Rogue
Source: Player's Handbook
A Rogue is an essential component to any dungeon-crawling party, either as a hireling or a player character. Their ability to detect and disarm traps can make an otherwise deadly dungeon survivable, and their non-combat versatility is unmatched. No other class receives as many skill points, or as diverse a selection of skills.
Pros
- High number of Skill Points (8+Int)
- Good Reflex saving throw
- Sneak Attack
- Able to detect most traps
- Impressive dodging capabilities
- Class Skill: Use Magic Device
Cons
- Relatively small Hit Dice (d6)
- Poor Fortitude and Will saves
- Significant reduction in capabilities when wearing anything heavier than Light armour
In Combat
The role of a rogue in combat tends to be more tactical than a Fighter or most other characters. This is because a Rogue's primary combat ability (Sneak Attack) only functions when an opponent would be denied their dexterity bonus to AC, and the Rogue is within 30 feet of the target. This requires them to remain in close proximity, but not in a direct combat. Rogues often attempt to flank their targets, both as a setup for their Sneak Attack, and to support the party member who is keeping the enemy's attention away from the Rogue.
A Rogue tailored to combat should consider investing skill points into Jump and Tumble for improved mobility in battle, Bluff and Intimidate for drawing out vulnerabilities in their opponents, Hide and Move Silently to perfect the element of surpirse, as well as Balance and Climb to make the most of their environments (a Rogue climbing a tree in combat and sniping from a position with some measure of safety), for example.
As Explorers
Rogues make effective characters to scout ahead of the party, as they are able to detect (and disarm) traps that are beyond the abilities of other characters, and their stealth abilities allow them to return to the party without being detected. This can grant a party the time needed to prepare for an encounter, knowing what lurks around the corner.
Rogues who intend to perform scouting tasks for a party would do well to take ranks in Decipher Script (for interpreting potential warning symbols for traps), Search and Disable Device (to detect and neutralize traps), Hide and Move Silently to remain undetected, Listen and Spot to remain aware of nearby danger, and Open Lock to ensure that a scouting mission is thorough.
As Thieves and Spies
A Rogue's ability to pass unseen through well-secured locations is the stuff of legends. Characters employing such skills may find that they often come into possession of things that would otherwise not belong to them: trinkets, artifacts, and even bits of closely-guarded information. There is a need to move these goods, and to do so in a discreet fashion. Recommended skills include Gather Information and Knowledge (local) to know who wants what and where to find it, Appraise and Sense Motive to know the worth of what is wanted, and the social capabilities to negotiate the best terms for the exchange of goods (Bluff, Diplomacy and Intimidate all have use in this regard).
Why Should I Play a Rogue?
Due to their versatility, Rogues may appeal to many players. Rogues often avoid being in the line of fire in combat, but face danger more directly than any other character in their confrontations with traps. Players who prefer sneaking about, being able to utilize a wide range of skills, and escaping danger despite constant exposure to it may enjoy playing a Rogue.
Source Material Referenced in this Article
