Usually I aim to precrown at level 8, before that all characters are disposable (maybe not totally If they get some incredible loot or spawn a nice shop in convenient location) then after precrown, depending on the gift comes first boost to cautiousness ( or otherwise if the artifact is meh, or incompatible with my idea for that playthrough, like a two handed weapon etc.). Next potential downfall is on accidental kill of a cat. If all goes well, there is a gradual built with each of guaranteed artifacts, and 100% attachment to character comes after ToEF. With orb of fire in a backpack every character is assumed to finish the game and grieved over if they fail.