Guild Wars 2

80 thief speaking here. Having no trouble clearing mobs in PvE with only 25 points in defensive traits. Never really had a big problem with PvE, even with dungeons (although I have yet to do much PvP/WvW). It is possible you are building incorrectly, but I doubt that is the issue. Maybe your having an issue with the mechanics, again though I doubt that is the issue. I cant tell what is the problem here, except that maybe you feel viable build is “boring”, which is most likely the case. I can assure you though, the Thief is not under-powered in PvE or dungeons by any length at all.

Holstras Refuge only has two bears, no skill challange available. North of Lost Child Sorrows there is supposedly a skill challange but again nothing is there.