What to expect?

[PopTart]

Death is a normal part of roguelikes, and I fully expect my character to die before he can defeat Morgoth. But, I would like to get as far as possible.

Currently my HE mage is CL 48, his speed before potions is +18, and he has reached a max depth of Level 70. He's got all the possible resistances except
nexus
sound
chaos
blindness
stunning
and hasn't had too many close calls. The closest he came to dying was when he took several nether (which he is resistant to), nexus, and/or chaos breaths in one turn. He can easily kill many monsters worth 50000 XP, but a group of time hounds almost did him in. Brought him down to 140 HP in a couple turns. Any monster that tends to be solitary, as long as it can be slowed and can't one-shot him, is manageable.

My question is, what type of monster or attack is most likely to kill him at this point, past DL 70?

Edit: He now has resistance to chaos and sound

[PopTart]

  [Angband 4.2.0 Character Dump]

 Name   Zappy        Age            117          Self  RB  CB  EB   Best
 Race   High-Elf     Height        6'1"   STR! 18/100  +1  -3  +3 18/110
 Class  Mage         Weight    14st 0lb   INT! 18/100  +3  +3  +4 18/200
 Title  Arch-Mage    Turns used:          WIS! 18/100  -1  +0  +0  18/90
 HP     599/791      Game        961546   DEX:  18/88  +3  +0  +9 18/208
 SP     295/371      Standard    183213   CON! 18/100  +1  -2 +10 18/190
                     Resting      65548

 Level                 48    Armor     [80,+122]    Saving Throw     99%
 Cur Exp          5605090                           Stealth       Superb
 Max Exp          5605090    Melee       1d7,+26    Disarm - phys.  100%
 Adv Exp          5800000    To-hit       39,+39    Disarm - magic  100%
                             Blows      4.0/turn    Magic Devices    129
 Gold              629756                           Searching        92%
 Burden          173.1 lb    Shoot to-dam    +19    Infravision    40 ft
 Overweight       -6.8 lb    To-hit       39,+38    Speed      15 (2.5x)
 Max Depth    3600' (L72)    Shots      1.0/turn

 You are one of several children of a Noldorin Warrior.  You have light
 blue eyes, straight black hair, and a fair complexion.


Resistances         Abilities
 Acid:......+.++... pFear:.......+.....
 Elec:......+.+.... pBlnd:.............
 Fire:....+.+.++... pConf:......+....+.
 Cold:......+.+.... pStun:.............
 Pois:......+...... HLife:.....+.......
Light:.....++...+.+ Regen:.............
 Dark:.....++......   ESP:.............
Sound:......+...... S.Inv:+....+......+
Shard:......+..+... FrAct:+.........++.
Nexus:............. Feath:.............
Nethr:...........+. S.Dig:.............
Chaos:......+...... TrpIm:.............
Disen:......+.++... Bless:.............

Hindrances          Modifiers
ImpHP:............. Stea.:.......++....
ImpSP:............. Sear.:.........+...
 Fear:............. Infra:............+
Aggrv:............. Tunn.:.............
NoTel:............. Speed:..+....+...+.
DrExp:............. Blows:.............
Stick:............. Shots:.............
Fragl:........+.... Might:.+...........
                    Light:.....+....+..
                    D.Red:.............
                    Moves:.............


  [Character Equipment]

a) a Short Sword of Westernesse (1d7) (+13,+14) <+2>
     Bought from a store
     
     +2 strength.
     +2 dexterity.
     +2 constitution.
     Slays giants, trolls, orcs.
     Grants the ability to see invisible things.  Prevents paralysis.  
     
     Combat info:
     4.0 blows/round.
     Average damage/round: 160.8 vs. giants, 160.8 vs. trolls, 160.8
     vs. orcs, and 126.4 vs. others.
     
b) a Light Crossbow of Extra Might (x4) (+12,+19) <+1>
     Dropped by a barbazu at 2850 feet (level 57)
     
     +1 shooting power.
     
c) a Ring of Speed <+12>
     Dropped by Azog, Enemy of the Dwarves at 1200 feet (level 24)
     
     +12 speed.
     
d) a Ring of Constitution <+5>
     +5 constitution.
     Sustains constitution.
     
e) the Amulet of Carlammas <+1, +3>
     Dropped by a gorgon at 2850 feet (level 57)
     
     +1 strength.
     +3 constitution.
     Provides resistance to fire.
     
     When activated, it grants you protection from evil for 1d25 plus 3
     times your character level turns.
     Takes 565 to 1125 turns to recharge at your current speed.
     Your chance of success is 96.4%
     
f) the Arkenstone of Thráin <+3>
     Dropped by Bert the Stone Troll at 2650 feet (level 53)
     
     +3 light.
     Provides resistance to light, dark.
     Cannot be harmed by fire.
     Grants the ability to see invisible things.  Sustains your life
     force.  
     Intensity 3 light.
     
     When activated, it lights and maps the entire level, sensing
     objects.
     Takes 127 to 250 turns to recharge at your current speed.
     Your chance of success is 96.4%
     
g) Power Dragon Scale Mail of Craftsmanship [60,+35]
     Dropped by Ungoliant, the Unlight at 3500 feet (level 70)
     
     Provides resistance to acid, lightning, fire, cold, poison, light,
     dark, sound, shards, chaos, disenchantment.
     Provides protection from confusion.
     
h) an Elven Cloak of the Magi [6,+13] <+2, +3, +1>
     Dropped by a mature white dragon at 2500 feet (level 50)
     
     +2 intelligence.
     +3 stealth.
     +1 speed.
     Provides protection from fear.
     Cannot be harmed by acid.
     Sustains intelligence.
     
i) a Leather Shield of Elvenkind [8,+16] <+2>
     Found lying on the floor at 1650 feet (level 33)
     
     +2 stealth.
     Provides resistance to acid, lightning, fire, cold,
     disenchantment.
     Cannot be harmed by acid.
     Can be destroyed if you attempt to remove its curses.  
     
j) the Metal Cap of Celebrimbor [3,+18] <+2, +3>
     Dropped by Castamir the Usurper at 2500 feet (level 50)
     
     +2 intelligence.
     +2 dexterity.
     +3 searching skill.
     Provides resistance to acid, fire, shards, disenchantment.
     Cannot be harmed by acid.
     
k) the Set of Leather Gloves 'Cammithrim' (+5,+5) [1,+10] <+1>
     Dropped by a young black dragon at 2100 feet (level 42)
     
     +1 light.
     Provides resistance to light.
     Cannot be harmed by acid, fire.
     Sustains constitution.
     Prevents paralysis.  
     
     When activated, it fires a magic missile with damage 3d4.
     Takes 5 turns to recharge at your current speed.
     Your chance of success is 99.0%
     
l) the Pair of Leather Boots 'Dal-i-thalion' [2,+15] <+5>
     Dropped by Gorlim, Betrayer of Barahir at 2850 feet (level 57)
     
     +5 dexterity.
     +5 speed.
     Provides resistance to nether.
     Provides protection from confusion.
     Cannot be harmed by acid, fire.
     Sustains constitution.
     Prevents paralysis.  
     
     When activated, it cures you of fear and poison.
     Takes 12 turns to recharge at your current speed.
     Your chance of success is 99.0%
     




  [Character Inventory]

a) 2 Books of Magic Spells [First Spells] {@m1!k}
     
     You can read this book.
     
b) 2 Books of Magic Spells [Attacks and Knowledge] {@m2!k}
     
     You can read this book.
     
c) 3 Books of Magic Spells [Magical Defences] {@m3}
     
     You can read this book.
     
d) 3 Books of Magic Spells [Arcane Control] {@m4}
     Cannot be harmed by fire.
     
     You can read this book.
     
e) 17 Potions of Cure Critical Wounds
f) 5 Potions of Restore Mana
g) 7 Potions of Enlightenment
h) 6 Potions of Resist Poison
i) 6 Potions of Dragon Breath
j) 3 Scrolls of Banishment
k) 4 Rods of Recall
     Cannot be harmed by lightning.
     
l) 3 Wands of Slow Monster (42 charges)
m) 2 Wands of Hold Monster (60 charges)
n) 2 Wands of Stone to Mud (45 charges) {@a1}
o) 3 Wands of Dragon's Flame (32 charges)
     Cannot be harmed by lightning.
     
p) 3 Wands of Annihilation (16 charges)
     Cannot be harmed by lightning.
     
q) 3 Staves of Teleportation (36 charges)
r) 3 Staves of Speed (41 charges)




  [Character Quiver]

0) 5 Seeker Bolts of Slay Demon (4d5) (+9,+13)
     Slays demons.
     
     Combat info:
     Hits targets up to 140 feet away.
     Average damage/round: 320.3 vs. demons, and 183 vs. others.
     25% chance of breaking upon contact.
     
1) 17 Seeker Bolts of Frost (4d5) (+15,+14)
     Branded with cold.
     
     Combat info:
     Hits targets up to 140 feet away.
     Average damage/round: 330.7 vs. creatures not resistant to cold,
     and 189 vs. others.
     25% chance of breaking upon contact.
     
2) 7 Seeker Bolts of Wounding (4d5) (+20,+16)
     Combat info:
     Hits targets up to 140 feet away.
     Average damage/round: 197.4.
     25% chance of breaking upon contact.
     
3) 11 Seeker Bolts of Slay Evil (4d5) (+12,+15)
     Slays evil creatures.
     
     Combat info:
     Hits targets up to 140 feet away.
     Average damage/round: 289.8 vs. evil creatures, and 193.2 vs.
     others.
     25% chance of breaking upon contact.
     


  [Home Inventory]

a) 11 Books of Magic Spells [Arcane Control] {@m4}
     Cannot be harmed by fire.
     
     You can read this book.
     
b) 9 Mushrooms of Vigor
c) 37 Potions of Cure Critical Wounds
d) 10 Potions of Healing
e) 9 Potions of *Healing*
     It can be thrown at creatures with damaging effect.
     
f) a Potion of Life
     It can be thrown at creatures with damaging effect.
     
g) 18 Potions of Restore Mana
h) 3 Potions of Restore Life Levels
i) a Potion of Speed
j) 23 Potions of Resist Poison
k) 2 Scrolls of *Remove Curse*
l) 3 Wands of Slow Monster (29 charges)
m) 11 Wands of Hold Monster (114 charges)
n) 4 Wands of Stone to Mud (67 charges) {@a1}
o) 4 Wands of Dragon's Flame (23 charges)
     Cannot be harmed by lightning.
     
p) 9 Staves of Teleportation (110 charges)
q) a Staff of Speed (17 charges)
r) a Ring of Constitution <+5>
     +5 constitution.
     Sustains constitution.
     
s) an Amulet of ESP
     Bought from a store
     
     Grants telepathy.  
     
t) the Jewel 'Evenstar' <+2>
     Found lying on the floor in a vault at 2850 feet (level 57)
     
     +2 wisdom.
     Provides resistance to cold, dark, nether.
     Sustains wisdom, constitution.
     Speeds regeneration.  Sustains your life force.  
     
     When activated, it restores your experience to full.
     Takes 375 turns to recharge at your current speed.
     Your chance of success is 97.2%
     
u) Blue Dragon Scale Mail (Dwarven) (-2) [12,+32] <+2, +5>
     Dropped by a Maia of Mandos at 2450 feet (level 49)
     
     +2 strength.
     +2 constitution.
     +5 infravision.
     Provides resistance to lightning.
     Prevents paralysis.  
     
v) a Pair of Iron Shod Boots of Speed [4,+6] <+10>
     Dropped by Fundin Bluecloak at 2850 feet (level 57)
     
     +10 speed.
     Cannot be harmed by fire.
     
w) the Short Sword 'Dagmor' (1d7) (+13,+12) <+2>
     Dropped by Beorn, the Shape-Changer at 2750 feet (level 55)
     
     +2 attack speed.
     Slays animals.
     Branded with poison.
     Cannot be harmed by acid.
     Slows your metabolism.  Speeds regeneration.  
     
     Combat info:
     6.0 blows/round.
     Average damage/round: 216 vs. creatures not resistant to poison,
     190.2 vs. animals, and 164.4 vs. others.
     
x) a Broad Axe of Westernesse (2d6) (+14,+15) <+2, +1>
     Dropped by a patriarch at 2850 feet (level 57)
     
     +2 strength.
     +1 dexterity.
     +2 constitution.
     Slays giants, trolls, orcs.
     Grants the ability to see invisible things.  Prevents paralysis.  
     
     Combat info:
     4.0 blows/round.
     Average damage/round: 208.4 vs. giants, 208.4 vs. trolls, 208.4
     vs. orcs, and 146.4 vs. others.
     


[Player history]
      Turn   Depth  Note
         0      0'  Began the quest to destroy Morgoth.
       496     50'  Reached level 2
      2206     50'  Reached level 3
      2623     50'  Reached level 4
      4270     50'  Killed Grip, Farmer Maggot's Dog
      4270     50'  Reached level 5
      5513    100'  Killed Fang, Farmer Maggot's Dog
      5536    100'  Reached level 6
      6687    150'  Reached level 7
      9227    200'  Reached level 8
     10168    250'  Reached level 9
     11897    300'  Reached level 10
     13667    550'  Reached level 11
     15568    200'  Reached level 12
     16988    200'  Killed Sméagol
     21293    350'  Reached level 13
     22512    800'  Reached level 14
     23402    850'  Reached level 15
     23738    850'  Killed Nár, the Dwarf
     24175    850'  Reached level 16
     24305    850'  Reached level 17
     24447    850'  Reached level 18
     24597    850'  Reached level 19
     25370    850'  Killed Wormtongue, Agent of Saruman
     25372    850'  Found the Cloak of Thingol
     25851    850'  Reached level 20
     27559   1100'  Reached level 21
     29408   1200'  Reached level 22
     30583   1200'  Killed Bullroarer the Hobbit
     30607   1200'  Killed Grishnákh, the Hill Orc
     30607   1200'  Reached level 23
     30611   1200'  Killed Golfimbul, the Hill Orc Chief
     31811   1200'  Killed Azog, Enemy of the Dwarves
     32132   1200'  Reached level 24
     32738   1200'  Killed Uglúk, the Uruk
     33207   1200'  Killed Ufthak of Cirith Ungol
     34516   1200'  Killed Old Man Willow
     34516   1200'  Reached level 25
     36898   1250'  Killed Sangahyando of Umbar
     38565   1300'  Reached level 26
     39002   1300'  Killed Khîm, Son of Mîm
     39836   1300'  Killed Angamaitë of Umbar
     43662   1350'  Killed Bolg, Son of Azog
     44897   1350'  Killed Gorbag, the Orc Captain
     46045   1600'  Reached level 27
     49287   1600'  Reached level 28
     50076   1600'  Found the Dagger 'Nimthanc' (LOST)
     52811   1650'  Reached level 29
     52827   1650'  Killed Ibun, Son of Mîm
     56087   1700'  Killed Uldor the Accursed
     57777   1750'  Reached level 30
     58403   1750'  Killed Ulfast, Son of Ulfang
     58411   1750'  Killed Ulwarth, Son of Ulfang
     59198   1750'  Killed Mughash the Kobold Lord
     60360   1800'  Reached level 31
     62112   1850'  Found the Lochaber Axe 'Mundwine' (LOST)
     64690   1900'  Reached level 32
     64690   1900'  Reached level 33
     65621   1900'  Killed Lorgan, Chief of the Easterlings
     65652   1900'  Found the Phial of Galadriel (LOST)
     68341   1950'  Killed Lokkak, the Ogre Chieftain
     69944   1950'  Reached level 34
     70630   2000'  Reached level 34
     76774   2000'  Found the Star of Elendil (LOST)
     77101   2000'  Reached level 35
     78471   2050'  Killed Kavlax the Many-Headed
     80290   2050'  Found the Leather Shield of Celegorm (LOST)
     82312   2100'  Found the Set of Leather Gloves 'Cammithrim'
     83047   2100'  Killed Rogrog the Black Troll
     83691   2150'  Reached level 36
     88267   2300'  Killed Ariel, Queen of Air
     90441   2350'  Killed Harowen the Black Hand
     90441   2350'  Reached level 37
     91896   2400'  Killed The Queen Ant
     97232   2500'  Killed Quaker, Master of Earth
     97594   2500'  Reached level 38
    101327   2500'  Killed Castamir the Usurper
    101332   2500'  Found the Metal Cap of Celebrimbor
    101708   2500'  Killed Eöl, the Dark Elf
    102889   2500'  Reached level 39
    104067   2500'  Found the Set of Gauntlets 'Paurnimmen' (LOST)
    108264   2500'  Killed Itangast the Fire Drake
    108270   2500'  Found the Cloak 'Colannon' (LOST)
    108638   2500'  Killed Vargo, Tyrant of Fire
    109021   2500'  Reached level 40
    110467   2600'  Found the Set of Gauntlets 'Paurnen' (LOST)
    110673   2600'  Killed Waldern, King of Water
    111067   2600'  Found the Glaive of Pain (LOST)
    113077   2650'  Killed Tom the Stone Troll
    113077   2650'  Found the Iron Helm of Gorlim (LOST)
    113096   2650'  Killed Bert the Stone Troll
    113153   2650'  Found the Arkenstone of Thráin
    113165   2650'  Killed Bill the Stone Troll
    115346   2750'  Killed Beorn, the Shape-Changer
    115350   2750'  Found the Short Sword 'Dagmor'
    116713   2750'  Reached level 41
    116979   2750'  Killed Ar-Pharazôn the Golden
    119605   2750'  Killed Shagrat, the Orc Captain
    121615   2800'  Found the Mace 'Taratol' (LOST)
    122042   2800'  Reached level 42
    122889   2850'  Killed Saruman of Many Colours
    123521   2850'  Killed Mîm, Betrayer of Turin
    124037   2850'  Killed Gorlim, Betrayer of Barahir
    124049   2850'  Found the Pair of Leather Boots 'Dal-i-thalion'
    126619   2850'  Killed The Phoenix
    126827   2850'  Found the Jewel 'Evenstar'
    127624   2850'  Reached level 43
    127853   2850'  Killed Gilim, the Giant of Eruman
    128992   2850'  Killed Fundin Bluecloak
    131085   2850'  Killed Scatha the Worm
    131087   2850'  Found the Iron Helm 'Holhenneth' (LOST)
    131237   2850'  Killed The Balrog of Moria
    132851   2850'  Reached level 44
    136828   2850'  Found the Amulet of Carlammas
    137016   2850'  Killed Orfax, Son of Boldor
    139174   2900'  Reached level 45
    139751   2900'  Killed Shelob, Spider of Darkness
    146072   3000'  Found the Cloak of Thorongil (LOST)
    146804   3050'  Found the Spear 'Nimloth' (LOST)
    148134   3100'  Reached level 46
    151040   3150'  Killed Baphomet the Minotaur Lord
    152207   3150'  Killed Smaug the Golden
    156783   3200'  Killed The Mouth of Sauron
    156823   3200'  Found the Metal Cap of Thengel (LOST)
    159384      0'  Reached level 47
    171824   3400'  Reached level 48
    173604      0'  Reached level 48
    175765      0'  Reached level 48
    181773   3500'  Found the Quarterstaff 'Eriril' (LOST)
    182662   3500'  Killed Ungoliant, the Unlight


  [Options]

  [User interface]

Use the roguelike command keyset             : no  (rogue_like_commands)
Use sound                                    : yes (use_sound)
Show damage player deals to monsters         : no  (show_damage)
Use old target by default                    : no  (use_old_target)
Always pickup items                          : no  (pickup_always)
Always pickup items matching inventory       : yes (pickup_inven)
Show flavors in object descriptions          : no  (show_flavors)
Highlight target with cursor                 : yes (show_target)
Highlight player with cursor between turns   : no  (highlight_player)
Disturb whenever viewable monster moves      : yes (disturb_near)
Show walls as solid blocks                   : no  (solid_walls)
Show walls with shaded background            : yes (hybrid_walls)
Color: Illuminate torchlight in yellow       : no  (view_yellow_light)
Color: Shimmer multi-colored things          : no  (animate_flicker)
Center map continuously                      : no  (center_player)
Color: Show unique monsters in purple        : no  (purple_uniques)
Automatically clear '-more-' prompts         : no  (auto_more)
Color: Player color indicates % hit points   : yes (hp_changes_color)
Allow mouse clicks to move the player        : yes (mouse_movement)
Notify on object recharge                    : no  (notify_recharge)
Show effective speed as multiplier           : no  (effective_speed)

  [Birth]

Generate a new, random artifact set          : no  (birth_randarts)
Generate connected stairs                    : yes (birth_connect_stairs)
Force player descent (never make up stairs)  : no  (birth_force_descend)
Word of Recall has no effect                 : no  (birth_no_recall)
Restrict creation of artifacts               : no  (birth_no_artifacts)
Stack objects on the floor                   : yes (birth_stacking)
Lose artifacts when leaving level            : no  (birth_lose_arts)
Show level feelings                          : yes (birth_feelings)
Increase gold drops but disable selling      : yes (birth_no_selling)
Start with a kit of useful gear              : yes (birth_start_kit)
Monsters learn from their mistakes           : no  (birth_ai_learn)
Know all runes on birth                      : no  (birth_know_runes)
Know all flavors on birth                    : no  (birth_know_flavors)
Persistent levels (experimental)             : no  (birth_levels_persist)
To-damage is a percentage of dice (experimental): no  (birth_percent_damage)

[Pete Mack]

You're near endgame strong. A bit more speed, and maybe a point of CON from somewhere. You might carry a couple potions of healing for emergencies.

Even at CL 50, 18/220 INT mass banishment has 3% fail rate. You might hang on to a few scrolls for the last fight, just in case. And you'll want a few more !speed for the bosses. Additionally, INT 18/220 (with fast casting) turns mana storm into an impossibly strong attack, at near 700 damage per full turn. You won't use any other attacks; not even Annihilation.

There are a few big breathers and summoners deep. (Tarrasque is notorious as a breather.) But you shouldn't have a problem so long as you maintain double resist and 500+ HP.

[Sphara]

Biggest dangers for character this strong are:

1) Teleporting or getting teleported by something after zapping Teleport Other at many dangerous monsters.

2) Not wearing ESP and getting overconfident with your movement.

3) Wiruin the Maelstorm.

Paranoid level of detection and high stealth help with 2 and 3.

[PopTart]

Related question: Zappy has finally reached character level 50. Why not just cast Banishment on every letter of the alphabet and reap the rewards of all the scattered loot? He'd still have to kill all the named monsters, but they're the only ones that drop good loot now anyway.

[Pete Mack]

You can do that , though you won't get monster drops. It works fine in vaults (tho mass banishment is way more efficient for that.)

[Derakon]

Related question: Zappy has finally reached character level 50. Why not just cast Banishment on every letter of the alphabet and reap the rewards of all the scattered loot? He'd still have to kill all the named monsters, but they're the only ones that drop good loot now anyway.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with doing that; the biggest reward of getting a mage to level 50 is that you get to pick and choose your fights with a high degree of precision. Between banish, mass banish, Word of Destruction, and Teleport Other, you can avoid any fight that you don't like the looks of.

[Chud]

The only thing I would add...

The closest he came to dying was when he took several nether (which he is resistant to), nexus, and/or chaos breaths in one turn.

If you're getting in situations where you are taking this many different breath attacks in the same turn, you are taking big risks... I'd suggest staying out of the line of sight of crowds, or groups bigger than... well... one, really. :-)