Level 80 Rogue - Back After 18 Years - Lockpicking / Scripting / Leveling Advice

[GSIV Rogue]

.

[Taernath]

East Tower picking is mostly dead and afk scripting is naughty. :no:

[audioserf]

Sounds like you're looking for GS Shattered

[Stumplicker]

Welcome back Scintillion. I remember you from back in the day. You'll get picked up pretty quick for afk scripting if your intent is to run a script that will pick any box your character is handed and then hand it back, for example, but if that's not your intent:

tpick is a lich script that gets used a lot. It's very versatile. I don't use it personally, but I know a lot of rogues swear by it.

The east tower is definitely a bit less lively than it used to be, but there are still a number of people who pick there, which includes me when I'm in the landing. There's also a verb called SERVICE now where you can list that you're available to pick boxes (or other things) which'll list your location so people can contact or come to you.

One thing you'll want to look into is lock mastery from the guild (check it out on the wiki). There are some boxes that can't be opened without it, and it does a lot of variously useful things for you.

[wetsand]

I am not interested in hunting at this time. It is my intent to retrain my rogue to be a picker (3x picking, disarming, perception, spells up to 404). Whether or not he is viable to hunt is immaterial to me as I intend to gain levels through picking only - if this is still possible.

Ranged or UAC has the cheapest combat skills and will allow you to 3x locksmith skills. As much as I dislike ranged, that would be the one I would pick. Better DS than UAC and slightly cheaper.

[karnamm]

@Stumplicker - I have only figured out how to tpick my own boxes. Do you know how to pick other peoples boxes and give it back to them?

[karnamm]

Also, with townsmith, I do not think it is still feasible to level based on lock picking only.

[Murrandii]

Do not convert to monk.

Remove that from your head.

Rest is simple: get to 92, go to nelemar, enjoy the walk in the park.

[Nordred]

You would likely want perception higher for the push down on the targets defense. It is a basic build and should do fine as it is. You can always add in extra stuff with shield skill sets and cman list.

[Derex]

You would likely want perception higher for the push down on the targets defense. It is a basic build and should do fine as it is. You can always add in extra stuff with shield skill sets and cman list.

Is plate better than 2x shield 2x perception tho? I dunno personally I’d wait for plate until cap

[Mobius1]

80+ is when things start to get rougher, hunting as a rogue. If you can't spell yourself up, and want to hunt the rift, you can still get spells if someone Voln teleports you there (symbol of seeking.). I personally symbol of seek there (from Icemule), then ring back to town from the Sands.

Sword and board is still great for a rogue, but can be a bit pricey if you pick - I think most do 2x dodge 1x shield, until post cap (small shield).

Small weapons are now viable as a rogue too, because of the GS4 weapon changes. Blunts are also a good option, since they have the best crit table for a rogue (if you ask me). But you have to be willing to spend the extra 3 TPs per level to pay for it.

TWC is also viable, if you want to go that route (Whirling Dervish is pretty cool). Or brawling (UAC is fantastic and what I personally use, but it's also a bit overrated.), or ranged, as was said. Open ranged is pretty popular for picking rogues, since it is one of the most effective forms of combat but cheap TP wise. There are some snipers out there too, I know - But it's mechanically not super beneficial, IMO. But you need to be willing to deal with ammo management if you go ranged.

I'm a big fan of MBP armor myself - Only requires 80 ranks in armor use, but has nearly the protection of full plate. Brig/Hauberk are popular for the ewaving types, if you want to use spells.

Also, as far as picking goes, keep in mind that going past 250 ranks or so, really only does you good if trying to pick the rare super high end invasion box.

The guild is way less active than it once was, but Wednesday nights are guild nights and you get double points.

~Midgar

[GSIV Rogue]

Hi Midgar, thanks for your reply and for all the info.

Here is what I ended up going with:

Name: Scintillion SeLiberer Race: Sylvankind Profession: Rogue (not shown)
Gender: Male Age: 471 Expr: 5536213 Level: 81
Normal (Bonus) ... Enhanced (Bonus)
Strength (STR): 95 (22) ... 95 (22)
Constitution (CON): 96 (23) ... 96 (23)
Dexterity (DEX): 87 (28) ... 87 (28)
Agility (AGI): 90 (25) ... 90 (25)
Discipline (DIS): 98 (19) ... 98 (19)
Aura (AUR): 96 (28) ... 96 (28)
Logic (LOG): 93 (21) ... 93 (21)
Intuition (INT): 94 (22) ... 94 (22)
Wisdom (WIS): 98 (24) ... 98 (24)
Influence (INF): 91 (20) ... 91 (20)
Mana: 9 Silver: 0

Scintillion (at level 81), your current skill bonuses and ranks (including all modifiers) are:
Skill Name | Current Current
| Bonus Ranks
Armor Use..........................| 240 140
Shield Use.........................| 183 83
Combat Maneuvers...................| 266 166
Edged Weapons......................| 266 166
Ambush.............................| 266 166
Physical Fitness...................| 266 166
Dodging............................| 266 166
Stalking and Hiding................| 266 166
Perception.........................| 140 40
Climbing...........................| 140 40
Swimming...........................| 140 40
Training Points: 0 Phy 161 Mnt (1560 Mnt converted to Phy)
(Use SKILLS BASE to display unmodified ranks and goals)
Scintillion, your Combat Maneuver training is as follows:

Skill name Mnemonic Ranks
Combat Focus focus 5
Shadow Mastery smastery 5
Specialization I wspec1 5
Surge of Strength surge 5
Vanish vanish 3
Predator's Eye predator 3

Available Combat Maneuver Training Points: 4


I've never been interested in UAC or ranged. I only had the idea to pick for levels because it appeared to me the last time I played GS everyone was scripting AFK.

I believe edged weapons to be a clear choice over blunts for the training point factor alone. TWC is both expensive and unnecessary - as is multi-opponent combat. Training points now are more scarce than ever before. There are a lot more options but more doesn't necessarily mean better.

Scintillion is hunting plane 1 with a 4x dagger, 4x shield, and 4x full plate - no outside spells. Just using CoL signs and CMAN abilities. Hunting is challenging but not impossible.

I don't like the idea of heavy spell training on a square with a level cap. In attempting to create the invulnerable you create more vulnerabilities. Better to play to your strengths.

I don't see where there would be an overwhelming need to use guild skills while hunting when compared with the overall time investment.

[Mobius1]

Looks like a pretty solid build. I'd just recommend dropping Wspec and/or combat focus to rank 4 to make room for a few more skills, especially if you decide to start hunting bandits.

The nice thing about daggers, and other fast weapons, is if you can reliably kill with them, they are superior to any of the larger weapon bases. A handaxe or falchion, etc., is completely pointless if you can kill just fine with a dagger, in just 4 seconds. In that regard, the RT savings are priceless. This is also my favorite change with GS4 over GS3 - the new ambush + flat crit divisor makes small weapons viable. But scale armor can get a little ugly for a dagger (and of course plate), but good AS and crit weighting can be a big help (Unless it's plate, but I think only the Scatter has a critter in plate.). Also, keep in mind that some bandits are in plate, so you will want a heavier weapon against them, if you ever decide to solo them.

As for MOC, it's certainly not needed if you avoid swarms at all costs. But eventually getting 25 ranks can be a lifesaver, for swarms, bandits, and focused mstrike, for the Force on Force benefits. Even 10 ranks is helpful. But I personally opted to wait until post cap, for this.

As for spells, I am an advocate of heavy armor over spells, too. Spells are more of a luxury for the very post cap, if you ask me.

And yeah, the guild skills were highly marginalized by stance pushdown. The only offensive one I really ever use is subdue, but only because it works with silent strike, so is a great way to neutralize dangerous critters safely. Too bad it doesn't work on undead, or I'd actually use it on liches!

[GSIV Rogue]

The only change I decided to make was drop perception to 40 ranks - and bank the leftover training points for now (see above).

I am quite pleased with how the build turned out.

After extensive research I couldn't find anything showing where perception helps melee ambushers with either aiming or stance pushdown on defenders. It seems to help ranged users and lockpickers the most. I understand it can help combat the effects of being ambushed - but for me that isn't worth the training points at this time.

I can also confirm through my own trials that training in perception doesn't appear to aid at all in either aiming ambushes or lowering the targets defense. I have a thread open on the official forums asking for some more definitive answers on this. If I am incorrect or if something changes in the future - I have the training points to immediately go back to 2x perception.

As far as avoiding swarms - that is a definite for many reasons.

In terms of spell training on a square - I probably wouldn't advocate it, even on very post cap persons. Under the current mechanics (level cap), training in skills past a certain degree at best becomes pointless and at worst becomes harmful.

For hunting, it's likely I will hunt planes 1-5 of the rift forever. If I'm still able to gain exp. and treasure while avoiding the risk of the Scattered area then I shall do so. I've always been a fan of underhunting.

[Mobius1]

Perception is mostly beneficial for maneuvers - both SMR and SMR2. It's so cheap for a rogue to train, and with SMR2 it now has the same value as even Dodge and PF (And FWI a massive SMR to SMR2 conversion is in the pipeline, including 410 and 435.).

They say that it's supposed to help reduce stance pushdown against you when you are being ambushed, but I have seen no evidence.

As for spells, funny enough, I'd say you would be hard pressed to find a more anti-spell rogue than myself! But learning spells have three main things that are very valuable - Ewave, +AS, and +TD. Especially the latter, which can be a real weakness for a rogue.

Unless you plan on getting a kroderine weapon, TD will become especially important, since almost every Cerebralite (Plane 4 and Scatter) has Cloak of Shadows, exposing you to a warding roll every single attack. You will need to hunt with all the spells you can have cast on you in the rift, as well as a 120 rod or ensorcelled shield + armor, to overcome it.

But I am about to reach the point where I feel learning spells is worth it for me (I'm about to max armor use, with all other relevant physical skills already maxed.). The redux penalty for spells is insignificant until you start going over 1x in spells, which you can't do as a square. You'll only reduce your redux by like 5% (and get enough extra DS to more than make up for that.). Then I will get more precious precious eTD!

EDIT: I also forgot to add (though I did mention it before), that Force on Force also comes into play with mstrike, not just multiple critters. You will eventually have to hunt Plane 4, which means absolutely unavoidable shear fear from crawlers (which drops all of your +evade/parry/block DS to zero), and getting smacked by mstrikes from crusaders. Having redux with plate will surely help a lot in this case, but the extra FoF defense will be very helpful. You probably want to consider at least 10 MoC ranks. On the other hand, one thing I LOVE about Plane 4, is it is the least swarmy capped hunting area there is! But there are many times where you absolutely can not avoid FoF kicking in.

[GSIV Rogue]

Perception is mostly beneficial for maneuvers - both SMR and SMR2. It's so cheap for a rogue to train, and with SMR2 it now has the same value as even Dodge and PF (And FWI a massive SMR to SMR2 conversion is in the pipeline, including 410 and 435.).

They say that it's supposed to help reduce stance pushdown against you when you are being ambushed, but I have seen no evidence.

As for spells, funny enough, I'd say you would be hard pressed to find a more anti-spell rogue than myself! But learning spells have three main things that are very valuable - Ewave, +AS, and +TD. Especially the latter, which can be a real weakness for a rogue.

Unless you plan on getting a kroderine weapon, TD will become especially important, since almost every Cerebralite (Plane 4 and Scatter) has Cloak of Shadows, exposing you to a warding roll every single attack. You will need to hunt with all the spells you can have cast on you in the rift, as well as a 120 rod or ensorcelled shield + armor, to overcome it.

But I am about to reach the point where I feel learning spells is worth it for me (I'm about to max armor use, with all other relevant physical skills already maxed.). The redux penalty for spells is insignificant until you start going over 1x in spells, which you can't do as a square. You'll only reduce your redux by like 5% (and get enough extra DS to more than make up for that.). Then I will get more precious precious eTD!

EDIT: I also forgot to add (though I did mention it before), that Force on Force also comes into play with mstrike, not just multiple critters. You will eventually have to hunt Plane 4, which means absolutely unavoidable shear fear from crawlers (which drops all of your +evade/parry/block DS to zero), and getting smacked by mstrikes from crusaders. Having redux with plate will surely help a lot in this case, but the extra FoF defense will be very helpful. You probably want to consider at least 10 MoC ranks. On the other hand, one thing I LOVE about Plane 4, is it is the least swarmy capped hunting area there is! But there are many times where you absolutely can not avoid FoF kicking in.

Perception factors into many things, including maneuvers and stance pushdown when defending against an ambush. I believe those effects are negligible. I have seen no evidence which justifies training even 1x perception for a melee ambushing rogue who doesn't pick. If something changes in the future, I will be in a position to adjust.

Hunting plane 4 is not necessary. You can get close to level 100 just hunting planes 1-3 and after that skip to 5. The most dangerous thing there by far is vaespilon's focused implosion which is largely negated by being a higher level than they are. I've found that the most effective and safest way to gain experience, treasure, and fame is to consistently underhunt - and to do so manually.

For spells - to each their own. I'm of the opinion a high level rogue should be wearing plate armor and have the most redux possible. Once you reach level 100 it doesn't matter what you choose to train in - eventually most everyone will be identical.

[Mobius1]

I'll tell you, Plane 5 is much more deadly to me than Plane 4 is. Crawler burrow is the only real threat of death, which is easily negated by getting slash fittings from a warrior. The implosion is NOT so easily avoided even at cap, and is actually the only reason I have died hunting the rift in the last month or two - just walking THROUGH Plane 5 to get out of the rift, is one of the most deadly things I do there. Just ask Methais if you want to know how lethal the implosion there can be!

Not only that, but there are two other issues with hunting Plane 5. First, obviously the XP is terrible and it will take you forever to fry. Second, you will not be able to get bounties there, which will even further hamper your XP gain, and badge progression.

I'm all for under hunting, but Plane 4 is safer than Plane 5, at least if you are prepared.

Honestly, with the way you are planning to hunt/train, Nelemar may be the better choice for you than the rift.

Now, as for perception - I don't think anyone will try to argue that it's some amazingly important skill. But it's a very cheap skill. The cheapest skill in the game! It's so cheap, that it's worth at least going 2x, IMO.

As for perception's effect on stance pushdown - I would not say it's effect is negligible. I would say its effect is completely non-existent! But as for maneuvers, that is a whole different matter!

I actually plan to do some very extensive testing with SMR2, in the coming months, and one of those things will be to measure the impact of skills. But regardless of what that testing might discover, I can still tell you this: Being in full plate is already going to largely impact your ability to dodge maneuvers. Sure, being 2x or 3x perception isn't going to magically make it possible to dodge maneuvers, but every +++ you can throw into it, adds up. Midgar, for example, can only be hit by SMR2 if it's an open roll (Granted, his entire enhancive set is based around maneuver defense :D).

Much like DS, or TD, or anything else - the bonus may not be huge, but it adds up. And unlike DS/TD, there are far fewer ways to increase your maneuver defense. Also, who knows what else perception does, that we don't even know about?

In the end, I see where your reasoning is coming from, but I guess I can't agree with dumping perception. Clearly maneuver defense is important to me - I see it as one of those things that is most difficult to overcome, unlike DS/TD which has many ways to overcome. It's also one of the few places a rogue has a leg up defensively, so why not take advantage?

As for full plate armor - I think it's a great thing and a solid plan for any rogue to wear, especially pre and early post-cap. But I'm personally more of an advocate of MBP, since you get most of the benefits of full plate, with far fewer of the negatives.

We don't know exactly what the impact of full plate -AP is on maneuvers, but we do know by something a GM said, that it's equivalent to a little more than 100 PF ranks.

And I wouldn't worry too much about redux. Reaching 45% is pretty easy to do, but if you max out almost every physical skill, you will barely break 50%. I'm talking like 7+ mil XP worth of physical skills, to get a measly 3-5%. I'd worry more about DS, TD, maneuver defense, and your ability to kill more quickly/safely (3x hiding, for example), and the redux will just come naturally while trying to maximize those four things.

[wetsand]

Hunting plane 4 is not necessary. You can get close to level 100 just hunting planes 1-3 and after that skip to 5. The most dangerous thing there by far is vaespilon's focused implosion which is largely negated by being a higher level than they are.

As Mobius1 already stated, 5 is more dangerous than 4. I have hunted both extensively on a pure and square. My square is like level to vaespilon and he has survived 2 out of maybe 10+ focused implosions. Even at cap with the 7+/- level difference you will rarely, if ever, survive their focused implosion. I will be making the change over to plane 4 soon because its taking longer at level 95 to fry on 5, thus increasing the likelihood of getting tagged with focused implosion.

As previously mentioned, you will suffer on 4 without more TD and MoC ranks. Cerebralites will tag you constantly with spells and you will be extremely slow killing Crusaders without focused mstrike. Not to mention the crusaders cast spells as well. One upside to 4 is the rift crawlers are really squishy.

But this is just my experience and advice, you can train and hunt anyway you want if that is what is enjoyable to you.

[audioserf]

Can you even kill crusaders as a melee user without big focused mstrikes? They heal themselves incredibly quickly and are non-corp.

[Mobius1]

Can you even kill crusaders as a melee user without big focused mstrikes? They heal themselves incredibly quickly and are non-corp.

If you are a brawler you can Voln smite them. Other than that, mstrike is the only good way I know of. Personally, as a rogue, I'd just avoid them and trade their bounties, if I wasn't a brawler.

As far as TD goes on Plane 4, you could manage without spells, if you got a kroderine weapon, since it bypasses Cloak of Shadows. Now is your chance if you want to throw down 30k BS.

But IMO, if you plan to permanently hunt the Rift, and you have no RP aversion to doing so, you should really consider switching to Voln. Symbol of Seeking allows you to teleport straight to the Sands from town, thus bypassing the dispel pool, allowing you to get spelled up even if you can't cast. Then you can ring from the Sands back to town, to turn in your bounty and/or rest. At the very least, it is a MASSIVE time saver. The alternative is if you have a Voln alt that is high enough level to teleport you there, since it takes your whole group.

Also, being in Voln allows you to use Symbol of Restoration when paralyzed (crawler fear), which can be quite helpful if you don't have a lot of DS from spells/gear enchant.

[GSIV Rogue]

I'll tell you, Plane 5 is much more deadly to me than Plane 4 is. Crawler burrow is the only real threat of death, which is easily negated by getting slash fittings from a warrior. The implosion is NOT so easily avoided even at cap, and is actually the only reason I have died hunting the rift in the last month or two - just walking THROUGH Plane 5 to get out of the rift, is one of the most deadly things I do there. Just ask Methais if you want to know how lethal the implosion there can be!

Not only that, but there are two other issues with hunting Plane 5. First, obviously the XP is terrible and it will take you forever to fry. Second, you will not be able to get bounties there, which will even further hamper your XP gain, and badge progression.

I'm all for under hunting, but Plane 4 is safer than Plane 5, at least if you are prepared.

Honestly, with the way you are planning to hunt/train, Nelemar may be the better choice for you than the rift.

Now, as for perception - I don't think anyone will try to argue that it's some amazingly important skill. But it's a very cheap skill. The cheapest skill in the game! It's so cheap, that it's worth at least going 2x, IMO.

As for perception's effect on stance pushdown - I would not say it's effect is negligible. I would say its effect is completely non-existent! But as for maneuvers, that is a whole different matter!

I actually plan to do some very extensive testing with SMR2, in the coming months, and one of those things will be to measure the impact of skills. But regardless of what that testing might discover, I can still tell you this: Being in full plate is already going to largely impact your ability to dodge maneuvers. Sure, being 2x or 3x perception isn't going to magically make it possible to dodge maneuvers, but every +++ you can throw into it, adds up. Midgar, for example, can only be hit by SMR2 if it's an open roll (Granted, his entire enhancive set is based around maneuver defense :D).

Much like DS, or TD, or anything else - the bonus may not be huge, but it adds up. And unlike DS/TD, there are far fewer ways to increase your maneuver defense. Also, who knows what else perception does, that we don't even know about?

In the end, I see where your reasoning is coming from, but I guess I can't agree with dumping perception. Clearly maneuver defense is important to me - I see it as one of those things that is most difficult to overcome, unlike DS/TD which has many ways to overcome. It's also one of the few places a rogue has a leg up defensively, so why not take advantage?

As for full plate armor - I think it's a great thing and a solid plan for any rogue to wear, especially pre and early post-cap. But I'm personally more of an advocate of MBP, since you get most of the benefits of full plate, with far fewer of the negatives.

We don't know exactly what the impact of full plate -AP is on maneuvers, but we do know by something a GM said, that it's equivalent to a little more than 100 PF ranks.

And I wouldn't worry too much about redux. Reaching 45% is pretty easy to do, but if you max out almost every physical skill, you will barely break 50%. I'm talking like 7+ mil XP worth of physical skills, to get a measly 3-5%. I'd worry more about DS, TD, maneuver defense, and your ability to kill more quickly/safely (3x hiding, for example), and the redux will just come naturally while trying to maximize those four things.

Plane 5 being deadlier than Plane 4 is an opinion. Getting killed from implosion is still possible at any level - and there are too many variables to consider which may be affecting it to debate the point. It is an undeniable fact, however, that caster level vs. target level is an important factor when considering ability to defend against implosion.

@Adv. Guild - I don't do bounties at all so for me that becomes a non-issue. I am not interested in taking the risks or inconveniences associated with certain tasks. I have no issues gaining exp. or wealth without the adv. guild.

@Nelemar becomes a better choice at some point, then to Nelemar I shall go - nothing is set in stone.

@Perception / Full Plate - These are a personal preference. At this time, I see no reason to change what is working.

@Redux - According to CalcRedux Scintillion is already over 50% redux at level 81. Thus far DS, TD, and maneuver defense are non-issues. Level 100 is level 100. Game over, you win.

[wetsand]

Can you even kill crusaders as a melee user without big focused mstrikes? They heal themselves incredibly quickly and are non-corp.

I wasn't 100% sure on that so I didn't want to spread misinformation, as my experience is with a shit ton of mstriking and rapid fire.

[Mobius1]

Plane 5 being deadlier than Plane 4 is an opinion. Getting killed from implosion is still possible at any level - and there are too many variables to consider which may be affecting it to debate the point. It is an undeniable fact, however, that caster level vs. target level is an important factor when considering ability to defend against implosion.

Well, this is coming from a 100% physical rogue who has been hunting the rift for years. Take it as you care to take it.



@Adv. Guild - I don't do bounties at all so for me that becomes a non-issue. I am not interested in taking the risks or inconveniences associated with certain tasks. I have no issues gaining exp. or wealth without the adv. guild.


To each their own, I guess. Plane 5 is good for drops and for fame (Which is why Methais hunts it. He is going for fame.). But if you care about XP and character progression, skipping out on the advguild is a huge mistake. It's a mistake I personally made for years, and now regret it.

Just to be sure, since you have been gone so long - Do you know about mind saturation? In case you don't, I should probably explain. Normally when you are fried, that's it - you can't hold more XP. But if you turn in a bounty when you are fried, it will saturate your mind, and add that XP to your mind pool (800 or 1000 XP depending on the bounty.), up to 1000 over your usual limit. This is essentially free XP, minus the little extra time it might take you to complete the bounty over hunting just to fry (which is generally not much extra time, if any.), and also gets you tons of extra XP per pulse, since it's based on the current XP in your bucket.

And of course, the advguild badge is wicked awesome, with potentially +10 to three different stats or skills.

And if you feel like saving gems (I do. It's worth it.), the gem bounties are as free as XP gets.

And I don't know how that redux calc is calculating, but the script most people go by is ;redux.

[GSIV Rogue]

Well, this is coming from a 100% physical rogue who has been hunting the rift for years. Take it as you care to take it.



To each their own, I guess. Plane 5 is good for drops and for fame (Which is why Methais hunts it. He is going for fame.). But if you care about XP and character progression, skipping out on the advguild is a huge mistake. It's a mistake I personally made for years, and now regret it.

Just to be sure, since you have been gone so long - Do you know about mind saturation? In case you don't, I should probably explain. Normally when you are fried, that's it - you can't hold more XP. But if you turn in a bounty when you are fried, it will saturate your mind, and add that XP to your mind pool (800 or 1000 XP depending on the bounty.), up to 1000 over your usual limit. This is essentially free XP, minus the little extra time it might take you to complete the bounty over hunting just to fry (which is generally not much extra time, if any.), and also gets you tons of extra XP per pulse, since it's based on the current XP in your bucket.

And of course, the advguild badge is wicked awesome, with potentially +10 to three different stats or skills.

And if you feel like saving gems (I do. It's worth it.), the gem bounties are as free as XP gets.

And I don't know how that redux calc is calculating, but the script most people go by is ;redux.

I hunted the rift with Scintillion for 20+ levels in 2001 and he has always been a redux rogue. I know there have been many changes which is why I'm always interested in others opinions. Ultimately, I go with what works best for me.

I'm aware of how mind saturation and bounties work. I haven't been completely inactive in GS since 2001. The character Scintillion and the associated account have simply been unused since that time. So far, my training path works very well. I'll make adjustments as I see fit. Incidentally, mind saturation has always been possible.

Overall, I am not as concerned with exp. and character progression as I once was. From my experience GS tends to get boring once you reach level 100.

I'll give ;redux a try and see what it says his redux is.

[Mobius1]

Overall, I am not as concerned with exp. and character progression as I once was. From my experience GS tends to get boring once you reach level 100.

Well, lots of us find 100 to be the true beginning of Gemstone, myself included. But I know others who share your view, in that regard.

I personally feel that post cap is when I can finally be more free with my training, and train in ways I WANT to, and not so much how I NEED to.

But anyways, your current build is solid and will get you through the rift well enough. But you won't be able to hunt with any spells if you decide to go somewhere else, since you have no AS/MIU, etc., for spellburst. Hunting spelless becomes more and more of a nightmare as you close in on 90, all the way through cap. Those environs in the rift can be brutal, especially at 2x hiding.

If you can afford it, I'd definitely try to get your armor and shield ensorcelled. That's an extra -20 CvA, which will help immensely.

Personally, I like to underhunt when I feel it is the most efficient route. If hunting more difficult critters results in me dying more, and ultimately slows my progression, then I will underhunt instead of facing the more challenging area. I always assumed this was the reason why anyone else underhunts, as well? But if you don't care to do bounties, then it seems like efficiency isn't what matters to you. I guess I'm confused with your viewpoint.

Granted, I will say again, that Plane 5 is far more dangerous than Plane 4. It doesn't matter if it's an "indisputable fact" that them being lower level makes it less likely for implode to land. If the difference is it going from a 150% chance of hitting to a 100% chance of hitting - you still will get hit 100% of the time! Not only that, but them being level 93, and Lost souls being 91, means you are going to take a loooooooong time to fry. Whereas on Plane 4, you will be killing level 100-103 critters, which means you will fry very quickly, thus exposing yourself to danger for much less time. On top of that, you can turn in bounties, which means getting exposed to danger even LESS.

So my main question is, what is the point of you underhunting, if the intention is not for it to be more efficient? If efficiency IS actually important to you, then you really SHOULD be doing bounties. Also, technically speaking, Plane 4 is underhunting, compared to the Scatter :D

[GSIV Rogue]

Well, lots of us find 100 to be the true beginning of Gemstone, myself included. But I know others who share your view, in that regard.

I personally feel that post cap is when I can finally be more free with my training, and train in ways I WANT to, and not so much how I NEED to.

But anyways, your current build is solid and will get you through the rift well enough. But you won't be able to hunt with any spells if you decide to go somewhere else, since you have no AS/MIU, etc., for spellburst. Hunting spelless becomes more and more of a nightmare as you close in on 90, all the way through cap. Those environs in the rift can be brutal, especially at 2x hiding.

If you can afford it, I'd definitely try to get your armor and shield ensorcelled. That's an extra -20 CvA, which will help immensely.

Personally, I like to underhunt when I feel it is the most efficient route. If hunting more difficult critters results in me dying more, and ultimately slows my progression, then I will underhunt instead of facing the more challenging area. I always assumed this was the reason why anyone else underhunts, as well? But if you don't care to do bounties, then it seems like efficiency isn't what matters to you. I guess I'm confused with your viewpoint.

Granted, I will say again, that Plane 5 is far more dangerous than Plane 4. It doesn't matter if it's an "indisputable fact" that them being lower level makes it less likely for implode to land. If the difference is it going from a 150% chance of hitting to a 100% chance of hitting - you still will get hit 100% of the time! Not only that, but them being level 93, and Lost souls being 91, means you are going to take a loooooooong time to fry. Whereas on Plane 4, you will be killing level 100-103 critters, which means you will fry very quickly, thus exposing yourself to danger for much less time. On top of that, you can turn in bounties, which means getting exposed to danger even LESS.

So my main question is, what is the point of you underhunting, if the intention is not for it to be more efficient? If efficiency IS actually important to you, then you really SHOULD be doing bounties. Also, technically speaking, Plane 4 is underhunting, compared to the Scatter :D

To answer your main question - the point of me underhunting is to minimize the chance of death. I've found that doing the tasks associated with bounties at times to greatly increase this risk. I also enjoy being able to hunt what and where I want without worrying about fulfilling or failing bounties - a personal preference.

I am happy with my character progression, and ability to gain exp. and loot. I am able to hunt and gain exp. using only basic 4x gear, CoL signs, and CMAN abilities - without dying very often. I have no plans on doing otherwise at this time. If it isn't broken, I don't fix it.

@Focus Implosion from GS wiki:

The most commonly used version, though heavily weighted so that its proficiency isn't seen until around level 40. The damage done is based on caster level vs. target level, Sorcerer Base ranks, and Spell Aiming ranks.

BTW - ;redux results here:

>;redux
--- Lich: redux active.
[redux: Level: 81]
[redux: Primary skills: 166]
[redux: Secondary skils: 721]
[redux: Tertiary skills: 166]
[redux: Redux points: 5042.0]
[redux: Your Redux estimates to be 42.25%.]
--- Lich: redux has exited.

These results are a lot different than ;calcredux which calculates your redux based on results from you actually taking hits, and what type of armor you are wearing.

With ;calcredux his redux is calculated between 50-65%.

In either case, his redux at this time is quite good.

Thanks again for your help.

[Mobius1]

To answer your main question - the point of me underhunting is to minimize the chance of death. I've found that doing the tasks associated with bounties at times to greatly increase this risk. I also enjoy being able to hunt what and where I want without worrying about fulfilling or failing bounties - a personal preference.


This was partly why I didn't mess with them for some time. Also because I felt comfortable with my way of doing things, and didn't want to change. But once I gave them a real chance, I realized how big of a mistake it was to ignore them. At worst, I can just ask for a new bounty and come back again in 15 minutes (and go get fried if my mind is clear.).

Do you know about "ASK TASKMASTER ABOUT EASIER?" That will also help a great deal, with getting the bounties you want. At your level, you should only be being sent to the rift, so it makes getting the bounties you want much easier. Even if you STILL get a bounty on a different Plane than you want, just skip it and try again in 15.



@Focus Implosion from GS wiki:


Two different people told you it almost always lands. I assure you that Implosion is so stupidly overpowered, that it will still have no issues tearing you to pieces at level 100.

But anyways, I guess it's pointless to discuss it when you are not even able to hunt there yet, let alone choose Plane 4 as an alternative. You'll eventually see for yourself.

But I definitely think you should reconsider doing bounties!

[GSIV Rogue]

I am completely aware of how the adv. guild works but I appreciate the clarification.

At this point I am most interested in Scintillion reaching level 100 with his current setup - without upgrading gear, no outside spells, no MA'ing, and without spending $1 real life to do so (Only plan to play Scintillion during free promotional periods moving forward).

PS: Here is a shot to show redux with ;calcredux

A raving lunatic swings a twisted kris at you!
AS: +379 vs DS: +298 with AvD: +7 + d100 roll: +61 = +149
... and hits for 3 points of damage!
Tap to the arm pricks some interest but not much else.
>
[calcredux: Instance redux is 51.020%]
[calcredux: Average redux is 57.585%]

4x plain full plate