Rogue Questions...

[nsob0331]

Hello P99, I currently have a 35 shaman as my main, and while he is fun, since about level 6 I have longed to get back on the melee side of things. I am interested in building a rogue as an alt, but have a few questions/concerns...

-First off, what makes a rogue tick (why did/do/would you play one)?

-Are rogues "gimped" (moreso than other classes)? I understand that rogues are not a solo class and require groups, but what I am really wondering is are there any future patches/fixes/changes/nerfs/whatevers in the classic timeline that will drastically alter their roles and/or capabilities?

-How useful are the current rogue abilities (sense traps, pick locks, disarm traps)?

-Does make/apply poison work as intended on P99? (I saw some people talking about it in /ooc a while back and it sounded like something was broken)

-Do rogues actually use their make/apply poison skills, or is it just a novelty? I don't think I've ever really seen it come up in game or on the forums, other than that one discussion in /ooc...

-I understand rogues are a pretty gear dependant class (as with most melee classess) are there any essential quests or gear that I should be on the look out for? I have some basic twink items to work with (mithril bp, silver plated legs, 5/55 rings, exe hood, DWB, azure sleeves, SBD) that should hopefully get me into my 20-30's. Also, no FBSS/haste items...is that going to affect my ability to get groups?

-In general, what types of weapons should a rogue be using? Obviously at least a piercer in main hand, but procs or no procs? Or is that entirely situational?

-Starting stats? I know 9/10 times that regardless of what class it is, people will say, "Dump it all in STA and the rest doesn't matter"...does the same hold true here?

-Any other advice/tips/info/opinions?

Any input or help on any of these topics would be a great help, and greatly appreciated. Thanks and happy hunting