Starting from the next boot, items will no longer mysteriously (and at
whim) be destroyed with the usual "... breaks into zillion pieces" message
when they sustain damage, which has caused quite a bit of annoyance over
the years.

Instead, there is a small chance (roughly the same chance that caused
weapons to be destroyed) that as the weapon gets damaged, it sustains
a critical hit and loses some condition and max condition. This should
not cause items in reasonable condition to break tho. Tendering your
equipment with magic is helpful.

Your humble servant,
Gore