[Rataxes]

I'd say a Dwarf is better in the long run, with 25 points per level I'll soon have more than enough points in all necessary skills anyway. The only issue was which skills to prioritize in the beginning. I set Detect Illusion at 70, which was enough to dispel both Invisibility potions and their normal Hide in shadows. Didn't even touch Pick Pockets since I it wouldn't be of any use at all in the dungeon. Find traps, set traps and Open locks all at 70, Hide In Shadows/Move Silently was at 45/45 when I left the dungeon.

+++ Two Weapons
++ Katana
+ Flail

That's how I started out, got ++ in Flails now. I think the extra attack was far more useful than a a single extra AC bonus in the beginning. Against the tougher monsters in the first dungeon, the AC doesn't seem to matter anyway. Ilyich certainly hits me every time no matter if I have 2 or -5 AC. The main concern was killing them quickly. I've never been able to tank the tougher creatures in the first dungeon with any char I've tried. Even now (lvl 9/11, done Wuakeen's + Slum and just acquired Defender of Easthaven), I think the extra attack makes a far bigger difference than a +3 Shield that would add to an AC which would still be inadequate.

Noticed that I can detect stuff with armor on, also noticed that I can hide in shadows and then put on my suit [img]smile.gif[/img]

I've speculated on the total MR I could get with a single set of equipment. 60% with the Lum machine and Tear of Bhaal bonuses seems to be the most.

I plan to dual-wield Purifier +5 and Defender of Easthaven, with Ring of Gaxx and Amulet of Power, this would get me

30 + 10 + 5 + 10 +5 = 60%

Physical resist would be 80-85% as you said. Also using the Belt of Inertial Barrier to get 50% MDR.

What bonuses do you get in Hell for taking the evil path? (Never taken it)
I was checking out how an Evil Barbarian would do resistance-wise. 80-85% Physical resist just like the thief, and with the Human Flesh +5 he would get 50% MR. He's got some advantages that the Fighter/Thief doesn't, but also misses out on a huge amount of Thief abilities.