D&D 5E Thug Rogue

[famousringo]

A lot of rogue abilities beef up Cunning Action. A bonus action Intimidate check to gain advantage on your next attack or bonus action trip attack might be appropriate.

Thug's ought to be better than most at manhandling, and of course Athletics Expertise is a good way to handle that, but perhaps they should get a special perk, like moving at full speed with a grappled foe. Hm, I guess Cunning Action covers that, too. Maybe poach a trick from Grappler or Tavern Brawler feats?

Another idea. Knowing how to hit somebody for maximum pain, a target that takes damage from a thug's sneak attack has disadvantage on its next single attack or skill check, or perhaps a movement penalty.

In addition to being more brutish than your average rogue, they're tougher too, so a +1 HP per level to bring them in line with fighters or gaining proficiency in STR or CON saves might be appropriate.

 

[Lidgar]

You can try the Brigand I home-brewed here - which plays off many of the same things you did.

In fact I think there are plenty of variations on this theme on DM's Guild. Search "ruffian" "thug" and "brigand".

 

[Ancalagon]

A thug? A barbarian or fighter with either the street urchin or criminal background. Done.

 

[rgoodbb]

Yeah, but the question is: why? If you were to run around sneak attacking with a greatsword, then you'd be getting the same +1d6 damage as if you were dual wielding shortswords. The fact that you're saving your bonus action is good... but you're losing damage (that second chance to hit with sneak attack) to do so. If you're going for bigger one-handed weapons, then they max out the same as a rapier... which you already had access to.

The only real reason for the restriction is flavor.

Now that said to me once you escalate to two-handed weapons (or even start wielding a mace and a shield), you've left the realm of the rogue and entered the realm of fighters or spell-less rangers.

Yeah. It's definitely a flavour thing for me. Sneaking with a maul or a great axe doesn't mix. Sneak weapons (for me) should be fast and silent and maybe easily hidden. The rapier loses the last quality but has that swashbuckling flavour going for it. The Sap/club works for the strength rogue flavour as the bully weapon; still small, quick and easily hidden. Once you start using two hands, I agree we are sliding away from the rogue's realm.

 

[Xeviat]

A thug? A barbarian or fighter with either the street urchin or criminal background. Done.

The specific encounter has npcs that were rogues in 3E, so I'm maintaining that.

I'll check out those DMs Guild postings.


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[TheCosmicKid]

Sneaking with a maul or a great axe doesn't mix.

Best part of Morrowind, though. Mmm, triple damage with a Bell Hammer...

 

[Xeviat]

Also, rogues don't necessarily have to be sneaky. They fight dirty. A fighter puts up a shield and strikes with technique. A rogue throws sand in your eyes and smashes your leg.


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