I read a little about how sneaking will work in Age of Conan, and as far as I can tell the system makes more sense then the (invisi mode) equivalents seen in WoW and the like. But one question remains: If the sneaking is realistic and can be actively attempted by anyone what is the advantage of a rogue? Is there a better chance of success, or what?
Sort of. Here's what Athelan (one of the developers) said on the subject a few months ago:
"Everyone has access to sneaking/hiding and everyone has access to perception. Rogues will be able to move faster and raise their skills to higher levels of proficiency than non rogues will. You must use shadows in order to increase your chance of hiding but if you step in the light you will not be instantly revealed, it does affect the chances of someone getting the option to reveal you however. And there is no "vanish" ability for going into sneaking."