Guild Wars 2

How common is this build and what should I focus on? I am currently 73, and I, so far, have focused on power, precision, and crit damage.

Also is it unusual that I do not like using poisons, would prefer using caltrops, power signet, and smoke screen?

Power/Precision/Crit Damage will be a good stat setup for maximizing damage from Unload, which is good since thats you’re main damage skill with Pistol+Pistol. lack of condition damage will leave your auto-attacks (Which have low direct damage but stack bleed) a little worse off though, but thats probably not a big problem.

Venom skills can be useful but each of them can be replaced by something else to do the same job if you prefer. Venoms are very popular for dungeon PvE though because of Venomous Aura, which is a very very powerful offensive support trait. Its not necessary at all though. If your traits don’t include Venomous aura its good to take other skills that synergize well with the Pistols (Caltrops for kiting, Shadow Refuge for some safety and a Dark combo field, Smokescreen for taking on ranged enemies, etc.)

Crit dmg is good for dual pistols. No its not unusual at all that you don’t like using poisons.

The reason I ask is because it appears that d/p seems to be the common all around build, however, whenever I am in a dungeon, I am the one that the mob seems to be chasing, even when there is a “tank”

I rarely use d/p. I know others like it a lot but it all depends on your build and play style.

You will get attention from enemies, players or npc’s. Apparently its the thief curse. That attention will also follow you to the forums in the form of complaints and crying by other people.

If u wanna burst hard and get out fast d/d berserker/valkryie gear with vitality works awesome get in and out np.

I think the really important thing to remember here is, there’s no right or wrong way to do it use what you like and find a way to make that work for you. The beautiful thing about this game is that you can stat however you want and use your gear to balance yourself out. I LOVE my dual pistols and think they’re awesome in PVE and sPVP. In WvWvW however I carry a short bow instead, to me it’s much more useful in that instance. my other weapon slot is always D/D either way

I love D/P, but forget to use my poisons alot. P/P is tons of fun (I feel like I’m in a western) but the damage seems lower. If I time it right with D/P I can keep a mob blinded/dazed the entire fight and not take damage.

I love D/D but i wish it had more aoe but we can change to shortbow for that aoe but i rather have a trait that could make it so every few shots explode on impact dealing aoe damage to up to 2 or 3 other targets after the main target.

D/D has amazing AE, with some condition damage gear.

P/P is a good ranged slot when paired with S/P. Both are based around crit and crit dmg. I use P/P and S/P with a mix of Beserker and Valkyrie gear, 25/30/0/0/15.

I keep a shortbow handy for keep defense in WvW

Edit:
@Edgewright
I believe I am similar to you in that I dislike poisons and other Assassin type abilities. I try to keep my Thief as traditional as possible to the AD&D 2e Thief by using blinding powder, caltrops, roll for initiative. I also use signets a lot but I avoid poison, stealth and magical skills as they don’t fit my theme.