True Thief vs Combat Thief Possible?

[lparkh]

Hi,
Was thinking of playing a thief..but as a thief. By that I mean focus on sneaking past threats, opening chests, and getting away. As opposed to killing everything (via backstabbing etc). However is it possible to gain enough experience this way (I know some is gained from picking locks) or in the end must one be a combat thief?
Thanks,
Lin

[Lhoric]

You can gain much experience through quests/side quests if you prefer to keep the killing to a minimum. If you are looking for 'backstabing' gameplay, I recommend a Blighter (Nefarious Ranger). Good luck!

-->> Lhoric

[Randomizer]

It's possible, but not easy for the first play through. There are ways to avoid combat, but you need to know where items are and what to avoid to get to them.

Too many places have brightly lit spots that negate hide in shadows so you need invisibility.

You can get through the game as a true thief the way you mentioned but you will miss a third of the experience from combat and combat related quests.

[lparkh]

Thank you. Clear answers, which was what I was hoping for. Esp the 1/3 experience point. My fallback character may be a Musketeer (high hit and avoid being hit). i.e. like a fencer.