My first ever 3E character (human monk) died a couple of times.

First time, we were in this haunted dungeon or some such. I don't remember exactly. Anyway, we found this magic necklace but we weren't able to identify it on the spot, so I just decided to put it on and hope for the best. It strangled me. Ironically, we were unable to cast a remove curse on the spot, either.

Second time, I got critically hit by someone (I don't remember who, maybe a githyanki) who was wielding a githyanki vorpal silver sword. I was beheaded. After coming back to life (again), I claimed the guy's sword in lieu of other treasure, and later traded it to one of the princesses of Cormyr (in the FR) for a huge plot of land and the funds to build a new monastery and martial arts dojo.

That character eventually got kinda touchy about his neck region. Also had a pretty wicked sword collection for a guy who punched people with his fists. My battle cry was "I drop my swords and prepare for battle!"