===============================================================================
7. The Art of Combat
===============================================================================
This section is here to give you a general idea of how combat should work as a
rogue. Bear in mind this is not a section for PVP strategies, but rather PVE.
In other words, it's here for the beginner rogue who's wondering why he keeps
dying. This bit's for you, little buddy.
First of all, throwing daggers will help you a lot early in the game. As I
said earlier, bows aren't worth the training price (and subsequent costs) until
level 36, when they start giving agility bonuses simply by being equipped.
Early on, your low level will draw aggro (make monsters aggressive) more easily,
thereby forcing you into combat in unintended situations. Throwing daggers
brings the monster to you, with the distinct exception of any and all
spellcasters. These are the ones you should watch out for early on, because
Blizzard gave them seemingly infinite range, and their spells hurt. The blue
mana bar that appears under their health when you click on them (or lack
thereof) will tell you who's a spellcaster and who's a plodhopper.
Before you go all gung-ho on a monster, take a moment and look around. Check
and see if there are any wandering critters nearby who might join in on your
little rumble before drawing the initial aggro. Because of stealth, you have
more time and opportunity than other classes to assess the situation and
determine whether or not you're about to be ambushed.
Early on stealth will likely be your only method of getting through some
situations and quests without a group, but don't get overconfident. Whether or
not you're found out is determined by several factors: first and foremost, your
level versus the level of the monster. Secondly, how close you are to them.
Third, whether or not you're behind them. Regardless of your level, you won't
be found out if you sneak up behind an enemy, but circle around to the front
and you take your life in your hands.
Be very aware of what drops you out of stealth. Searching a corpse, examining
an item, opening a chest and more will all drop you out of stealth and give any
nearby monsters an opportunity to attack you. Knowing when you are and are not
vulnerable will keep you alive.
Remember that you are a rogue. Keep that first and foremost in your mind. To
that effect, never charge into a group of enemies, or have some grandiose notion
that you can win should two or three other monsters suddenly decide to join your
current battle. The warrior or paladin can do such things, but you have stealth
and Sprint for a reason. He who fights and runs away lives to fight another
day, and whatnot.
Good luck.
|
|
|