Yeah, I tend to favour mechanics because, as you said, traps are really useful. And went to a store and pretty expensive too. Right now, there are only 4 traps I couldn't disarm. But can't you only set 1 trap at once? I tried to make a pretty good ambush for a specially though combat, but my traps were dissapearing (or at least, it looked like so).
Sadly it's soo expensive to put points into skills. It takes ages to level up, and at level 5 I just could add 1 up to mechanics. I love they have emphasized non-combat, but some extra XP would be nice.

if you haven't got the stronghold yet, i'd highly recommend you start saving up those gold pieces ;)

And take everything with you. Just put all those shitty boring normal weapons in your stash, to sell them. Even shitty items for 5cp bring you lots of money when you have hundreds of them ^^

Btw, while it was already mentioned here, the "backstab" ability does not actually require the rogue to be at the back of an enemy. Whenever a foe is incapacitated (blinded, stunned, etc.) you will automatically roll backstab attacks - signified by a red-glowing sword. Also with a bow.

just a small addition: works on flanking aswell which is the most important, as basically any time you attack from behind the enemy you're flanking him. and stuff like prone [knockdown], and paralyze
it's a shame there's no full list of these status effects that allow sneak attacks to happen :(

edit: just a small note, it's not required to be behind, but it's the easiest way, as other status effects that allow sneak attacks are caused by spells / abilities, which might not always be available :)

I guess so, but I don't know how early in the game you can get it and if it's worth it. Though you say it is. I just want to upgrade my gear. :P

If you did Raedrics hold just now, you should be almost at the point where you get hold of the hold (muahaha).