Suggestions?

well eventually they get use any item one of the most powerful skills in the game(assuming you have tob)

well now that you mention it...

as i recall, (its been nearly 2 years since ive played)

boots of speed
rings (of regeneration or improved invisibility)
shadow armor will do fine
long sword or short sword (there are so many, you can choose)
helm (there are also many)

Some basic equipment to get you started could be:

Bracers of Defense AC 3
Boots of Speed
Ring of Protection +2
Cloak of the Sewers
Celestial Fury
Mercykiller Ring

These items are all reasonably easy to obtain and are found in the earlier chapters of the game.