The scale armor was augmented for evasion; not even the scorpions could hit me. I waltzed through the demon halls without worries.
I also had a RoW +1 and a robber's armband, and at some point had more than 10,000 gold. I had never had more than 3,000 before. Overall, I collected almost 21,000 gold; all my previous wins hovered around 14,000.
There are three (!) stones of enchantment, not even in hidden rooms. And five experience potions!
Ascended with a score of 242,000, my best yet.
Seed: BSC-DPD-VGR
I have but on those runs my death rate jumps through the roof. My health, at least until I get chainmail or get lucky with +2 weapon, is always somewhere between 50-80%. Maybe I play too haphazardly.
It might just be a matter of being more efficient with your route, or occasionally letting go of rooms if you're already hungry to move on a little quicker.
You're definitely right I need to plan routes better. Maybe just playing slower and more methodically. Thanks!