Gear for heroic level int based rogue

[Matt_Evil]

Hey Everyone!

I've just returned to the game after a long hiatus, and I've been enjoying playing an Int Based Pure Rogue Assassin build. I'm loving the game, but I'm having a hard time finding my footing in groups because somehow the Bard/Druid in the group is a better trapper than I am. When I attempt to keep up, I find myself dying horribly. I believe the fault lies somewhere between my understanding of the game, and my current gear load out. Until I can get the game play aspect down, I can probably work on gathering the gear I need, and what slot it belongs in. I am hoping my fellow Rogues can help out! I'm currently Level 13, and F2P but I have access to all the adventure packs I could ever need.

So, on with the questions -
What stat gear is important for the Int based Rogue, outside of Int?
How important is Natural Armor/Protection AC to a Rogue? Should I even worry about AC, or should I just assume I'm going to get hit often?
Should I be placing my 100% Fort Item in my belt slot, or should I go farm tapestries for the Minos Legen?
Should I be wearing gear that boosts my Dodge%? If so, where?

Thanks in advance!

[Saekee]

What feats etc did you take? Assassins require an advanced playstyle.
1) Traps--max INT which you know; WIS and 'of the eagle (spot) gear to get a warning where they are; search and disable are INT based and max gear on those (just swap in as needed). It will be 'minute seeing' on lootgen and disabling.

Then get overall buffs to your skills. The easiest are heroism-->greater heroism and Good Luck. (Bards get songs that buff as well.) You can take enhancements from mechanic to boost trapping further.

Use +5 thieve's tools.

2) fighting--max dex bonus on armor also limits your dodge bonus. Then feats like mobility (not worth taking but you can craft it on gear) can increase the limit. Typically it seems like everyone wears the snakeskin out of Framework; you can then swap it out for Parasitic.

3) tactics--aggro management

Have you seen Nokowi's vids and threads like Hassan's Assassin? There is limitless info one could post here. After the enhancement pass coming up for rogues, assassins will be a little tougher.

[Matt_Evil]

Hi Saekee -

Yeah, I suppose this is sort of a complex discussion, but I thank you for your reply. I'm currently following CThruTheEgo's Hassan's Assassin Build as close as I can with my 2nd life. I'm combing through the wiki and reading everything that I can. I haven't checked out Nokowi's vids yet, so I'll get on that.

To answer your question, I've selected the following feats thus far -
Toughness
TWF
Precision
Insightful Reflexes
Imp TWF
Imp Crit Pierce
Improved Evasion
Opportunist

I've dumped my early skill points into the Harper Tree, until I unlocked Strategic Combat II. Everything else has been poured into Assassin.

It sounds like I need gear that boosts my Int, Wis, Con and Dex to the maximum for my level.

My Gear Set Up will be something like this -

Armor: Snakeskin Vest
Helm: +6 Int
Googles: +13 Spot, Search, Disable, Open Lock, Etc.
Gloves: +6 Dex
Boots: Golden Greaves
Necklace: Free Slot
Belt: 100% Fortification
Cloak: +6 Con
Ring: +6 Wis
Ring: Free Slot
Wrist: Dodge Boost
Trinket: Free Slot

Seem okay?

[Saekee]

Hi Saekee -

Yeah, I suppose this is sort of a complex discussion, but I thank you for your reply. I'm currently following CThruTheEgo's Hassan's Assassin Build as close as I can with my 2nd life. I'm combing through the wiki and reading everything that I can. I haven't checked out Nokowi's vids yet, so I'll get on that.

To answer your question, I've selected the following feats thus far -
Toughness
TWF
Precision
Insightful Reflexes
Imp TWF
Imp Crit Pierce
Improved Evasion
Opportunist

I've dumped my early skill points into the Harper Tree, until I unlocked Strategic Combat II. Everything else has been poured into Assassin.

It sounds like I need gear that boosts my Int, Wis, Con and Dex to the maximum for my level.

My Gear Set Up will be something like this -

Armor: Snakeskin Vest
Helm: +6 Int
Googles: +13 Spot, Search, Disable, Open Lock, Etc.
Gloves: +6 Dex
Boots: Golden Greaves
Necklace: Free Slot
Belt: 100% Fortification
Cloak: +6 Con
Ring: +6 Wis
Ring: Free Slot
Wrist: Dodge Boost
Trinket: Free Slot

Seem okay?

Looks good--consider some named items for consolidation and boosts to sneak attack damage. You can get the backstabber's gloves off of the AH. If you are up for doing challenges, I suggest a Ring of the Stalker for manslayer and Insightful sneak attack damage. The necklace slot can become Golden Guile at level 17 if you have one. Deathblock would be nice in there as well.
I assume your UMD is maxed. Are you able to UMD Greater Heroism scrolls? If not, you can 'build up to' them by chugging a heroism pot, slotting good luck in the trinket and temporarily a +6 charisma and then trying (lots of ways to boost UMD--I recommend the wiki page on that one).

What weapons are you using? everyone will recommend that you have a Rad II GS item like a dagger or kukri (I assume you are taking IC: Piercing?). Guardian of the Liturgy is the best non-GS weapon for rogues with IC: Piercing and can be bought off the AH.

I also suggest you post specific questions in CThru's thread. He is a very helpful and kind forumite here and will have lots of experience with rogue heroic lives as well as endgame.

[UurlockYgmeov]

gloves of gnoll hide
http://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Gloves_of_Gnoll_Hide
gloves of the falcon
http://ddowiki.com/page/Item:Gloves_of_the_Falcon

swap between - fairly easy to find (relatively inexpensive) on AH

[UurlockYgmeov]

bracers of wind (cannith challenges)

ml:4 version gives Blur

Ring of the Stalker - instakill....

Spare Hand (Belt)

[Matt_Evil]

LOL, there's no end to the amazing named loot available at lower levels. Crazy, I'm just hearing about some of this stuff now. Thank you for your assistance!

[Saekee]

LOL, there's no end to the amazing named loot available at lower levels. Crazy, I'm just hearing about some of this stuff now. Thank you for your assistance!

The wiki is really good--I assume you have familiarized yourself with it. If you just go down the named items, you can check them by level (click on that column to sort them out that way).

If you are interested in stealth tactics, the guide in my sig by Spencerian is currently being worked upon. A lot of assassins need to work on their stealth skills as well, especially if they are solo (assassins who manage their aggro well work best in a group).

[UurlockYgmeov]

crystal cove has awesome stuff for rogue (leather armor, spyglass, weapons)
mabar has potions of death ward, weapon buffs, cloak of night

and don't forget cannith crafting - the petrifying runestones! uber easy, cheap and great fun for the whole family!