Maple Story - "The adventure awaits you..after all, it's your story."

Thief/Rogue/Assassin/Hermit Guide v3.0.

Made by: [email protected]/xChrome/Reuben Reyes

DISCLAIMER: MapleStory and all therein belong to Wizet and/or Nexon, 
I make no profit from this. I do, however, take credit for this guide.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

VERSION HISTORY:

August 20 ('07), 3.0: Made major changes to the guide, updated and 
added more thief builds, etc. Made guide up to date with current 
version.

September 30, 2.0: Added Hermits to the guide.

August 26, 1.5: Added a lot of important details, 3rd job info, fixed
a few errors.

June 2, 1.2: Added new build, new training spots. More 3rd job info.
simplified the AP distribution.

March 19, 1.1: Fixed DEX req. error, (sorry to those of you who 
messed up because of it.) fixed version error, fixed class info.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction

A. Introduction to MapleStory
B. Where to Download MapleStory
C. Requirements to Download MapleStory
D. Introducing Myself

II. How to Play

A. Initial (starting) Controls
B. About Customizing your Controls

III. About Thieves

A. Pros and Cons
B. Why choose an Assassin?
C. Assassin/Bandit comparison
D. Hermit/Chief Bandit comparison
E. Night Road/Shadower comparison
F. Banditsins

IV. Getting Started

A. Roll the Dice!
B. Welcome to Maple Island.
C. Ability Point distribution
D. Life in Maple Island

V. Victoria Island: The Adventure Begins

A. Becoming a Rogue
B. Skills / SP Distribution
C. Stars, Claws and Armor
D. What to train on?
E. Financial Descisions

VI. An Assassin's life

A. Becoming an Assassin
B. Skills / SP Distribution
C. Training training...

VII. The Long Run: Becoming one of the pros

A. The Advantages of being a long-term Assassin
B. Becoming a Hermit
C. Hermit Skills
D. What to do now?
E. What to Expect

VIII. End Credits

A. A Special thanks to..
B. Contacting me
C. Disclaimer
____________________________________________________________________

I. Introduction

A. Introduction to MapleStory

MapleStory is one of the world's most successful 2-D MMORPGs massively
multiplayer online role playing game). It's created by Wizet and 
sponsored by Nexon (or the other way around, not sure >_>;;).

Anyways, there are lots of choices that you can make in the game,
as with many other MMORPGs. There are four classes, each with their
own unique arsenal, skills, and power. Warriors, Bowmen, Mages,
and Thieves are the four general classes in MapleStory, but
there are 34 classes available. 10 for the Warrior and mages, 7 for
the Bowmen and Thieves. We will be covering Thieves in this guide.
Also, there are 7 versions of MapleStory, South Korean being the 
first. Japanese and Chinese followed, and soon Taiwan, Thailand, 
Global (the version I'm covering), and now MapleSEA (South-East Asia
).
 

B. Where to Download MapleStory

To get MapleStory Global version (gMS for short), go to 
www.mapleglobal.com, or www.nexon.net. Click on the MapleStory
redirection link and click on "Downloads" once on mapleglobal.com, 
and you will find the .EXE download file. Click on it and click RUN 
to download it, or SAVE to save the file to your desktop to download
later. Or, you can download it in .RAR format, in different parts 
if you have an older computer or a 56K internet connection. Make sure
your computer is compatible with the requirements to download 
MapleStory. 

C. Requirements to Download Maplestory

Here, I'll list the minimum requirements to download MapleStory.

CPU: Celeron 500 mHz
RAM: 64 mB
HDD: 300 mB space needed
OS: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
VGA: 3D acceleration card
Sound: N/A
Network: 56k modem (dial-up) 

With these settings, you can download MapleStory and play it,
but you'll experience some lag and opening it might take a while.

D. Introducing myself

I was being rude wasn't I? DON'T SLAP ME! -hides-

Ehh, I'm Reuben Reyes, Ben for short. This is my Assassin guide. 
*environment spins* Right now, I'm a level 8x Hermit (and loving it!) 
and I thought writing a guide might be fun. >_>;;. My IGN 
(in-game name) is ChaosXLegion. You can contact me in-game or e-mail 
me, or IM me on MSN, with my same e-mail. I also have a level 52 
(not active right now) BW Page, Xaenus and a level 24 Magician 
ChestIcies.. You can contact me through them, too. Enough about me, 
you beast. -hopes that you're not a stalker-

____________________________________________________________________

II. How to Play

A. Initial (starting) Controls

Your starting controls..are..

Arrow keys - Move
ALT - Jump
CTRL - Attack
1 - Chat to All (talk to the public)
2 - Chat to Party (talk to your party/group)
3 - Chat to Buddy (talk to your friends)
4 - Chat to Guild (talk to your guild)
Z - Pick up (Items, mesos (gMS currency), etc.)
x - Sit down (on bench or chair, if available)
M - Minimap (your current map)
W - World Map (of Victoria Island only)
E - Equipment (what you're wearing)
I - Inventory (what you have in your inventory)
S - Ability (your stats - STR, INT, DEX, and LUK)
H - Whisper (directly and privately to ONE player) (copies the 
player's name to clipboard)
K - Skill (your skills - unique to your job class)
R, P, and G - Groups window (Buddy list, party list, guild list and 
blacklist)
F1-7: Facial Expressions

Those are all the ones I can memorize, and the mandatory ones for
a good experience in MapleStory (MS for short).

B. About Customizing your Controls

You can also customize your controls for a comfortable playing
experience. You can customize your controls through KEY SETTINGS 
(on the toolbar at the bottom of the screen, the keyboard keys).

My personal controls:

CTRL - Drain (skill)
Shift - Lucky Seven (skill)
Q - Attack
W - Dark Sight (skill)
R - Inventory
T - Avenger (skill)
A - Claw Booster (skill)
S - Haste (skill)
D - Warrior Elixir (potion)
F - Pick up
G - Flash Jump (skill)
B - Ability
Page Up - Barbarian Elixirs
Page Down - Sorcerer Elixirs
Home - All Cure Potions
Insert - Shadow Partner
Delete - Buddy list
End - Guild list


And everything else is the starting controls.

As you can see above, you can assign your skills to specific 
keys on your keyboard.

You can also assign POTIONS (recover your health, mana points, and
can increase your stats for a temporary period of time) and return 
scrolls (bring you back to a certain town),for quick access to them.

____________________________________________________________________

III. About Thieves

A. Pros and Cons (of assassins)

Pros:

+ is one of the most popular classes in the game
+ makes quite a lot of money at levels 40 - 50+
+ has both ranged and physical attacks (somewhat)
+ skills are fun to use
+ has the hottest gear IMO.
+ has a wide variety of throwing stars
+ becomes very fast and strong at third and fourth job

Cons:

- is one of the most popular classes in the game
- is one of the most expensive classes until level 40
- can get confusing (EX: If you're gonna be an Assassin, many put
points into double stab, a bandit skill, since Assassins commonly 
use daggers IRL.)
- are known as "KS*-ers" (kill stealers**)
- stars are expensive (from +23 atk and up)
- buying scrolled claws is expensive and can take a while
- claws and claw scrolls (especially 30%) are very expensive

IMHO.

*KS stands for Kill-steal, killing a monster that another person has
already attacked, purposely or accidentally. Some people, however, 
do not know the actual definition of KS.

**a kill stealer is a person who KSes, purposely or accidentally.

B. Assassin/Bandit Comparison

The main difference between Assassins and Bandits: Assassins are 
ranged fighters, and bandits are close ranged fighters.

But people often argue about which is better.

Some people choose bandit because:

-They are somewhat cheaper
-Their skills involve multiple hits, and people like to see a lot of 
damage numbers pop up on the screen.
-A third job skill, Meso Explosion, is extremely powerful.
-Their daggers look cooler

I can counter against these statements.

-They are somewhat cheaper

Actually, their daggers are just about as expensive as any claw up to
level 70, where a Scarab is more expensive than a Kandine by a long 
shot. That and stars.

-Their skills involve multiple hits

This fact doesn't make bandits better. The damage of each hit in the 
attack is often low, and is the main reason why there are multiple 
hits. If it was just 1 or 2 hits, the skill would be extremely weak. 
But the skills are more flashy.

-Meso Explosion is extremely powerful

Yes, but it involves Mesos (the currency of MS). Mesos dropped by
monsters can add up to a lot of money, and if you don't loot it,
and instead use it for meso explosion, it will waste a lot of money.
Also, dropping money for meso explosion is also a waste.

But the skill is flashy.

-Their daggers look cooler

That's really just your own opinion. I personally like the Blue 
Dragon Sleeve, level 110 claw.

I'm not saying Assassins are better, I'm just disproving that 
Bandits AREN'T. Its all in your opinion about which class is better.


E. Hermit/Chief Bandit comparison

Before, there was a huge debate between which was better; Hermit or
Chief Bandit. I'll bring up current opinions of my friends and 
guildies, and counter them with facts.

-Avenger SUCKS.

Avenger is just a mob attack, like Iron Arrow. It's pretty useful.

-Chief Bandit is better because of Meso Explosion

Well, MExplosion is a very powerful skill, but it uses way too much
meso. Imagine if MExplosion was a CB's only skill. They'd be burning
so much money.

-Hermits own bandits all their skills rock.

Hermits do have better damage and speed than Bandits, but let's face 
the fact that Hermits are very repetitive (SP?) and Bandits can be 
much more fun.

-Assaulter SUCKS.

Assaulter stuns, and can be used for various other purposes, like 
rebounding after being knocked off a cliff, or just traveling. Its 
damage isn't too shabby either. It does the same (and eventually 
more) than Savage Blow, but its damage range is more unstable. Its
only disadvantage is that it can only be used when a monster is 
around.

-Hermits are overpowered!

Why do you think Hermits make up 70% of MapleStory's population?
L7 is superior to double stab, Hermit skills are more useful, 
Lucky Seven can and is used throughout a Hermit's life. The only 
reason Lucky Seven is so powerful is because it's our ONLY main 
attack until we get a decent Triple Throw.


E. Night Road/Shadower comparison

Night road and Shadower are Assassin and bandit 4th jobs. They're
currently out officially in kMS, gMS and cMS.

-Night Roadss suck, Assassination is a melee skill and Hermits have 
to use a claw to do it.

Assassination for Hermits has been removed.

-Shadowers own night roads! Assassination + Pickpocket = perfect
finishing attack - Meso explosion!

Assassination is only 4 hits. 4~6 coins come out of each hit with
pickpocket. That's only about 16~24 coins. That damage compared to
Assassination's damage is nothing. Besides, Assassination IS a 
finishing attack.

-Boomerang Step and Smokescreen can own any day.

Be aware of Smokescreen's cooldown time. Boomerang Step is a very 
fast and cool looking attack that acts as a telecast, so I can't 
exactly disagree.

-Venom and Ambush or Tornado will be heaven for training.

Yes, yes it will. But Shadowers get it too and can utilize it just 
as well as us with Challenge.

-Challenge for Shadowers is biased since it's melee only.

It is, but Hermits are better in damage and focus on range, it's the 

least they can do for Shadowers.



F. Banditsins

Banditsins are, well, half bandit half assassins. You have to be
rich to be one type of banditsin, and these are mainly made for fun.

Types of banditsins:

HYBRID:

These Banditsins level up as Assassins in the first job, and choose
BANDIT as their second job. THey use Stars and Claws until they 
can use Savage Blow (a bandit's main attacking skill) as their main 
attack. But they update and scroll both daggers and claws according
to their level, which can add up. The advantage of being this bandit
sin is that you level up faster up until level 45-50, and you can 
have fun using both Lucky Seven and Savage Blow to fght efficiently.

ASSASSIN-TO-BANDIT:

These banditins basically level up like assassins and choose bandit.
They continue to level up like assassins until they are able to use
Savage Blow efficiently. Unlike hybrid Banditsins, they 
discontinue updating their claws, and focus mainly on daggers. This
type of Banditsin is to level up faster during first job.

____________________________________________________________________

IV. Getting Started

A. Roll the Dice!

Yes, I mean that literally. >_O.

Ok, at character creation, you customize your character with the 
available clothes, weapons, armors, hairstyles and faces. 

After you've done that, you choose your name, and confirm to see
if it's not being used already. Now, you determine your starting
Ability Points.

Click on the red dice to randomly generate your stats. Once you get
your desired stats, click "create character" to create your 
character. Then select your character to begin playing.

But, you're gonna want the right stats.

A thief's main stats are LUK and DEX, and STR for STR bandits.
THere are four stats, STR, DEX, INT, and LUK.

Your stats should be like this:

STR: 4-5
DEX: ??
INT: 4-5
LUK: ??

As long as you have your STR and INT at 4 or 5 (4 in both being a 
"perfect roll"), you're fine. Your LUK and DEX don't matter at the 
start, as they'll end up the same as all other correct Assassins in 
the long run.

B. Welcome to Maple Island.

Yes, the Tutorial Island of MS. Here, you learn the basics of the 
game, how to communicate with NPCs, attacking monsters, etc. etc.

Since the training area has all the quests packed close together 
unlike the old Maple Island, you might want to actually take the 
time to do these quests since they're all only a conveyor belt away. 

Training? Why yes! Train only on Green and Blue Snails and Shrooms. 
Red Snails and everything else take too many hits and are much slower,
despite the higher EXP.
 
Now, get yourself to level 10 and head on over to Victoria Island,
you thief you!

C. Ability Point Distribution

For Assassins, this is how your AP should be distributed.

Since this section is highly misunderstood by many (Yes I got your
PMs in game, on AIM, through e-mail. I'll change it to make it so 
that it's easier to understand.)

Levels 1-10: points into DEX until 25, (not 20 as I said before,
sorry again if I messed you up) rest in LUK. What I mean is, put all
stat points into your DEX stat until it reaches 25 and no higher, 
and then pump all points into LUK until level 10.

Levels 11-40: LUK LUK LUK DEX DEX every 5 levels. Explanation:

Level x1: 5 points into LUK.
Level x2: 5 points into LUK.
Level x3: 5 points into LUK.
Level x4: 5 points into DEX.
Level x5: 5 points into DEX.
Level x6: 5 points into LUK.
Level x7: 5 points into LUK.
Level x8: 5 points into LUK.
Level x9: 5 points into DEX.
Level x0: 5 points into DEX.

"x" can stand for any number between 1 - 4. Simple algebra, people.
Simple algebra.

Levels 50+: The same as 10-40, only you go 8 LUK 2 DEX in a 10 level
range. Got it? Good. 

In-depth chart:

Level x1: 5 points into LUK.
Level x2: 5 points into LUK.
Level x3: 5 points into LUK.
Level x4: 5 points into LUK.
Level x5: 5 points into LUK.
Level x6: 5 points into LUK.
Level x7: 5 points into LUK.
Level x8: 5 points into LUK.
Level x9: 5 points into DEX.
Level x0: 5 points into DEX.

"x" can stand for any number between 5 - 20, that's levels 50 - 200. 
Remember that if later, you get some kind of DEX equipment that 
you're willing to use to cap your DEX so that you get more LUK, 
factor that in. For example if you have a pair of 7 DEX shoes and
you need 130 DEX for your Casters, cap your DEX at 123.

D. Life in Maple Island

Maple Island is only a Tutorial Island, don't expect anything TOO 
exciting here. (unless you find killing snails exciting. Whee.)

There are a few quests in store, and a few shops where you can buy
levels 1-10 weapons, and level 1 armor.

Otherwise, this place is boring. GET TO VICTORIA! (talk to Shanks
the ship captain in Southperry and pay him 150 mesos to go to 
Victoria)

____________________________________________________________________

V. Victoria Island: The Adventure Begins

A. Becoming a Rogue

Ok, you're level 10 and have 25 DEX right? Get your BUTT to Kerning
City and become a rogue NOW!

To get to Kerning, pay 150 mesos to the guy in the ticket booth in
Lith Harbor (the place where you arrive after leaving Maple Island),
and click on Kerning City as your destination.

Now, find the "Fusion Bar", go down the ladder in the bathroom,
and talk to Dark Lord, your job instructor. He'll say some stuff 
about your potential to be a thief, yadayada. He'll make you a thief
, increasing your MAX HP (and MP I think), and giving you 1 SP upon
leveling. I suggest you spend this point on NIMBLE BODY. 

Now get yourself a garnier and a few subis, and go west, young 
grasshopper! (go train yourself you lazy dog.)

B. Skills / SP Distribution

You guessed it, SP is short for skill point. Good job!

These are the skills available for the Rogue, and their general
descriptions. Skill increase info not available, too lazy. >_>;; 

Oh yeah, there are 2 skill types, passive and active. Passive means
that it works automatically, and active means that you have to 
activate it yourself. The three skill actions are support, buff, and
action. Support means that it increases defensive or evasive or 
accuracy stats, buff means that it increases attacking stats, and 
action means that the skill attacks or takes action on any monsters.

NIMBLE BODY - Master Level 20

Increases accuracy and avoidability.

Type: Passive (Support)


KEEN EYES - Master Level 8

Increases attacking range of throwing star 

Type: Passive (Support)



DISORDER - Master level 20

Decreses the Weapon defense and attack of the opposing monster, and 
stuns it temporarily. Melee attack.

Type: Active (Action)


DARK SIGHT - Master level 20

Become invisible to enemies, but not to yourself or other players.
Enemies won't attack you, but you can't attack them either. Your 
speed also decreases while Dark Sight is being used.

Type: Active (Support)


DOUBLE STAB - Master level 20

Quickly attack an enemy twice at once with a dagger, doing more 
damage as LUK and skill level increase. Melee attack.

Type: Active (Action)


LUCKY SEVEN - Master level 20

Throw 2 throwing stars at once, doing more damage as LUK and skill
level increase. Ranged attack.

Type: Active (Action)


SP DISTRIBUTION:

"Build A"

Lv. 10: Nimble body (1)
Lv. 11: Nimble Body (2), Keen Eyes (1)
Lv. 12: Keen Eyes (3)
Lv. 13: Keen Eyes (3)
Lv. 14: Keen Eyes (1) (Keen Eyes is now maxed), Disorder (2)
Lv. 15: Disorder (1), Dark sight (2)
Lv. 16: Dark sight (3)
Lv. 17: Dark sight (3)
Lv. 18: Dark sight (2), Lucky Seven (1)
Lv. 19: Nimble Body (3)
Lv. 20: Nimble Body (3)
Lv. 21: Nimble Body (3)
Lv. 22: Nimble Body (3)
Lv. 23: Nimble Body (3) 
Lv. 24: Nimble Body (2) (Nimble Body is now maxed), Lucky Seven (1)
Lv. 25: Lucky Seven (3)
Lv. 26: Lucky Seven (3)
Lv. 27: Lucky Seven (3)
Lv. 28: Lucky Seven (3)
Lv. 29: Lucky Seven (3)
Lv. 30: Lucky Seven (3) (Lucky Seven is now maxed)

This build is mainly to save money, as Lucky Seven isn't needed until
around level 27, where you start training at the Ant Tunnel, on 
Horned Mushrooms. This build also slightly improves your avoid 
and accuracy. 

At the end you should have:

Nimble Body 20 
Keen Eyes 8
Disorder 3
Dark sight 10 
Double Stab 0
Lucky Seven 20

(Thanks to Random69 for the new build)

"Build B (recommended)"

Lv. 10: Nimble Body (1)
Lv. 11: Nimble Body (2), Keen Eyes (1)
Lv. 12: Keen Eyes (3)
Lv. 13: Keen Eyes (3)
Lv. 14: Keen Eyes (1) (Keen Eyes is now maxed), Disorder (2)
Lv. 15: Disorder (1), Dark Sight (2)
Lv. 16: Dark Sight (3)
Lv. 17: Dark Sight (3)
Lv. 18: Dark Sight (3)
Lv. 19: Dark Sight (3)
Lv. 20: Dark Sight (3)
Lv. 21: Dark Sight (3)(Dark Sight is now Maxed)
Lv. 22: Lucky Seven (1), Nimble Body (2)
Lv. 23: Nimble Body (3)
Lv. 24: Nimble Body (2), Lucky Seven (1)
Lv. 25: Lucky Seven (3)
Lv. 26: Lucky Seven (3)
Lv. 27: Lucky Seven (3)
Lv. 28: Lucky Seven (3)
Lv. 29: Lucky Seven (3)
Lv. 30: Lucky Seven (3) (Lucky Seven is now maxed)

This build is similar, only maxing dark sight so when you get Haste 
later, there is no speed decrease. 

At the end you should have:

Nimble Body 10
Keen Eyes 8
Disorder 3
Dark sight 20 
Double Stab 0
Lucky Seven 20



C. Stars, Claws, and Armor

This is how you should buy your equipment to save a little money. If
you're funded, ignore this.

Lv. 10-35: Level 1 gear, Subi, Garnier until 25 (at which point, you
can equip a Meba. Try to scroll the Meba +7 with 100% scrolls.)

Lv. 35-40: Level 35 top and bottom, Pilfer (red or black). You should
have enough money for a few kumbis by now, if you've been saving your
money. Keep your Meba until 40. Try to get a 4 attack work glove at 
this point.

Lv. 40-50: Keep your 35 top and bottom until 50, at which point you
try to get a PERFECT China set (4 LUK top, 2 LUK bottom). At level
40, you should have a +7 Adamantium or Dark Avarice at your disposal.
By the mid forties, you should have a decent amount of Kumbis, and
maybe a few tobis if you've been saving your money. Also, at this 
point you should have an Icarus cape. Scroll it if you have the money, 
with LUK preferrably unless you plan to go low DEX. Try to go for a 
work glove (4 or higher is what I had)

Level 50-60: If you have a 3 LUK pilfer, keep it. Get a Napoleon of 
your choice if you want, or keep your Icarus. By now, you should have
a few  tobis, and icicles to replace your Kumbis. A 33 (at least) 
attack slain will do, for now. If you have enough money, try to get 
a higher attack slain. If you think you can, try and get a 6+ attack 
glove. At this point you should have some Drain, which will save you 
money by reducing the amount you spend on HP pots.

Level 60-70: Stay with your slain, granted it's at least 38 attack.
Otherwise get a 40+ Gigantic. Keep your level 50 China as well, and 
get a Silver ID, 4 LUK and at least 1 DEX. That extra 1 DEX isn't 
much, but it benefits you more than a Dark ID. Also, try to get a 
LUK cape or DEX snowshoes at this point, for a few extra points in 
LUK. 

Level 70-80: Get a 42 (at least) attack Scarab, any kind. Have a LUK
robe/cape at hand. You should have several tobis, maybe two or three
Steelies. Keep your Identity, should be Dark, 4-5 LUK by now. If 
you've saved your money efficiently from all that Draining in the 
past levels, get even more stars.

Level 80+: Keep your Scarab. Period. Your gear is all up to you. Go 
for a Zakum Helmet, swap to a LUK Sauna if you haven't already. Go 
get a Red Craven if you have the money and DEX. 




D. What to train on? (unfunded)

This is what I trained on through lvls 10-30. It saves a bit more 
money.

10-21: Slime Tree (slimes)

21-26: Pig Beach, the Rainforst East of Henesys (pigs and ribbon
pigs).

27-30: Ant Tunnel 1 (horned mushrooms), Mushroom tree (green and 
horned mushrooms)


DI: What to train on? (funded)

If you're funded and want to level fast and have money to spend, 
train on these.

10-15: Slime Tree (slimes)

16-21: Pig beach, Rainforest East of Henesys (pigs and ribbon pigs)

22-25: Horned mushrooms (Tree Dungeon IV, Ant Tunnel I)

26-30: Horned mushrooms, Wild boar, Zombie mushrooms (Ant tunnel,
Land of Wild Boar I and II)


DII: What to train on? (Highly funded)

If you're funded, and have loads of money to spend, or have godly 
equipment, train here.

10-21: Exchange quest

21-30: Ant Tunnel I (Horned Mushroom, Undead Mushroom)

DIII: What to train on? (Outside support)

If you have a friend to help you, train here.

10-22: Exchange quest or Mushroom Garden or Slime Tree (Orange 
Mushrooms, Slimes)

22-30: Boomer party at New Leaf City with Mist (Boomers, Urban Fungus,
Urban Slimes)

Boomer Parties In-Depth (Credits to sharkbait474):

"Boomer parties work like this. You have a Poison Mister (A F/P 
Mage, of course) to Mist all of the Boomers in your spot/map. The 
EXP is much faster if other people kill properly and if you are 
partied with the F/P. The Boomers will multiply upon reaching 1 HP, 
and there will be a ton of them by the time others start killing. 
Depending on your level, in a 2 person party with you and the F/P, 
you leech about 15 - 20+ experience per Boomer including party EXP, 
and they die FAST, about 10+ per second. This EXP is great even at 
higher levels."


E. Financial Descisions

If you're unfunded, try not to get your level's equipment until level
35. Don't get the level 40 gear, unless you want a pilfer, since they
look cool. Always, ALWAYS train on something you can 1-2HKO. Anything
else will waste your pots and time. Do NOT get a claw higher than a
Meba (100% scrolled) until level 40, where you get an Adamantium or
Dark Avarice. Also, do NOT get the level 60 set, or level 60 claw. 
Unless you have the money for a Gigantic, the level 60 claw. Get a 
fairly scrolled level 50 claw (Slain). Also, don't bother trying to 
get a Dark Identity (4 LUK) at level 60. They're 1m more expensive 
than a Silver ID of the same stats. Instead, get a 4 LUK Silver ID 
(1-2m) or Bronze ID (x00k-1m). And at higher levels, when you have 
enough money, try to market as much as you can, to get rich
and make profit.
____________________________________________________________________

VI. An Assassin's Life  

So you're level 30, and are ready to move on? Say no more, for you're
an Assassin from here..

A. Becoming an Assassin

Obviously, you don't become an Assassin right away. You have to pass
a test. However, before you take this test, I recommend you stock up
with a few HP and MP pots, as much as a regular repot to you, or 
more, because this test may take a while.

Now that you've stocked up on potions and allocated your SP and AP,
go talk to Dark Lord again and he'll blab about how much stronger 
you've become and give you the chance to become stronger. Say yes,
and he'll give you a note to give to his apprentice in the 
Construction Site North of Kerning City. This is how to get there if
you don't know:

Kerning City -> EAST EXIT -> Sunset Sky -> EAST EXIT -> The 
Construction Site North of Kerning City

The 2nd job guide is on top of a transformer on an electric pole.
Talk to him, and give him the letter, and you'll take the test. 
He'll give you details on the test, which I'll give you now.

In the test, you must find 30 DARK MARBLES killing Cold Eyes and
Blue Mushrooms. These are modified so that you can kill them in 3-4
hits. The monsters give no experience, but you lose experience if 
you die, and they do the same damage as a regular monster of their
kind. And the marbles only drop in a 1 to 3 ratio. That means that
only 1 out of 3 monsters will drop a marble. Once you have collected
30 marbles, talk to the 2nd Job Instructor to get a PROOF OF HERO, 
and give it back to Dark Lord at the Fusion Bar. He will then give
you a choice of Bandit or Assassin, and, you obviously choose 
Assassin. He will give you a bit of HP and MP, and 1 SP for your
second job skill. Congratulations, you're an Assassin!

B. Skills / SP Distribution

The skills of an Assassin are as follows:

CLAW MASTERY - Master level 20

Increases the mastery of the throwing stars and accuracy, also gives
more stars to recharge. Only applies when the character is equipped
with a claw.

Type: Passive (Support)


CRITICAL THROW - Master level 30

Allows the character to hit a critical shot at an enemy with a 
certain success rate.

Type: Passive (Buff)


ENDURE - Master level 20

Allows the character to recover more HP and MP, even while hanging on
a rope or ladder. HP and MP recovery increases as skill levels up.

Type: Passive (Support)


CLAW BOOSTER - Master level 20

Increases the attacking speed of the claw. Only applies when the
character is equipped with a claw.

Type: Active (Buff)


HASTE - Master level 20

Temporarily increases the speed and jumping ability of everyone in 
the party, or just you if you are not in a party.

Type: Active (Buff..?)


DRAIN - Master level 30

Absorbs some of the damage dealt to the enemy as HP. Can only 
absorb 1/2 of the enemy's HP at max.

Type: Active (Action)


SKILL POINT DISTRIBUTION

I'll make this shorter for you. I won't list it level-by-level, 
I'll just show you the order of which to max and level up.

"Build A"

Claw Mastery (3)
Critical Throw (30) (MAX)
Claw Mastery (2)
Claw Booster (6)
Haste (20) (MAX)
Endure (3)
Drain (30) (MAX)
Claw Mastery (17) (MAX)
Endure (2)
The last few points can be spent on whatever.

"Build B"

Claw mastery (3)
Critical THrow (30) (MAX)
Claw Mastery (2)
Claw Booster (5)
Haste (20) (MAX)
Endure (3)
Drain (3)
Claw Mastery (12)
Drain (27) (MAX)
Claw Mastery (5) (MAX)
Endure (2)
The last few points can be spent on whatever also.

C. Training training..


Training guide time!

Lv. 30-36: Boomers, Crows, Evil Eyes, Zombie Mushrooms
Lv. 37-49: Boomers, Teddies, Pink Teddies, Evil Eyes, Curse Eyes
Lv. 50-55: Boomers, Lunar Pixies, Copper Drakes, Drakes, Jr. Yetis, 
Hectors, Stone Gollem, Flyeyes
Lv. 55-59: Boomers, Luster Pixies, Coolie Zombies, Jr. Yetis, Drakes
Lv. 60-66: Boomers, Coolie Zombies, Mixed Stone Gollems, Gryphons, H
ectors, Yetis (Transforming), Grupins, Luster Pixies, Flyeyes
Lv. 67-70: Boomers, Coolie Zombies, Mixed Stone Gollems, White Pangs,
Yetis, Pepe, Luster Pixies, Grupins
_____________________________________________________________________

VII: The Long Run: Becoming one of the pros

Now, I don't use the term "pro" a lot, because there is no actual 
"pro" in MS. Being high leveled doesn't make you a pro, you're just 
a high level. I just use the term "pro" so that other people who DO
use it often will understand what this section is about. I dont want
people at a high level thinking that they're above all others in all
concepts.

...besides, we're all pros on the inside...>_>;;

A. The Advantages of Being a Long-term Assassin

Now that you're an Assassin in your 50's-60's,people will look up to
you. They'll think you're strong, even if you're not. Some people 
will even pay you for making it that far. I know, it's happened to
me. Now that you're a high leveled Assassin, people will want you 
for Yepe (Yeti & Pepe) parties. They'll want you for other quests
that require parties. You might even make money from people asking
for Haste. Now, this probably encourages you to continue on with
your Assassin, but trust me, you'll get bored.

Now, read on.


B. Becoming a Hermit

Level 70, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. All your time and effort doesn't
all go to waste here; at this point we basically dominate every class
except Rangers and Snipers.

Here, how to become a Hermit.

Go to El Nath, Chief Residence (the big wooden house on the bigass 
ledge). Talk to AREC (The mystic with the scar on his face) and click
on the "I'd like to take the 3rd job Advancement" option. Given 
you're level 70, he will allow you to do so and instruct you to go 
speak to Dark Lord back in Kerning. Talk to him, and he will tell you
to go fight his anti, located in MONKEY SWAMP II, in the Kerning 
Sewers. Once there, click on the DOOR OF DIMENSION and walk through
the tunnel. Go down to the bottom-left-hand side of the map, where
Dark Lord will be hiding behind a few crystals. Defeat him (he's 
quite easy. He summons Tauromacis, has an Avenger attack doing ~1000 
damage, a regular star attack doing ~1500 damage, and ~800 touch 
damage. He's very slow.) and pick up the BLACK CHARM. Return it to 
Dark Lord back at the Fusion Bar and he'll award you with the 
NECKLACE OF STRENGTH.

Now, go back to Arec and give the Necklace of Strength to him. He 
will instruct you to go to the HOLY GROUND AT THE SNOWFIELD and speak
to the HOLY STONE. Bring one refined DARK (not black) CRYSTAL, and
go to the HOLY GROUND*. Speak to the Holy Stone, and he'll ask you 
five questions. The questions are also very easy. They include 
monster etc. drops, town NPCs, etc. They are very easy and obvious. 
Answer these correctly, and bring the awarded NECKLACE OF WISDOM to
 Arec. Beware that if you get one question wrong, you will have to 
refine another Dark Crystal and start over.

If you answered correctly, Arec will explain the skills of the Hermit
and give you the Skill book, thus granting you the job advancement.
Congratulations, you're now a Hermit!

*The Holy Ground at the Snowfield is located inside an obvious wooden 
door at Sharp Cliff II. If you don't know how to get there, I'll 
tell you:

From El Nath, keep going east until you reach Cold Field II. Then, 
take the upper portal and keep climbing up until you reach Ice Valley
II. Take the tunnel to the level 50 area and proceed up to Sharp 
Cliff II, and proceed up until you see the door. Enter the door, and
drop down to where the Holy Stone is located.



C. Hermit Skills

If you've read this before, you might have seen that I was NOT 
covering Hermits. Now that I am one, I can help you out more. 

Skills:

Shadow Partner (Master Level 30)- Creates a copy of yourself to fight with you.
Type - Active (Buff)

Avenger (Master Level 30)- Throws a large shuriken-like star that 
hits up to 6 enemies at once.
Type - Active (Action)

Flash Jump (Master Level 20)- Jump once in the air, and jump again. 
It's quite fun, even at level one.
Type - Active (Action...or Support)

Meso Up (Master Level 20)- Increases the amount of mesos you pick 
up. It's a party skill, so it really helps. See, if you pick up 1000 
mesos, instead of picking up 1000, you'll pick up 1500. Not sure if 
this is a fact, I'm just using it as an example.
Type - Active (Support)

Shadow Meso (Master Level 20)- Throws a hardened Meso coin or note 
at the enemy for damage. I don't recommend getting this skill, since
it wastes your mesos, and it's about the same damage as L7. THe only
advantage is that it doesn't use any stars and that it super crits 
once in a while. You should have plenty of stars anyway, right? Plus
Soul Javelin in 4th job makes this skill nearly useless.
Type - Active (Action) 


Alchemist (Master Level 20)- Increases the effect of potions and 
stat increasing items of sorts. By 50%, I believe. This skill is 
more useful to you than Meso Up in making and saving mesos, 
especially in MP potions.

Shadow Web (Master Level 20)- Uses a clone of oneself to trap the 
enemy in place. Melee.
Type - Active (Action)

Yaya, Hermit build!

Build A (Flash Jump, Avenger first)

Avenger (5)
Flash Jump (1)
Shadow Partner (30 MAX)
Avenger (25 MAX)
Flash Jump (19 MAX)
Alchemist (20 MAX)
Meso Up (20 MAX)
Shadow Web (20 MAX)
Shadow Meso (whatever you have left)


Build B (Flash Jump early)

Avenger (5)
Flash Jump (1)
Shadow Partner (30 MAX)
Flash Jump (19 MAX)
Avenger (25 MAX)
Alchemist (20 MAX)
Meso Up (20 MAX)
Shadow Web (20 MAX)
Shadow Meso (whatever you have left)

Build C (Pure SP) (recommended)

Shadow Partner (30 MAX)
Avenger (5)
Flash Jump (20 MAX)
Avenger (25 MAX)
Alchemist (20 MAX)
Meso Up (20 MAX)
Shadow Web (20 MAX)
Shadow Meso (whatever you have left)

Build D (1 Avenger, Pure SP) (recommended)

Avenger (1)
Shadow Partner (30 MAX)
Avenger (4)
Flash Jump (20 MAX)
Avenger (25 MAX)
Alchemist (20 MAX)
Meso Up (20 MAX)
Shadow Web (20 MAX)
Shadow Meso (whatever you have left)


D. What to do now?

Well, um, train yourself with your new flashy Hermit skills you lazy
nub!11!1!!!!1111!!11ONE11ONEFOURSHIFTONE11!!

Go show off to your friends, or just random people. Go hunt some 
strong monster. Hunt your level 80 gear. I dunno, it's just that
most people get bored at this level. I'll add more from other 
Hermits next update.


E. What to Expect

What to expect out of yourself? SPEED, POWER, AND EVASIVENESS THAT'S
WHAT!!

Um, you can wait for 4th job..which will be released..a few months
after the kMS release. >_>;; Expect..to be envied by several 
people at a lower level than you. Expect to be looked up to highly.
Expect to look flashy throwing your cash shop fireballs and water
balloons, once they come out.

This is pretty much the end of my guide, so good luck with your
Thiefness.
_____________________________________________________________________

VIII. End Credits

Well, this is it. We part here. I'll never forget you, old friend, 
with your practical jokes..and beating me to a pulp, burning my 
house to a pile of ashes..

No wait, that was my 5th birthday party. Whoops!

A. A Special thanks to..

I'd like to thank..

CJayC, for creating GameFAQS, and for hosting my guide.

The Reverie guild for helping me through my emocidal period
(Level 74).

Reverie again for being awesome.

DRCsyntax, the founder of TWM, the guild I'm in, for giving me some
or most of the information of how to be a good Assassin.

ExAtlas, another TWM member, helped me get to 50, and motivated me 
to get as far as I am now. Being a 5x Assassin made me want to write
a guide about Assassins, as I'm pretty experienced..had one in Beta
too.

Myself, for powerleveling me (Being a Hermit is oh-so sweet.)

The community of onRPG's former Forum 57, the Maple Story forum, for
helping me, giving me tips on how to be an Assassin, leading to this
guide.

And you, the readers, especially, for taking the time to read this
guide. I hope all this information doesn't go to waste. >_O


B. Contacting me

You can reach me in the following ways:

E-mail: [email protected], make sure that you put "MSGUIDE" as 
the subject, because for some reason, some of my mail from other 
people is randomly filtered to my Junk Folder, which I am always 
checking now. So just put MSGUIDE on the subject line to make 
sure I'll read it, if it's related to this guide.

Note: I will not reply to any obscene insults. I will only reply to 
insults if they are accompanied with suggestions or contributions 
to the guide. Thanks if you're e-mailing me about something wrong in 
the guide, if I know it or not. You're trying to help. Again, I will
only reply to insults with no obscene language if it's accompanied 
with suggestions or contributions. 

AIM: FLmBsTiN

In-game: ChaosXLegion, Xaenus, or ChesticIes, on Scania.


C. Disclaimer

This guide may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except 
for personal, private use without my permission. It may NOT be hosted
on ANY website other than the ones listed below without my consent.
If you print out a copy for your friend, that's fine, but I don't 
want you telling random people about this guide, or even advertising 
it. Also, I don't want you using this guide for any profit 
whatsoever, in real life or in-game. All of the above are copyright
infringement.

But. I authorize this guide to be hosted only by the following sites:

GameFAQs [http://www.gamefaqs.com/]
NeoSeeker [http://www.neoseeker.com/]
CheatCodes [http://www.cheatcodes.com/]
And any other sites that request my permission.

Thanks again for reading my guide.

Copyright (C), 2006 ChaosXLegion/Reuben Reyes

Remember, ilu2. <3