Independent SCs and Magic Loot

[Truper]

I have a feeling that it did make a difference that the mummy routed rather than got destroyed. Even if you kill him, there is only a chance that you'll find his items, not a certainty. Some powerful magic items, and cursed items, have a greater chance of being found than run-of-the mill magic items.

One other point to keep in mind is that you don't want to employ mercenaries when you have an expectation of magical loot - the mercenary may find the item, and if he does, he'll refuse to give it up. I learned that one the hard way

[PvK]

You do need to kill the enemy with the items to have a chance to get them for yourself. The chance is per-item and no guarantee, but with so many, you almost surely would've got a few if he hadn't got away.

PvK

[Taqwus]

Ouch. If that was Katafagus -- I've never met the dude, but from the description it might have been him -- the helm he has is an unforgeable artifact that now you won't be able to get short of a Wish.

[Kristoffer O]

No, it was not Katafagus. It was Ptah, the divine mummy. He has his own unique headwear.