The Ultimate Assassin

Benan · Tue, 27th Jan '04, 8:43am

My latest character is an Elvin assassin, weilding either Cutthroat or Lifestealer (stolen from Artemis through the console) and Short Sword of Backstabbing. Wearing Boots of Speed, Cloak of Non-Detection, Gauntlets of Weapon Expertise, Girdle of Frost Giant Strength, Rings of Regeneration and Danger Sense, and Karajahs Armour +3. He's damn near unstoppable with the poison weapon.

Djieff · Tue, 27th Jan '04, 4:12pm

And if you get the Item Upgrade mod, Cromwell can forge you a few really neat items especially for thieves.

[ January 27, 2004, 17:28: Message edited by: Djieff ]

Splunge · Tue, 27th Jan '04, 4:24pm

Just one question: Why did you go with an elf rather than a halfling?

The halfling gets better thieving bonuses (important for an assassin), potentially 19 Dex (and more thief points), and the saving throw bonuses for Con (which is better than an elfs IMHO). And the max Str penalty is a non-issue since you're using a Str belt.

Not that it sounds like you're having much trouble anyway.

Benan · Tue, 27th Jan '04, 7:23pm

Not sure why I went with an Elf instead of a halfling. I really can't think of a reason.

Faraaz · Tue, 27th Jan '04, 7:32pm

Maybe he wants to RP the assassin...elves make cooler assassins than Halflings IMHO.

Also, elves get the stealth and move silently benefits, though I doubt its a significant advantage over the Halfling.

Djieff · Tue, 27th Jan '04, 7:39pm

And of course elves can also get 19 dex.

Malovae · Tue, 27th Jan '04, 7:55pm

Why are you using that armour for? Aegars Hide (also bought from Ribald's) provides AC3, +2 AC over Karajahs Armour +3 and gives 15% res to fire, cold and acid (i think its these three) and imunity to confusion. If its the weight that your concerned about, Armour of Deep Night has the same AC of 3 and is low weight - though does not have the bonuses. Elves are way cooler than Halflings!

Blog · Tue, 27th Jan '04, 9:07pm

How did you allocate your thieving points?

You're not wearing an amulet? You might be able to wear an Ioun Stone, but I can't remember if thieves can use them.

Malovae · Tue, 27th Jan '04, 9:36pm

As far as I can remember, an unmodded game allows for Ioun stones to be worn by thieves.

Don't forget about katana's for better backstab damage.

Last thing is that 'single weapon style' maybe better as it doubles the chance for critical hit and improves AC which is alot more useful for an assassin. This means that there is X2 chance of doubling your backstab. Switching to Tuigen Short Bow (a must for any self respecting assassin

) is much easier as well with this style. An extra attack and even worse THAC0 from 'Two Weapon Style' is not helpful for a thief.

There is a mod that allows all rogues to put three slots in 2 weapon style which makes it somewhat better but it also changes some kits and may be ToB only.

Benan · Wed, 28th Jan '04, 12:33am

A katana wouldn't be better then Lifestealer +4. I'm not using that armour anymore. I found the codes for the Throne of Bhaal weapons. So now my Assassin is using the Armour that grants Haste and the Boots of Elvinkind. Along with the Theif Hood.

By the way this isn't the first time I played so using the console for wicked weapons is just a way to make things more intersting.

omnigodly · Wed, 28th Jan '04, 4:48am

well, I made an assa and dual classed after he got max backstabb, (was a pain getting thief class back), but it was well worth it... (dual'd into a mage). And well, staff of the magi is awsome as well as staff of striking, (+9 dmg

). Staff of the RAM is better but you only get it with ToB, sorry

btw, I was doing well over 100 dmg

Abomination · Wed, 28th Jan '04, 6:22am

I must sadly say that you character is 'not' the ultimate assassin. Since you've used the console to give yourself items it wouldn't be wrong to use SK. A fighter/assassin is far better than a straight assassin for his higher HP, more attacks per round, lower THAC0 and weapon specilisation.

Frankly I would have taken a halfling too. What's cooler than an elf who strikes from the shadows and leaves nothing in his wake? A halfling who does the same since everyone underestimates halflings.

Benan · Wed, 28th Jan '04, 6:34am

Quote:

I must sadly say that you character is 'not' the ultimate assassin. Since you've used the console to give yourself items it wouldn't be wrong to use SK. A fighter/assassin is far better than a straight assassin for his higher HP, more attacks per round, lower THAC0 and weapon specilisation.

Frankly I would have taken a halfling too. What's cooler than an elf who strikes from the shadows and leaves nothing in his wake? A halfling who does the same since everyone underestimates halflings.

Yeah the console just makes it more interesting though. I enjoy being able to backstab a troll for 55 points of damage. And also I don't have Shadow Keeper.

Everybody expects a Halfling assassin though. As soon as you'd see halfling in leather armour you'dexpect to get your pocket picked. You seen an Elf though and you don't expect it.

keldor · Wed, 28th Jan '04, 12:07pm

'Cool' - ho hum! Cool is for kids...be an adult and have the self-confidence to be yourself (even if you have no sense of style or dress!). This way, you'll be more likely to be *unique*. After all, who is best, that cardboard cutout 'cool dude' Artemis, or Drizzt?

Splunge · Wed, 28th Jan '04, 3:43pm

Quote:

be an adult

If we wanted act like adults, we wouldn't be playing make-believe with a computer game.

Playing games is all about having fun according to each person's individual idea of what "fun" is. As long as you're enjoying the game, what does it matter how you play it?

Malovae · Wed, 28th Jan '04, 3:58pm

How would life stealer be better than a katana?

The point in backstab is to do as much damage as possible and lifestealer does 1d4+4 damage whilst even your bog standard katana does more with 1d10. The 15% chance of draining 4 levels is nice but since your using the console you may as well give yourself Blackrazor longsword which gives the same chance of draining 4 levels, chance of healing 20hp, regen 1hp every 5 secs.

Daggers are good for roleplay Assassins but you seemed to be powergaming - sorry if I'm wrong.

Benan · Wed, 28th Jan '04, 8:52pm

Quote:

'Cool' - ho hum! Cool is for kids...be an adult and have the self-confidence to be yourself (even if you have no sense of style or dress!). This way, you'll be more likely to be *unique*. After all, who is best, that cardboard cutout 'cool dude' Artemis, or Drizzt?

Drizzt is way cooler then Artemis. Artemis is known just as a killer. Drizzt would help the old across the street then cut any thugs throat that tried to steal her purse. Remember kids you don't need to be evil to be cool.

As for using Life Stealer instead of a Katana. I find that a dagger is the prototypical assassin weapon. I can't see alot of assassins walking around with long ass katana instead of short dagger such as Life Stealer, Cutthroat or the Starfell dagger.

Abomination · Thu, 29th Jan '04, 3:40pm

What are you talking about? Drizzt is nothing compared to Entreri. Obviously you haven't read 'That Curious Sword' by R.A. Salvatore. The post 'The Silent Blade' Aretemis is a very interesting character, far more interesting than Drizzt 'oh-look-at-me-a-redeemed-drow-nobody-saw-THIS-coming' Do'Urden.

CamDawg · Thu, 29th Jan '04, 5:26pm

Arguing about "which is cooler--Drizzt or Artemis?" is equivalent to "which is smarter--a rock or a chunk of iron?"

Back on-topic, if he's evil then the armor to use is the Human Flesh--bar none the best armor for a thief thanks to its MR and save bonuses. Otherwise, go with Malovae and Aeger's Hide, though the Shadow Dragon Armor and the Shadow Armor are also good alternatives.

Malovae · Thu, 29th Jan '04, 5:58pm

The basic rule I go by is if I upgrade Aegars Hide with the Upgrade mod then thats my armour for the whole game. Otherwise I get the Shadow Dragon Armour as shimmering black armour looks good on an assassin.

Benan · Fri, 30th Jan '04, 7:14am

Quote:

The basic rule I go by is if I upgrade Aegars Hide with the Upgrade mod then thats my armour for the whole game. Otherwise I get the Shadow Dragon Armour as shimmering black armour looks good on an assassin.

I'm using the Armour that you find after fighting [snip].

[You're in the SoA, not ToB forum. All ToB spoilers removed.] -Tal

[ January 30, 2004, 13:57: Message edited by: Taluntain ]

Stu · Fri, 30th Jan '04, 10:52am

@keldor
Some of us are kids, thus rendering 'cool' a valid adjective.
Halflings IMHO are way cooler than elves as assasains, although they do have slightly more appeal in 3E D&D because of the size adjustment thingy

Zephyr Angel · Tue, 10th Feb '04, 8:24am

Well, if you're talking about armour, there is one that I think is suited for a backstabbing thief.
How about the armour you get from the mayor after completing the Umar Hills quest?
Being a thief isn't about all the protection and stuff. But it is more on what you do best, isn't it?

The Gift of the Night is, IMHO, the armour that a backstabbing thief, thats what I guess being an assassin would be, should get to further improve the chance of hiding.
Add a ring of invisibility of course! For the Maximum effect!

Tronak el Karbaro · Tue, 10th Feb '04, 7:43pm

How do you find Artemis in the Game? I assume you are talking about Artemis Entreri, as you mention Lifestealer!!

CamDawg · Tue, 10th Feb '04, 8:25pm

Artemis was cut from the game, though his items and files are still intact in the game. Unfinished Business restores him.

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Tue, 27th Jan '04, 8:43am	#1
Benan Gems: 20/31 Latest gem: Garnet Join Date: May 2003 Location: Edmonton Posts: 1,220 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 3,001 Level: 17 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 74.11% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	My latest character is an Elvin assassin, weilding either Cutthroat or Lifestealer (stolen from Artemis through the console) and Short Sword of Backstabbing. Wearing Boots of Speed, Cloak of Non-Detection, Gauntlets of Weapon Expertise, Girdle of Frost Giant Strength, Rings of Regeneration and Danger Sense, and Karajahs Armour +3. He's damn near unstoppable with the poison weapon.

Tue, 27th Jan '04, 4:12pm	#2
Djieff Gems: 7/31 Latest gem: Tchazar Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Mon pays, ce n'est pas un pays, c'est l'hiver Posts: 229 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 948 Level: 10 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 68.37% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	And if you get the Item Upgrade mod, Cromwell can forge you a few really neat items especially for thieves. [ January 27, 2004, 17:28: Message edited by: Djieff ]

Tue, 27th Jan '04, 4:24pm	#3
Splunge SPS Account Holder Bhaal’s financial advisor Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: In hiding after Bhaal became Lord of Murder when I had him put everything into subprime mortgages. Posts: 6,555 Like: 13 Liked 61 Times in 41 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 15,935 Level: 36 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 25.14% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 7.25% Monthly Activity 5.81% Achievements Awards	Just one question: Why did you go with an elf rather than a halfling? The halfling gets better thieving bonuses (important for an assassin), potentially 19 Dex (and more thief points), and the saving throw bonuses for Con (which is better than an elfs IMHO). And the max Str penalty is a non-issue since you're using a Str belt. Not that it sounds like you're having much trouble anyway.

Tue, 27th Jan '04, 7:23pm	#4
Benan Gems: 20/31 Latest gem: Garnet Join Date: May 2003 Location: Edmonton Posts: 1,220 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 3,001 Level: 17 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 74.11% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	Not sure why I went with an Elf instead of a halfling. I really can't think of a reason.

Tue, 27th Jan '04, 7:32pm	#5
Faraaz Gems: 26/31 Latest gem: Diamond Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: St. Gallen, Switzerland Posts: 2,403 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 5,875 Level: 23 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 75.64% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	Maybe he wants to RP the assassin...elves make cooler assassins than Halflings IMHO. Also, elves get the stealth and move silently benefits, though I doubt its a significant advantage over the Halfling.

Tue, 27th Jan '04, 7:39pm	#6
Djieff Gems: 7/31 Latest gem: Tchazar Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Mon pays, ce n'est pas un pays, c'est l'hiver Posts: 229 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 948 Level: 10 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 68.37% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	And of course elves can also get 19 dex.

Tue, 27th Jan '04, 7:55pm	#7
Malovae Gems: 18/31 Latest gem: Horn Coral Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Somewhere over there Posts: 1,049 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 2,590 Level: 16 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 63.27% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	Why are you using that armour for? Aegars Hide (also bought from Ribald's) provides AC3, +2 AC over Karajahs Armour +3 and gives 15% res to fire, cold and acid (i think its these three) and imunity to confusion. If its the weight that your concerned about, Armour of Deep Night has the same AC of 3 and is low weight - though does not have the bonuses. Elves are way cooler than Halflings!

Tue, 27th Jan '04, 9:07pm	#8
Blog Gems: 23/31 Latest gem: Black Opal Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 1,634 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 4,055 Level: 20 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 23.09% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	How did you allocate your thieving points? You're not wearing an amulet? You might be able to wear an Ioun Stone, but I can't remember if thieves can use them.

Tue, 27th Jan '04, 9:36pm	#9
Malovae Gems: 18/31 Latest gem: Horn Coral Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Somewhere over there Posts: 1,049 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 2,590 Level: 16 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 63.27% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	As far as I can remember, an unmodded game allows for Ioun stones to be worn by thieves. Don't forget about katana's for better backstab damage. Last thing is that 'single weapon style' maybe better as it doubles the chance for critical hit and improves AC which is alot more useful for an assassin. This means that there is X2 chance of doubling your backstab. Switching to Tuigen Short Bow (a must for any self respecting assassin ) is much easier as well with this style. An extra attack and even worse THAC0 from 'Two Weapon Style' is not helpful for a thief. There is a mod that allows all rogues to put three slots in 2 weapon style which makes it somewhat better but it also changes some kits and may be ToB only.

Wed, 28th Jan '04, 12:33am	#10
Benan Gems: 20/31 Latest gem: Garnet Join Date: May 2003 Location: Edmonton Posts: 1,220 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 3,001 Level: 17 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 74.11% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	A katana wouldn't be better then Lifestealer +4. I'm not using that armour anymore. I found the codes for the Throne of Bhaal weapons. So now my Assassin is using the Armour that grants Haste and the Boots of Elvinkind. Along with the Theif Hood. By the way this isn't the first time I played so using the console for wicked weapons is just a way to make things more intersting.

Wed, 28th Jan '04, 4:48am	#11
omnigodly Gems: 17/31 Latest gem: Star Diopside Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Eh... Home Posts: 942 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 2,769 Level: 17 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 13.26% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 2.87% Achievements	well, I made an assa and dual classed after he got max backstabb, (was a pain getting thief class back), but it was well worth it... (dual'd into a mage). And well, staff of the magi is awsome as well as staff of striking, (+9 dmg ). Staff of the RAM is better but you only get it with ToB, sorry btw, I was doing well over 100 dmg

Wed, 28th Jan '04, 6:22am	#12
Abomination Gems: 26/31 Latest gem: Diamond Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Auckland, New Zealand (North of The Shire) Posts: 2,375 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 5,310 Level: 22 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 74.06% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	I must sadly say that you character is 'not' the ultimate assassin. Since you've used the console to give yourself items it wouldn't be wrong to use SK. A fighter/assassin is far better than a straight assassin for his higher HP, more attacks per round, lower THAC0 and weapon specilisation. Frankly I would have taken a halfling too. What's cooler than an elf who strikes from the shadows and leaves nothing in his wake? A halfling who does the same since everyone underestimates halflings.

Wed, 28th Jan '04, 12:07pm	#14
keldor Gems: 5/31 Latest gem: Andar Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: UK Posts: 110 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 607 Level: 8 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 76.71% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	'Cool' - ho hum! Cool is for kids...be an adult and have the self-confidence to be yourself (even if you have no sense of style or dress!). This way, you'll be more likely to be unique. After all, who is best, that cardboard cutout 'cool dude' Artemis, or Drizzt?

Wed, 28th Jan '04, 3:58pm	#16
Malovae Gems: 18/31 Latest gem: Horn Coral Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Somewhere over there Posts: 1,049 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 2,590 Level: 16 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 63.27% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	How would life stealer be better than a katana? The point in backstab is to do as much damage as possible and lifestealer does 1d4+4 damage whilst even your bog standard katana does more with 1d10. The 15% chance of draining 4 levels is nice but since your using the console you may as well give yourself Blackrazor longsword which gives the same chance of draining 4 levels, chance of healing 20hp, regen 1hp every 5 secs. Daggers are good for roleplay Assassins but you seemed to be powergaming - sorry if I'm wrong.

Thu, 29th Jan '04, 3:40pm	#18
Abomination Gems: 26/31 Latest gem: Diamond Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Auckland, New Zealand (North of The Shire) Posts: 2,375 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 5,310 Level: 22 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 74.06% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	What are you talking about? Drizzt is nothing compared to Entreri. Obviously you haven't read 'That Curious Sword' by R.A. Salvatore. The post 'The Silent Blade' Aretemis is a very interesting character, far more interesting than Drizzt 'oh-look-at-me-a-redeemed-drow-nobody-saw-THIS-coming' Do'Urden.

Thu, 29th Jan '04, 5:26pm	#19
CamDawg The gaze of the Wolf reaches into our soul Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,099 Like: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post vBActivity - Stats XP: 2,653 Level: 16 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 81.29% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	Arguing about "which is cooler--Drizzt or Artemis?" is equivalent to "which is smarter--a rock or a chunk of iron?" Back on-topic, if he's evil then the armor to use is the Human Flesh--bar none the best armor for a thief thanks to its MR and save bonuses. Otherwise, go with Malovae and Aeger's Hide, though the Shadow Dragon Armor and the Shadow Armor are also good alternatives.

Thu, 29th Jan '04, 5:58pm	#20
Malovae Gems: 18/31 Latest gem: Horn Coral Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Somewhere over there Posts: 1,049 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 2,590 Level: 16 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 63.27% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	The basic rule I go by is if I upgrade Aegars Hide with the Upgrade mod then thats my armour for the whole game. Otherwise I get the Shadow Dragon Armour as shimmering black armour looks good on an assassin.

Fri, 30th Jan '04, 10:52am	#22
Stu Gems: 20/31 Latest gem: Garnet Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 1,206 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 3,063 Level: 17 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 90.58% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	@keldor Some of us are kids, thus rendering 'cool' a valid adjective. Halflings IMHO are way cooler than elves as assasains, although they do have slightly more appeal in 3E D&D because of the size adjustment thingy

Tue, 10th Feb '04, 8:24am	#23
Zephyr Angel Gems: 7/31 Latest gem: Tchazar Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Evereska, Last Elven Sanctuary Posts: 214 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 868 Level: 10 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 27.65% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	Well, if you're talking about armour, there is one that I think is suited for a backstabbing thief. How about the armour you get from the mayor after completing the Umar Hills quest? Being a thief isn't about all the protection and stuff. But it is more on what you do best, isn't it? The Gift of the Night is, IMHO, the armour that a backstabbing thief, thats what I guess being an assassin would be, should get to further improve the chance of hiding. Add a ring of invisibility of course! For the Maximum effect!

Tue, 10th Feb '04, 7:43pm	#24
Tronak el Karbaro Gems: 6/31 Latest gem: Jasper Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Spain Posts: 169 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 820 Level: 10 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 3.01% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	How do you find Artemis in the Game? I assume you are talking about Artemis Entreri, as you mention Lifestealer!!

Tue, 10th Feb '04, 8:25pm	#25
CamDawg The gaze of the Wolf reaches into our soul Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,099 Like: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post vBActivity - Stats XP: 2,653 Level: 16 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 81.29% Daily Activity 2.21% Weekly Activity 0.95% Monthly Activity 1.4% Achievements	Artemis was cut from the game, though his items and files are still intact in the game. Unfinished Business restores him.