kcfalcon: I’m new to this game and am going to build either a Fighter 19, Monk 1 (or something like that) or a Duelist…and right now the latter sounds kinda fun. I realize that Sword Saint seems to be the most popular way to go for a Duelilst and maybe even the most effective. But personally, my preference is a non-magic-based character. Another preference is going with only 7 levels of Duelist. So, if I understand correctly and want DEX bonus to damage, I have these options…

1a. Aldori Defender 10, Rogue/Thug 3, Duelist 7
1b. Aldori Defender 9, Monk 1, Rogue/Thug 3, Duelist 7
2a. Aldori Defender 12, Aldori Swordlord 1, Duelist 7
2b. Aldori Defender 11, Monk 1, Aldori Swordlord 1, Duelist 7

So these are my questions…..
1. Which is preferrable…grabbing the 1 level of Aldori Swordlord or the 3 levels of Rogue? I originally gravitated away from Swordlord because of the skill requirements. But then I wondered if these skills are ones I should be getting anyway?
2. Options 1b and 2b simply trade 1 level of Aldori Defender for 1 level of Monk. This would obviously imply going unarmored vs light-armored but also gives me two more feats and access to Crane Style/Wing. Thoughts on this?
3. This is my first time playing this game, so…Is there anything significant that I have overlooked?
4. If you feel like the build I have in mind sounds too inferior, would I be better off skipping the Duelist and going with my other alternative?

Any input is much appreciated!

abbayarra: I would assume you already made your decision but I would always go with what seems like the most fun to me. In other words for me what is most fun would be to get a character that is okay through the entire game and does not need to be carried 75% of the time before becoming great at the end.

Which one of these options seems like the most fun to you?

kcfalcon: Actually, I have not yet decided....I' m very torn between these as they both sound extremely fun. I was hoping to use input from here to finalize my decision.