Hi Jester!
First I agree with the other posters that an archery focused rogue is not the way to go. It is just too hard to find flatfooted opponents within 30' after the suprise/1st round of combat. If the campaign is going to be combat heavy the way to go is melee.
(The following assumes 3.5e) Take Two-weapon fighting and Weapon Finesse and maybe weapon focus in your light weapons of choice (short sword, dagger) the weapon doesn't really matter all that does is making sure you can flank and apply that +3d6 sneak attack damage. Or for a bit of variety take Combat Reflexes, Exotic WP Spiked Chain and Weapon Finesse. Maybe lower your Dex a bit to raise Int to 13 so you can take Combat Expertise and Improved Trip.
As for items to buy on 4300 gp... A +1 weapon is a must since DR starts to show up around 4-5th lv. That should run about 2300 gp. MW Studded Leather is the way to go if you keep the high Dex (180ish gp). Also buy a Cloak of Resistance +1 for 1000gp, save bonuses are always good. If you go two weapon style buy a second masterwork weapon for 300ish. Also don't forget the MW thieves tools. A few other odds and ends should round out your spending (alchemists fire, sun rods, maybe a tangle foot bag or two.
If you want even more combat effectiveness consider being a Ranger/Rogue. Ranger 2/Rogue 3 is a pretty solid combination. TWF and Tracking for free and hardly any loss of skill points from taking the ranger levels.
First I agree with the other posters that an archery focused rogue is not the way to go. It is just too hard to find flatfooted opponents within 30' after the suprise/1st round of combat. If the campaign is going to be combat heavy the way to go is melee.
(The following assumes 3.5e) Take Two-weapon fighting and Weapon Finesse and maybe weapon focus in your light weapons of choice (short sword, dagger) the weapon doesn't really matter all that does is making sure you can flank and apply that +3d6 sneak attack damage. Or for a bit of variety take Combat Reflexes, Exotic WP Spiked Chain and Weapon Finesse. Maybe lower your Dex a bit to raise Int to 13 so you can take Combat Expertise and Improved Trip.
As for items to buy on 4300 gp... A +1 weapon is a must since DR starts to show up around 4-5th lv. That should run about 2300 gp. MW Studded Leather is the way to go if you keep the high Dex (180ish gp). Also buy a Cloak of Resistance +1 for 1000gp, save bonuses are always good. If you go two weapon style buy a second masterwork weapon for 300ish. Also don't forget the MW thieves tools. A few other odds and ends should round out your spending (alchemists fire, sun rods, maybe a tangle foot bag or two.
If you want even more combat effectiveness consider being a Ranger/Rogue. Ranger 2/Rogue 3 is a pretty solid combination. TWF and Tracking for free and hardly any loss of skill points from taking the ranger levels.
