Half-Orc Rogue: A New Breed of Assassin

[Draccus]

There are three problems I see with khopeshes. I'm not saying they aren't great weapons (they are) but they are not as easy a fit on a rogue as they are on other classes.

Problem 1: Khopesh users don't tend to use picks against held mobs like rapier users are. The x3 crits are "good enough" to not require making GS picks. So khopesh users who don't switch to picks are actually doing quite a bit less damage against held mobs than rapier users...but claim they do way more. Khopesh > Rapier for held mobs but Picks > Khopeshes.

Problem 2: The extra feat that khopeshes require often force a TR'd rogue to miss out on the fantastic (and fun!) active past life feat, Sneak of Shadows.

Problem 3: The need for the extra feat often prompts rogues to splash a level of fighter instead of staying pure. That is a HUGE reduction in DPS for a small amount of gain.

But I wouldn't write off the khopesh-wielding Half Orc Assassin based on this. It's a devastatingly powerful build. There are lots of ways to build a rogue and HO assassin is a good one.

[Consumer]

There are three problems I see with khopeshes. I'm not saying they aren't great weapons (they are) but they are not as easy a fit on a rogue as they are on other classes.

Problem 1: Khopesh users don't tend to use picks against held mobs like rapier users are. The x3 crits are "good enough" to not require making GS picks. So khopesh users who don't switch to picks are actually doing quite a bit less damage against held mobs than rapier users...but claim they do way more. Khopesh > Rapier for held mobs but Picks > Khopeshes.

Problem 2: The extra feat that khopeshes require often force a TR'd rogue to miss out on the fantastic (and fun!) active past life feat, Sneak of Shadows.

Problem 3: The need for the extra feat often prompts rogues to splash a level of fighter instead of staying pure. That is a HUGE reduction in DPS for a small amount of gain.

But I wouldn't write off the khopesh-wielding Half Orc Assassin based on this. It's a devastatingly powerful build. There are lots of ways to build a rogue and HO assassin is a good one.

So you're saying people that make bad builds and bad weapon choices are worse than those that do the opposite. Well observed.

[Razcar]

^^ a 6 intel skill item is a "basic" gear? I think it will be the 4th or 5th item that i make for my rogue (after weapons -rad2+lit2/min2, hp item) if I get enough large scales for it... definitely not basic stuff that many players will have sitting around. And rogue skill boost is not part of the build and you have included it in calculations, minor stuff that can be corrected by switching some stuff around.

Many of the items you mention (head of GF, +6 intel skill GS if you ever get around to making one, vent bracer, litany, yugo pot) are all stuff you will get at 16+ lvl at the very least (18 is a more 'sane' estimate). Till then do expect a few blown traps (if you manage to find it ie) and THAT look from the rest of the party.

It is not to say it is a bad build. Some like to see that extra 2% and are happy with it. But you are making a tall claim if you say this "thug" will get all his traps when lvling up. It is a compromise that was made and can not be brushed aside.

lets just say this rogue build is probably not going to be the one disabling the traps in an at lvl elite VON raid group, but might score a few more kills.

Lol, you like to quote incorrectly, do you? Quote half a sentence? I said "basic raid gear". Not "basic gear". That's a mile of difference. If we are going to talk please refrain from weak attempts like that please. Very transparent and it just makes you look silly.

I am not talking about the build in the OP - I build my own rogues. Instead I responded to the false claim made by several here that half-orc rogues with a starting 8 Int cannot get traps in Epics. Because that's BS. My list shows my TR:d rogue when he hits 20, and it's plain. And he has Skill Boost 1 - what Goldeye's build has I don't care about.

As for low levels, I take Mechanic until level 12. Not that it is needed, its just so I don't have to reprogramme my trappping macros when levelling, and that the other PrE's are worthless at tier I. And with all the new bound to account gear that has been raining over the game lately low levels are fine as well. I have maxed skill items for every 2 levels.

For new players, I suppose I have to repeat my advice from above:

I don't advice a new player to pick half orc for a rogue. Then you will blow traps, and probably do over-damage and get aggro as well. But for a moderately well equipped TR it's a good option.

+6 Int skills can be gotten through a +3 Int skills DT robe plus a +1 and a +2 Shroud item. If you need it.

Why shouldn't I get that "extra 2%", as you call it, if it costs me nothing? There is no compromise, regardless how much you want there to be one. It is very easy. If you pick half-orc, do it for Str. Otherwise it is better to go with another race.

[Thaxlsillyia]

As for low levels, I take Mechanic until level 12. Not that it is needed, its just so I don't have to reprogramme my trappping macros when levelling, and that the other PrE's are worthless at tier I. And with all the new bound to account gear that has been raining over the game lately low levels are fine as well. I have maxed skill items for every 2 levels.

Sounds like you like to misquote too. This is what I have been getting at. This build is not viable as till you get your "stuff" in place. Not something thats gonna happen till 14-16. You will have to go mechanic till then. It does not take more than 6 intel to get epic traps once you have your gear.
I am not saying its a bad build. But I do not think its the right path till higher lvls. If you are able to make it happen, good for you.