Advice for a TWC rogue

[Lumi]

So I'm thinking I will roll up a new rogue. I want him to use TWC (OHEs), and be very good at hiding. Other than that, I have no requirements that I can think of at this time. I will NOT be training in PP or any lockpicking skills.

From a mechanical perspective, what advice would you offer, rogue community?

I'm thinking an elf, because I want to be able to minimize swing time. I also plan on tripling dodge, unless I am given a compelling reason not to.

6/6 2x TWC
6/3 2x OHE
4/4 1x CM
5/0 1x Armor
12/6 3x Dodging
3/0 1x PF
6/6 3x Hiding
0/3 2x Perception

42/28 Total

Could probably fit random utility magic skills in (scrolls, MIU, etc.), or save up for spells every few levels.

Comments?

[DoctorUnne]

Sorry for the delayed response.

All of the skills you listed are good, but you'll also need 2x ambush and you should also pick up some MOC. I would pick up 5 ranks ASAP, and then try to target 35 ranks by level 70-80 or so. You'll want 30 ranks to get the focused mstrike and then it's only 5 more ranks to get four unfocused strikes so probably worth it. MOC goes very well with TWC.

As far as utility skills, climbing and swimming obviously, first aid I found to be helpful too since you can heal yourself in the field. Since you're not training in lock picking, you'll have little trouble hunting and probably have extra TPs to spare. Spells are a good way to go if you're targeting lighter armor.

The biggest choice you need to make is whether you want to go light armor, stealth and spells or heavier armor in which case the spells aren't as useful. There are advantages and disadvantages to each choice and either is perfectly viable. It's more up to you whichever you prefer. If you go heavier armor I would pick up MIU or scroll use to provide defensive spells. I like MIU because you can use it in the field with no armor hindrance.

[DaCapn]

I would go 2x CM, 2x PF, 2x dodge instead of 1x, 1x, 3x respectively. You'll want to have a pretty large pool of CM points. Probably dirtkick, vanish, smastery, hamstring. Personally, I think 3x dodge became a lot less worthwhile once evade mastery came out. If you're in scale or lower, I think 2 ranks is a great idea.

I agree about the armor/spells deal. I think that's the biggest tipping point for rogue training choices. If you're flexible there, there's quite a bit to talk about.

[Lumi]

Ambush. Derp. I knew I forgot something.

If I throw that into the mix on top of my original setup, I get 48/31...a little tight, I think?

If I switch it to 2x CM, 2x PF, 2x Dodge, and 2x Hiding:

6/6 2x TWC
6/3 2x OHE
12/12 2x CM
5/0 1x Armor
6/3 2x Dodging
9/0 1x PF
3/3 2x Hiding
0/3 2x Perception

47/30 Total

Any advice for race selection and stat placement?

[DaCapn]

Half-krolvin is a good race for physical rogues. I suppose race/stats placement is entirely dependent upon the max level you'll play the character to and AGIDEX requirements for TWC/MOC.

[Loagan]

Yeah, go half-krolvin and then buy up my two krolvin backslashers (5x short swords, swcw), for a great look!

[petroglyph]

Your mileage may vary, but I really appreciate my 3x hiding. Maybe you can at least manage 2.5x? Though I guess it's more of an issue at later levels than earlier ones.

[Rhovan]

Personally, I 2x hiding and I've been happy with it all the way to cap. However, you said you wanted to hide very well, and for that, you need 3x. Or as said, get to 2.5x.

CM are great, but you can drop it to 1.5x without any problems as a straight ambusher. If you aren't picking, drop perception to 1x. Lastly, 2x armor until you get to the armor you want.