Just wondering if the perks in each tree have to be unlocked by previous perks. For example on one of my characters I want to get the Backstab and Assassin's Blade perk, but the Deadly Aim perk comes in between. Since I wont be using a bow I was wondering if I could skip that perk, or that I would have to invest in it in order to unlock the Assassin's Blade perk. Heres a pic of what i'm talking about: http://i.imgur.com/XreS4.jpg

Yep you have to play connect the dots.

Damn that svcks. It means the Deadly Aim perk will be wasted for me.

If you use those three highly specific perk slots for something else like Alchemy or Enchanting you can likely do the same or more damage even when not sneaking.

True, but it seems stupid that you might have to take a perk you dont want just so that you can unlock a perk you do want. I wonder why Bethesda never thought a situation like that could occur.

They did. And they made it this way on purpose. Think of it like this: That Assassin's Blade perk is a really good one and it's appropriate that it takes four points to unlock it.

Everything is not about dps. It's sometimes about how the damages are dealt. I's about gameplay.

Maybe the OP just want to deal good damages while sneaking, cause it's the playstyle that he want.

I want to focus on melee orientated stealth, so thats why I want to take Backstab and Assassin's Blade perk, but it seems I have to take a perk I dont want (Deadly Aim) in order to take the Assassin's Blade perk, which will be a waste.