The only thing better than a rogue is a whole party of rogues.
Rogue is the only character I was able to clear everything before Gilded Vale with no trouble. Including the bear cave. I had to use consumables, but that is what they are there for. They don't need a mage to maledict, they get their own maledicts.
I'll agree that backstab is crappy. Stealth doesn't work well enough. You must have to dump all points ever into stealth to make it good enough.
Offense is the best defense in this game, so far. Though I've decided to play an orlan kind wayfarer philosopher anyway.
Seriously though, try a party of rogues. It's ridiculous.
I haven't tried druid yet though, maybe they rock more.
Sportsmanship killed CF