I just made 26 and couldn't train Instil Doubt in Freeport (though it was
late I was tired and I think I didn't check the other guildmaster), no
biggie, I need to go to Kelethin to buy Screech anyway.

So, just want to make sure that I am headed in the right direction, based on
what I am reading on this list I am selling my stat boosting items that take
me over 100 and replacing them with AC, I also traded my Kobold Hide boots
for a Staff of Writhing (I know, it won't proc for two more levels but it is
better than my polished granite Tomahawk). The charisma hit was no fun, it
takes me to 98 chr, but I will probably strade a +3str earing for a +?
charisma earing and be fine.

I have about 400pp now (though barefoot :o) still have to sell the PGT, and
trying to decide on armour choices, I can't play a lot, and when I do will
probably solo, so my money situation is not going to skyrocket, here are my
partially informed ideas, all suggestions are very welcome.

Arms:
Keeping my Barbed Armplates: (AC 7. +2 Dexterity), Steel Vambraces: (AC 8)
only get me 1 AC

Back:
Figure I will keep my Lizardscale Cloak: (AC 8 + 5 to Dexterity), at level
17 I did comedy standup (died once, lizzies do NOT get social commentary
humor) for about 2 hours at Cazic Zone until someone sold me it for 80pp. I
think I made a third of that banking at the same time.

Chest:
I still have a Dwarven Ringmail Tunic: (AC 12, +8 to heat, cold and magic
protection.) which frankly is still nice for pulling with it's resists..but
that AC hit is hurting...so, not having 1kpp for a Brigandine Tunic (and
however much for a Mithril) I am thinking Steel Breastplate (AC 17)

Face:
Until my dream of a Mask of Deception dreams come true I am going to stick
with my bronze mask, I don't see a huge benefit to steel

Feet:
Of course I would love Dwarven Work Boots: (AC 8 STR+3, DEX+5) but though I
have no idea what they go for I am guessing it is too rich for my blood, so
Steel Boots (AC 8) seems the thing.

Hands:
Gah, I love my Elf Hide Gloves (I checked, it is no one I know :o) (AC 4. +5
desterity, +5 Agility) but if I can keep my dex and agi above 100 I am going
to go for Plate gauntlets (AC 9), or, I suppose, if they don't cost a
fortune Shin Gauntlets ( AC 7. +5 poison)

Head:
I have a Blackened Iron Crown (AC 5. +5 Strength, and +5 each to poison,
fire, cold, disease and magic resistances) but am thinking I would start
saving for the (Crested Helm: AC 10. +6 st, +3 char) or at least a Fine Silk
Turban (AC 10, SV Fire +10) though, and I know this places me in the extreme
minority, I *like* the Bird-Head look of a metal helm on a Wood Elf. There
is also a Griffon Helm (AC 10. +9 str, +5 agil).

Legs:
I am thinking of keeping my Barbed Legplates (AC 8. +2 Agility) until I can
get Silver-Plated Leggings (AC 10. +3 strength, +5 agility)

Neck:
Ack, finally goingto give up that Spiked Collar (AC 3. +3 to Strength) and
go with a Steel Collar (AC 6)

Shoulders:
Love the Bloodstained Mantle: (AC 6. +3 to strength, +10 magic protection)
and I am rueing the day I sold the Crested Spaulders (AC 11, +6 stamina) I
had bought for *80pp* of a hurried fellow in Freeport bank.

Waist:
Sticking with the Thick Leather Apron(AC 8), at 26 I figure the Thick Banded
Belt:(AC 8, +15 strength) is a looong way away.

Wrist:
I have one Silver Plated Bracers (AC 7 +5 disease resistance, +5 poison
resistance) I figure I need another. No real contenders here...

Weapons:
Finally, to replace my Dragoon Dirk I will start looking for an Obsidian
Shard (Damage 6, Delay 25, Effect of Obsidian Shatter)

With jewlery this should dramatically raise my AC and keep my stats all
around 100. Am I correct in thinking that this is the best approach at 26?
Any hints on prices would be greatly appreciated, and would make a lot of
people on Povar happy because I wouldn't keep offering to trade them a 350pp
item for a 1-2Kpp item *laughs* criminy that is embarassing :o)

Thanks in advance for any replies, I greatly appreciate it.

Tszaaz E'Taurguin

P.S. Has there ever been any sort of mention why at level 26 you get both
Screech and Instill Doubt? Was it just bad planning and they figured the
lesser of all evils was to give them at the same level? Seems odd...