Build Advice (Thief/Mage)

[serenetempest]

I'm just starting out book 2 (had to wait for the mac release), and I'm looking to play a hybrid mage/thief this time around. I played a ranger/alchemist in book 1 and had a blast with him, but I'm looking to do something new this time. After a little bit of experimentation in the demo, this is what I'm thinking:

Initially I'm planning to concentrate on elemental magic, pick locks, and piercing weapons with a point in light armor to avoid penalties. After those skills are solid, I'd like to pick up Alchemy, Move Silently and Hide in Shadows. Beyond that, what other skills would be worth it? Particularly, Mercantile, Foraging and Skullduggery? I've read on the forms that book 2 requires specialization more than book 1; am I going to get in trouble from spreading my skill points too thin if I start pumping all of those skills? In combat I'm planning on freely switching between magic and piercing weapons, depending on what makes sense for the situation.

For attributes, I'm planning on pumping Dexterity and Perception, while bringing up Intelligence as necessary. Is focusing on those attributes sufficient, or should I also pay some attention to Concentration and Endurance? Also, when a skill is linked to two attributes, does it hurt you to have one very high and the other low instead of having both moderately high (assuming both scenarios sum to the same number)?

I plan on playing at the hardcore rule levels, but I'm not too concerned about the challenge games. If I can pick one or two up easily enough, fine, but I'm not going to make the game more frustrating for it.

[Randomizer]

For attributes, I'm planning on pumping Dexterity and Perception, while bringing up Intelligence as necessary. Is focusing on those attributes sufficient, or should I also pay some attention to Concentration and Endurance? Also, when a skill is linked to two attributes, does it hurt you to have one very high and the other low instead of having both moderately high (assuming both scenarios sum to the same number)?

Perception will give you your mana pool for spells and improve your chance of spotting hidden items and traps. Dexterity will help with picking locks, to hit, and base armor. You will also need some Strength to increase damage and carry items, especially armor and all that loot.

Concentration helps with removing traps and to hit for this type of character, and it also helps a little with carrying things. Endurance helps with resistances and hit points, but I've played thieves with low hit points. If you have enough armor that isn't a problem.

When two attributes are linked to a skill, it's the total that makes a difference and not which one is higher or lower.

[goodman]

Initially I'm planning to concentrate on elemental magic, pick locks, and piercing weapons with a point in light armor to avoid penalties.

If you play as a mage all you need are perseption and meditation. Forget about LA, meelee weapons and other skills like alchemy - you may want them for fun only.