Today I had one of my best characters ever, good armor and such strolling through the Gloomy Caves. I saw a goblin butcher up ahead and didn't think he stood a good chance at doing any damage to me. To my surprise right as I got up in his face I received the message
"Your Ommel Bone Armor of Great Health +6 rots completely."
Quickly followed by
"The goblin butcher hits you critically in the chest with his iron mace +2!"
"The goblin butcher hits you critically in the chest with his iron mace +2! You die."