Snifsassin?

[EvilGremlin]

I'm returning to DDO after a long hiatus. I am interested in using deep gnome Int based assassin. I like the synergy of an Int build with pk and especially color spray. I came up with a build but what do you guys think? Any sadvice? Thanks for your time.





New Build
Rogue 20
Deep Gnome


Stats
. . . . . . . .32pt . . Tome . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . ---- . . --------
Strength. . . . .6. . . .+6. . . .4: INT
Dexterity . . . 14. . . .+6. . . .8: INT
Constitution. . 16. . . .+6. . . 12: INT
Intelligence. . 20. . . .+6. . . 16: INT
Wisdom. . . . . 10. . . .+6. . . 20: INT
Charisma. . . . .6. . . .+6. . . 24: INT
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28: INT

Feats

.1. . . . : Insightful Reflexes
.3. . . . : Precision
.6. . . . : Two Weapon Fighting
.9. . . . : Weapon Focus: Slashing
10 Rogue. : Improved Evasion
12. . . . : Improved Two Weapon Fighting
13 Rogue. : Slippery Mind
15. . . . : Improved Critical: Slashing
16 Rogue. : Opportunist
18. . . . : Greater Two Weapon Fighting
19 Rogue. : Defensive Roll
21 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
24 Epic . : Arcane Insight
26 Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting
27 Epic . : Blinding Speed
28 Destiny: Elusive Target
29 Destiny: First Blood
30 Epic . : Epic Damage Reduction
30 Legend : Scion of: Ethereal Plane


Enhancements (80 AP)

Assassin (37 AP)
Knife in the Darkness, Dagger in the Back, Assassin's Trick
Poison Strikes: Heartseeker, Shiv III, Sneak Attack Training, Stealthy III
Venomed Blades III, Sneak Attack Training
Critical Mastery III, Sneak Attack Training, Intelligence
Execute, Killer III, Weakening Strikes, Sneak Attack Training
Assassinate, Deadly Strikes

Deep Gnome (25 AP)
Wariness, Intelligence, Wariness II
Illusory Escape, Wand and Scroll Mastery III, Underdark Experience III, Gnomish Weapon Training
Color Spray II, Gnomish Weapon Training
Spellcraft III, Stoneskin I, Gnomish Weapon Training
Phantasmal Killer II, Gnomish Weapon Training

Harper Agent (12 AP)
Agent of Good I, Intelligence
Harper Enchantment, Strategic Combat
Magical Endurance III
Strategic Combat

Thief-Acrobat (6 AP)
Staff Control
Sly Flourish III, Fast Movement

[UurlockYgmeov]

just a friendly reminder - 1st level of deep gnome must be wizard; this can be removed with a lesser heart of wood of +1 (or greater).

Can't say much about the assassin part - but am running below and having a blast.

Also - HARPER tree is very handy - to use for INT to hit, INT to Damage, and Know-the-Angles

UurRockLock IV (1 Wiz 1 Ftr 18 Rog)
18/1/1 Rogue/Fighter/Wizard
Neutral Good Deep Gnome

Level Order
1. Wizard. . . . . 6. Rogue . . . . .11. Rogue . . . . .16. Fighter
2. Rogue. . . . . .7. Rogue. . . . . 12. Rogue. . . . . 17. Rogue
3. Rogue. . . . . .8. Rogue. . . . . 13. Rogue. . . . . 18. Rogue
4. Rogue. . . . . .9. Rogue. . . . . 14. Rogue. . . . . 19. Rogue
5. Rogue. . . . . 10. Rogue. . . . . 15. Rogue. . . . . 20. Rogue

Stats
. . . . . . . .36pt . . Tome . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . ---- . . --------
Strength. . . . .6. . . .+7. . . .4: INT
Dexterity . . . 16. . . .+7. . . .8: INT
Constitution. . 16. . . .+7. . . 12: INT
Intelligence. . 20. . . .+7. . . 16: INT
Wisdom. . . . . 10. . . .+7. . . 20: INT
Charisma. . . . .6. . . .+7. . . 24: INT
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28: INT

Skills (Errors)
. . . . . W .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .F. R. R. R. R
. . . . . 1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
Disable . . .3 .3 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . . 2. 1. 1. 1. 23
Open Lo . . .3 .3 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . . 2. 1. 1. 1. 23
Search. . . .3 .3 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 2. 23
Spot. . . . .3 .3 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 2. 23
Listen. . . . . . .1 .1 .1 .2 .1 .1 .3 .4 .1 .1 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 2. 23
Balance . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . 3. . . . . . . 4. 6. . .3 .3 .1 .1 .23
Jump. . . 2 . . . . . . . . . .5 . . . . . . . . 1. . 11. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Hide. . . . . . . .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .2 .6 .1 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 2. 23
Move Si . . . . . .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .7 .2 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Tumble. . . . . . . . 5. 1. 4. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. . .1 .1 .1 .2 .23
Haggle. . . . . 1. 1. 1. 5. 1. 1. 2. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. . .2 .1 .1 .1 .23
UMD . . . . .1 . . 6. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. . .1 .1 .1 .2 .23
Swim. . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . 1. 3. 1. 1. . . . . . . . .3 .5 . . 16
Concent . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Repair. . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Spellcr . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Heal. . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
. . . . .28 13 13 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 16 16 16 11 17 17 17 18
. . . . .28 13 13 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 16 16 16 11 17 17 17 18

Feats
.1. . . . : Point Blank Shot
.1 Wizard : Extend Spell
.3. . . . : Rapid Shot
.6. . . . : Precise Shot
.9. . . . : Precision
11 Rogue. : Improved Evasion
12. . . . : Improved Critical: Ranged
14 Rogue. : Slippery Mind
15. . . . : Rapid Reload
16 Fighter: Improved Precise Shot
18. . . . : Insightful Reflexes
18 Rogue. : Opportunist
21 Epic . : Combat Archery
24 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
26 Destiny: Holy Strike
27 Epic . : Completionist
28 Destiny: Doubleshot
29 Destiny: Harbinger of Chaos
30 Epic . : Blinding Speed
30 Legend : Scion of: Elysium

Spells
Wizard

Expeditious Retreat, Nightshield, Jump


Enhancements (80 AP)
Mechanic (40 AP)

Arbalester, Tanglefoot, Targeting Sights, Improved Detection, Expert Builder

Sharpshooter, Lacerating Shots III, Mechanics III
Sharpshooter, Improved Traps III
Sharpshooter, Intelligence
Sharpshooter, Fletching III, Leg Shot, Intelligence
Sharpshooter, Rapid Fire III, Sniper, Mechanical Reloader



Deep Gnome (21 AP)

Wariness, Intelligence, Wariness II, Intelligence

Gnomish Weapon Training
Color Spray III, Permanent Blur, Gnomish Weapon Training
Stoneskin I, Illusion Focus I, Gnomish Weapon Training
Phantasmal Killer III, Gnomish Weapon Training



Kensei (11 AP)

Kensei Focus: Crossbows

Extra Action Boost III, Weapon Group Specialization, Exotic Weapon Mastery



Harper Agent (8 AP)

Agent of Good I

Harper Enchantment, Awareness II
Know the Angles III



Destiny
Twists of Fate (35 fate points)

Sense Weakness (Tier 4 Fury)
Critical Damage (Tier 3 Dreadnought)
Damage Boost (Tier 2 Dreadnought)
Extra Action Boost (Tier 1 Dreadnought)
Intelligence (Tier 1 Draconic)

[EvilGremlin]

I tried a crossbow build but wasn't really into it. I have the heart I need. Just waiting to use it. I wonder if a staff build would be better? Maybe not because of the low strength?

[slarden]

You are going to want to fit at least 41 pts into the assassin tree to get the capstone.

With the deep gnome tree I would focus on just int/dodge and fill in the rest with wand/scroll mastery (heroics), permablur or maybe saves (epics). I would probably just spend points on the cores myself. Color spray is an interesting option since will saves are lower than fort saves, but I wouldn't even consider pk unless you plan to run below elite. Your assassinate potential is much higher than your pk dc potential.

For level 29 I would take dire charge instead of first blood. That is incredibly powerful - with KTA and a stunning item you will have a really high DC.

[EvilGremlin]

You are going to want to fit at least 41 pts into the assassin tree to get the capstone.

With the deep gnome tree I would focus on just int/dodge and fill in the rest with wand/scroll mastery (heroics), permablur or maybe saves (epics). I would probably just spend points on the cores myself. Color spray is an interesting option since will saves are lower than fort saves, but I wouldn't even consider pk unless you plan to run below elite. Your assassinate potential is much higher than your pk dc potential.

For level 29 I would take dire charge instead of first blood. That is incredibly powerful - with KTA and a stunning item you will have a really high DC.

Okay, thank you. I will make some adjustments to the build based on that feedback. You don't think the gnomish weapon training is worth it then? Short swords are acceptable assassin weapons right? Also, should I be concerned about my AC?



---EDIT---


Enhancements (80 AP)

Assassin (41 AP)
Knife in the Darkness, Dagger in the Back, Assassin's Trick, Nimbleness, Lethality, Deadly Shadow
Poison Strikes: Heartseeker, Shiv II, Sneak Attack Training, Stealthy III
Venomed Blades III, Sneak Attack Training
Critical Mastery III, Sneak Attack Training, Intelligence
Execute, Killer III, Weakening Strikes, Sneak Attack Training, Intelligence
Assassinate, Deadly Strikes

Deep Gnome (21 AP)
Wariness, Intelligence, Wariness II, Intelligence
Illusory Escape, Wand and Scroll Mastery III, Underdark Experience II, Gnomish Weapon Training
Color Spray I, Permanent Blur, Gnomish Weapon Training
Stoneskin I, Gnomish Weapon Training
Gnomish Weapon Training

Harper Agent (12 AP)
Agent of Good I, Intelligence
Harper Enchantment, Strategic Combat
Magical Endurance III
Strategic Combat

Thief-Acrobat (6 AP)
Staff Control
Sly Flourish III, Fast Movement




Does that look okay?

[slarden]

Okay, thank you. I will make some adjustments to the build based on that feedback. You don't think the gnomish weapon training is worth it then? Short swords are acceptable assassin weapons right? Also, should I be concerned about my AC?


Short swords can work, but with the knife specialization enhancement from the assassin tree it makes dagger or kukri the best weapon. Also, if you ever switch from int to dex build you can use can use dex for to-hit and damage with a dagger or kukri so you have more build options.

[EvilGremlin]

Short swords can work, but with the knife specialization enhancement from the assassin tree it makes dagger or kukri the best weapon. Also, if you ever switch from int to dex build you can use can use dex for to-hit and damage with a dagger or kukri so you have more build options.

So is it not even really worth it to go INT?

[slarden]

So is it not even really worth it to go INT?

Int and dex are both in a good place right now, but overall I think dex is easier to spec for and build. You don't need to use a feat for insightful reflexes and you don't have to spend AP for dex-to-hit and dex-to-damage. Also there are better synergies with the acrobat tree.

Int had a slight edge a few releases ago for LE assassinate when there was a spooky +2 int bonus and quality +3 int bonus but nothing like that for dex. With the newer gear int builds lost that edge so if starting from scratch I would probably go dex. I haven't done the math on my next build but I think it will be possible to get a really high assassinate AND still take scion of ethereal plane for max boss dps. In theory dex builds should be at +1 vs. int builds for main stat (int: +2 for spooky bonus dex: +1 acrobat tree, +2 yugo pot). I won't run the int yugo pots because it knocks my fort down too much.

Currently I am an int build taking scion of the shadowfell for max assassinate dc, +4 dire charge dc, dodge , doublestrike and save bonuses.

Dex builds benefit more from scion of the ethereal plane since the dps is boosted by dex score. This is an advantage currently because you can get a solid assassinate DC without having to take scion of the shadowfell so a dex build will always out-dps an int build with scion of the ethereal plane (even with the extra KTA damage factored in).

Int builds will still have the better dire charge DC.

I haven't played a deep gnome int assassin but I would like to at some point.

[UurlockYgmeov]

Int and dex are both in a good place right now, but overall I think dex is easier to spec for and build. You don't need to use a feat for insightful reflexes and you don't have to spend AP for dex-to-hit and dex-to-damage. Also there are better synergies with the acrobat tree.

Int had a slight edge a few releases ago for LE assassinate when there was a spooky +2 int bonus and quality +3 int bonus but nothing like that for dex. With the newer gear int builds lost that edge so if starting from scratch I would probably go dex. I haven't done the math on my next build but I think it will be possible to get a really high assassinate AND still take scion of ethereal plane for max boss dps. In theory dex builds should be at +1 vs. int builds for main stat (int: +2 for spooky bonus dex: +1 acrobat tree, +2 yugo pot). I won't run the int yugo pots because it knocks my fort down too much.

Currently I am an int build taking scion of the shadowfell for max assassinate dc, +4 dire charge dc, dodge , doublestrike and save bonuses.

Dex builds benefit more from scion of the ethereal plane since the dps is boosted by dex score. This is an advantage currently because you can get a solid assassinate DC without having to take scion of the shadowfell so a dex build will always out-dps an int build with scion of the ethereal plane (even with the extra KTA damage factored in).

Int builds will still have the better dire charge DC.

I haven't played a deep gnome int assassin but I would like to at some point.

Slarden is correct - plus you don't have to own (or rent) Harper Tree (which is still a great tree to have).

[EvilGremlin]

Thanks guys. I am planning to respec my deep gnome to assassin soon. This is all very helpful stuff.

[Kenpachi33]

Int and dex are both in a good place right now, but overall I think dex is easier to spec for and build. You don't need to use a feat for insightful reflexes and you don't have to spend AP for dex-to-hit and dex-to-damage. Also there are better synergies with the acrobat tree.

Int had a slight edge a few releases ago for LE assassinate when there was a spooky +2 int bonus and quality +3 int bonus but nothing like that for dex. With the newer gear int builds lost that edge so if starting from scratch I would probably go dex. I haven't done the math on my next build but I think it will be possible to get a really high assassinate AND still take scion of ethereal plane for max boss dps. In theory dex builds should be at +1 vs. int builds for main stat (int: +2 for spooky bonus dex: +1 acrobat tree, +2 yugo pot). I won't run the int yugo pots because it knocks my fort down too much.

Currently I am an int build taking scion of the shadowfell for max assassinate dc, +4 dire charge dc, dodge , doublestrike and save bonuses.

Dex builds benefit more from scion of the ethereal plane since the dps is boosted by dex score. This is an advantage currently because you can get a solid assassinate DC without having to take scion of the shadowfell so a dex build will always out-dps an int build with scion of the ethereal plane (even with the extra KTA damage factored in).

Int builds will still have the better dire charge DC.

I haven't played a deep gnome int assassin but I would like to at some point.

Would a DG work for a mechanic build as well? You might have to tome for dex 17 for IPS, but other than that, thoughts?

[EvilGremlin]

Would a DG work for a mechanic build as well? You might have to tome for dex 17 for IPS, but other than that, thoughts?

Yes it works very, very well. I tried it. I prefer the assassin play style but the gnomish weapon training with the repeater is just amazing. I'm not saying it would be better than a normal gnome though. I actually may respec into a repeater build just for leveling. It is very effective.

[Kenpachi33]

Yes it works very, very well. I tried it. I prefer the assassin play style but the gnomish weapon training with the repeater is just amazing. I'm not saying it would be better than a normal gnome though. I actually may respec into a repeater build just for leveling. It is very effective.

sick! :D If you were following Urrock's build up there, when would you get KTA's? What would be the priority for trees?

[KomradKillMachine]

Shoulda named it Suckassin and call it a day :P

[Kenpachi33]

just a friendly reminder - 1st level of deep gnome must be wizard; this can be removed with a lesser heart of wood of +1 (or greater).

Can't say much about the assassin part - but am running below and having a blast.

Also - HARPER tree is very handy - to use for INT to hit, INT to Damage, and Know-the-Angles

UurRockLock IV (1 Wiz 1 Ftr 18 Rog)
18/1/1 Rogue/Fighter/Wizard
Neutral Good Deep Gnome

Level Order
1. Wizard. . . . . 6. Rogue . . . . .11. Rogue . . . . .16. Fighter
2. Rogue. . . . . .7. Rogue. . . . . 12. Rogue. . . . . 17. Rogue
3. Rogue. . . . . .8. Rogue. . . . . 13. Rogue. . . . . 18. Rogue
4. Rogue. . . . . .9. Rogue. . . . . 14. Rogue. . . . . 19. Rogue
5. Rogue. . . . . 10. Rogue. . . . . 15. Rogue. . . . . 20. Rogue

Stats
. . . . . . . .36pt . . Tome . . Level Up
. . . . . . . .---- . . ---- . . --------
Strength. . . . .6. . . .+7. . . .4: INT
Dexterity . . . 16. . . .+7. . . .8: INT
Constitution. . 16. . . .+7. . . 12: INT
Intelligence. . 20. . . .+7. . . 16: INT
Wisdom. . . . . 10. . . .+7. . . 20: INT
Charisma. . . . .6. . . .+7. . . 24: INT
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28: INT

Skills (Errors)
. . . . . W .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .R .F. R. R. R. R
. . . . . 1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
Disable . . .3 .3 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . . 2. 1. 1. 1. 23
Open Lo . . .3 .3 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . . 2. 1. 1. 1. 23
Search. . . .3 .3 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 2. 23
Spot. . . . .3 .3 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 2. 23
Listen. . . . . . .1 .1 .1 .2 .1 .1 .3 .4 .1 .1 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 2. 23
Balance . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . 3. . . . . . . 4. 6. . .3 .3 .1 .1 .23
Jump. . . 2 . . . . . . . . . .5 . . . . . . . . 1. . 11. 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Hide. . . . . . . .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .2 .6 .1 .1 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 2. 23
Move Si . . . . . .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .7 .2 .1 . . 1. 1. 1. 1. 23
Tumble. . . . . . . . 5. 1. 4. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. . .1 .1 .1 .2 .23
Haggle. . . . . 1. 1. 1. 5. 1. 1. 2. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. . .2 .1 .1 .1 .23
UMD . . . . .1 . . 6. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. . .1 .1 .1 .2 .23
Swim. . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . 1. 3. 1. 1. . . . . . . . .3 .5 . . 16
Concent . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Repair. . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Spellcr . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Heal. . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
. . . . .------------------------------------------------------------
. . . . .28 13 13 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 16 16 16 11 17 17 17 18
. . . . .28 13 13 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 16 16 16 11 17 17 17 18

Feats
.1. . . . : Point Blank Shot
.1 Wizard : Extend Spell
.3. . . . : Rapid Shot
.6. . . . : Precise Shot
.9. . . . : Precision
11 Rogue. : Improved Evasion
12. . . . : Improved Critical: Ranged
14 Rogue. : Slippery Mind
15. . . . : Rapid Reload
16 Fighter: Improved Precise Shot
18. . . . : Insightful Reflexes
18 Rogue. : Opportunist
21 Epic . : Combat Archery
24 Epic . : Overwhelming Critical
26 Destiny: Holy Strike
27 Epic . : Completionist
28 Destiny: Doubleshot
29 Destiny: Harbinger of Chaos
30 Epic . : Blinding Speed
30 Legend : Scion of: Elysium

Spells
Wizard

Expeditious Retreat, Nightshield, Jump


Enhancements (80 AP)
Mechanic (40 AP)

Arbalester, Tanglefoot, Targeting Sights, Improved Detection, Expert Builder

Sharpshooter, Lacerating Shots III, Mechanics III
Sharpshooter, Improved Traps III
Sharpshooter, Intelligence
Sharpshooter, Fletching III, Leg Shot, Intelligence
Sharpshooter, Rapid Fire III, Sniper, Mechanical Reloader



Deep Gnome (21 AP)

Wariness, Intelligence, Wariness II, Intelligence

Gnomish Weapon Training
Color Spray III, Permanent Blur, Gnomish Weapon Training
Stoneskin I, Illusion Focus I, Gnomish Weapon Training
Phantasmal Killer III, Gnomish Weapon Training



Kensei (11 AP)

Kensei Focus: Crossbows

Extra Action Boost III, Weapon Group Specialization, Exotic Weapon Mastery



Harper Agent (8 AP)

Agent of Good I

Harper Enchantment, Awareness II
Know the Angles III



Destiny
Twists of Fate (35 fate points)

Sense Weakness (Tier 4 Fury)
Critical Damage (Tier 3 Dreadnought)
Damage Boost (Tier 2 Dreadnought)
Extra Action Boost (Tier 1 Dreadnought)
Intelligence (Tier 1 Draconic)


is it best practice to take, in the harper tree, both strat combat and strat combat II? Do those stack with imp detection from mechanic tree?

[EvilGremlin]

is it best practice to take, in the harper tree, both strat combat and strat combat II? Do those stack with imp detection from mechanic tree?

They completely different things.

Strategic Combat I makes INT the base attack instead of DEX.

Strategic Combat II makes INT the base damage, instead of Strength (or in the case of ranged weapons adds INT to damage).

Improved Detection (Sharpshooter, etc.) does something different that has nothing to do with what statistic is being used as the base.

[EvilGremlin]

sick! :D If you were following Urrock's build up there, when would you get KTA's? What would be the priority for trees?

I'm not sure I would get KTA at all if I were going crossbow. The play style doesn't really call for it. You are just kiting and shooting 99% of the time.

[Kenpachi33]

I'm not sure I would get KTA at all if I were going crossbow. The play style doesn't really call for it. You are just kiting and shooting 99% of the time.

wait, what good is KTA then? Doesn't it boost my dmg for 2 minutes?

[EvilGremlin]

wait, what good is KTA then? Doesn't it boost my dmg for 2 minutes?

Well, I take that back. I wasn't really paying attention. If you are rolling a Deep Gnome and keeping the 1 level of wizard for spell points, sure. Then it makes sense. If I were doing that I would also pick up PK from deep gnome because Heighten Spell will actually turn it into a ninth level spell even with just one level of wizard. Which is also handy for Color Spray.

I prefer my pure rogue gnome (no deep) mechanic. What I do is stick to just Strategic Combat I (3 points deep) from Harper Agent and invest into Sneak Attack Training and Damage Boost from Assassin. I mean, no matter what your INT modifier is a +30 damage boost that you can use from level 7 to 30 is pretty beefy. Especially when you use a great crossbow and attack from stealth. With a great xbow as a shadowdancer, you can literally one-shot everything short of an orange.