

Just a reminder that this comp continues until the end of the month. I've got a guy who's just a little bit further than my first guy-how is everyone else doing?

[Thomkal]

I've found the portal to the Orcish Mines on Level 7 of the Dungeon and that makes for an interesting dilemma. Most of the time the Lair is the easier branch, but in reading the wiki it recommends Venom Mages in particular take on the Mines first since the only poison resistant mob there are wargs. Since I took out the guards around the enterance, including an Orc Warrior, pretty easily with Mephitic Cloud, so I'll likely head there after clearing the level.

Cue death post in 3...2...1

[Thomkal]

Survived the level by avoid potential killers like an ice beast and mummy, then take about 30 hps from a spriggan baker of all things. Will try the orcish mines next time I play.

[thesloppy]

Originally Posted by Thomkal

Just a reminder that this comp continues until the end of the month. I've got a guy who's just a little bit further than my first guy-how is everyone else doing?

I've had a dozen guys do slightly better than my first, but still so pitiful that they weren't worth mentioning.

[Grover]

Originally Posted by thesloppy

I've had a dozen guys do slightly better than my first, but still so pitiful that they weren't worth mentioning.

I'm in the same boat. I've gotten to the Temple a couple of times, but some gigantic horde of beasts always pulls me down.

[thesloppy]

Octomage is tough!

[Grover]

Octodysseus made it pretty far this time, until three Centaurs surrounded him on the 6th floor and he could not avoid the arrows.

[CrimsonFox]

Jumping into the fray

[CrimsonFox]

Septopus the Unfortunate ready to go! He had an accident while fighting something sharp.

[CrimsonFox]

I constrict the sleeping giant cockroach! Oooh I love that! This game is very cool. I like the detail of color texts and level of woundedness.

[CrimsonFox]

can /should you eat corpses in this game?