Warning!! This query may contain spoilers for people attempting single-member party attempts at MR.

I've been attempting to win at MR with a party of one adventurer who never changes class. I believe that this can only be done with a wizard. So I've plugged away with my wizard, and can now only be defeated by paralysis. But I still can't get past the royal escorts. They get me every time before the relevant spell kicks in.

So my first question is: What factors affect the speed at which spells are cast? My previous solo adventurer, an assassin, waltzed past the escorts as he always got the spell out first. The difference in attributes are speed, dexterity (36 v 34) and agility (32 v 30). I'm guessing that agility is the problem. If so, then wizards can't wear anything (other than wizard specific special items) that enhance agility.

Is this problem surmountable? Will I be able to win these fights if I find one or more of the wizard's special items? If not I can give up now. If so, is there any technique that will help me find these things? Just wandering around level 10 killing and hoping is mind-numbing!

Thanks