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(3.5) Preparing the first time for fighting enemies                             
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Before you enter a dungeon by stepping onto a staircase leading into the earth
(looks like this: '>') and pressing the staircase symbol '>' you will have to
buy some more items for the following reasons:
At the very beginning a single enemy who is a little bit stronger could kill
you easily without you having a chance to escape. At the same time,
slaying strong opponents at the very beginning will give very much experience,
thus making your character rise in experience levels and in power very
quickly!
Going deep down into the dungeon with a very low character level in hope of
meeting a monster that gives lots of experience while at the same time is not
too hard to kill is called "diving" and often is kind of suicide while
sometimes very rewarding.
However, buying certain items will greatly raise your chance of escaping from
dangerous situations alive or even slaying tough opponents. Also, by buying
an item (like magic potions or scrolls) your character will remember what it
'looks like' and instantly recognize it if you find some of the same type in
the dungeon. If you find a potion/scroll unknown to your character you will
have to either use it or sell it to a shop or use a scroll of identify to find
out what it is.
So to prepare for hunting in the dungeon, buy:
-Potion of Heroism (maybe just one, for when you encounter a unique monster)
-Potion of Cure Light/Serious Wounds
-Scroll of Phase Door
 The more you can buy of those the better. At least buy one potion of Heroism
 and Cure Serious Wounds.
And if you still have spare money (this one costs a lot) a
-Scroll of Word of Recall. (See "(0.3) Important inscriptions, Word of Recall"
 for more info.)

If you are interested in more tips about preparing inventory and equipment, you
could check out chapter (8) Tactics & Strategy.