Oh. You can select different graphics options from the menu and change them while playing. So... Start out with a tile set then when you want to identify something go back to the ASCII graphics so you can type in the character you want to id. Then... Change it back to tileset graphics. I think they are trying to wean me into playing in ASCII gradually lol. It is kinda semi sorta working...

People have even written Angband comics (if you are into nerdy humor)

http://angband.oook.cz/comic/strip.php?view=46

By way of translation... You are '@', 't' is a townsperson, '#' is part of a building, '.' is open space (carved up into a math grid) and '5' and '7' are different kinds of buildings ('7' might be your home, even).

HELPFUL BASIC COMMANDS:
MAGIC
(b) browse or (P) peruse a book
(G) gain new spells or prayers
(m) cast a spell
(p) pray a prayer (if you know a prayer)
(q) quaff a potion
(r) read a scroll
(A) activate an artifact
(a) or (z) aim or zap a wand
(u) or (Z) use or zap a staff
(z) or (a) a rod - very powerful and recharge over time
(f) or (t) fire an item might break it

ATTACK
(v) throw an item
(*) targeting mode so can press to r 5 or . to select a monstor apace to advance to next and much more complications.

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
(i) inventory (up to 23)
(e) equipment list (up to 12)
(d) drop an item
(k) destroy an item
(w) wear / wield
(t) take off equipment
( walk with pickup
(-) walk with flip pickup
(g) get object
({) inscribe an object
(}) uninscribe an object
(I) observe and item when identified to tell you about special powers only makes sense for artifacts and ego items (capital I)
(C) character description
(~) check knowledge
(ctrl-X) save and quit
(ctrl-S) save but not quit
(Q) commit suicide
(/) identify

TRAPS, DOORS, MOVEMENT
(.) (,) run
() down staircase
(,) (.) stay still with pickup
(R) rest followed by number of turns or (*) until hitpoints and mana restored or (&amp until fully healed
(s) search and count
(S) or (#) toggle search (and move) mode
(T) tunnel
(o) opens door or chest
(c) close door
(j) jam a door (S) spike a door if one has spikes
(B) bash a door (f) force a door
(D) disarm trap or chest
(+) alter - not sure...
(E) eat some food
(F) fuel lantern / torch
(M) full screen map of entire dungeon lose some features
(L) or (W) locate the player or where is the player (can scroll map around then press escape to recentre on player)
(l) look around or (x) examine things