D&D 5E The Scout Rogue - how did it work out?

Tales and Chronicles · Sep 13, 2020

FrozenNorth said:
I agree with you. And because I’m lazy, when a Scout takes Survivalist, if they already have Nature or Survival (and I would expect most have at least one), they get Expertise in Nature and Survivalist, and Proficiency in 1 or 2 other skils.

I'm even lazier: since I care a lot for the first few level play experience but dont like how some archetypes gives proficiency in stuff that changes how a class works at level 3, I allow my players to take an advance on some ''extra proficiency'' lvl 3 features at 1st level.

So a valor bard could decide at level 1 that at 3rd he'll take the college of valor and gain the medium and martial weapon proficiency at 1st level.

I more of an honor system, but it works well.

WayOfTheFourElements · Sep 13, 2020

bedir than said:
I'm confused as to why background needs to be an indicator of intent towards a subclass. Can a farmhand not become a Evoker Wizard because they weren't studious growing up? No sages become Champions?

Sure. The farmhand gives up farming and apprentices as a wizard for a few years. The sage was rubbish at his studies, but he wasn't someone to pick a fight with. That's fine.

What I wouldn't accept would be: "Yesterday, I found his spell book in my uncles attic. Now today I'm a wizard."

bedir than · Sep 13, 2020

WayOfTheFourElements said:
Sure. The farmhand gives up farming and apprentices as a wizard for a few years. The sage was rubbish at his studies, but he wasn't someone to pick a fight with. That's fine.

What I wouldn't accept would be: "Yesterday, I found his spell book in my uncles attic. Now today I'm a wizard."

That would eliminate a lot of literature that inspired, or was inspired by, D&D

WayOfTheFourElements · Sep 13, 2020

bedir than said:
That would eliminate a lot of literature that inspired, or was inspired by, D&D

Like what?

Haldrik · Sep 13, 2020

UngeheuerLich said:
I would ignore every instance of "if you don't already have it", which the character generator in dndbeyond actually does (did the last time I checked) too.
The general rule is that you get a different skill if you already have it.
Some subclasses seem to forget that general rule.

An important point!

If a skill gained is redundant, then pick ANY skill. It completely opens up the list of choices. And it is actually better to get a redundant skill because of this.

After Xanathars, the list of options to choose from, should probably expand to include any tool proficiency.

So if the level 1 Scout already has Nature and Survival proficiencies, then when they reach level 3, they can choose ANY two skills or tools.

Undrave · Sep 13, 2020

WayOfTheFourElements said:
On another note, how smooth is the transition between rogue and scout at level three? I've always banned the scout sub-class because I worry the transformation is too jarring. On the other hand, I'd really like to be able to offer it to my players in the new world I'm creating.

Why not just use the Outlander background? Seems like it would bridge the gap well?

DND_Reborn · Sep 13, 2020

Ancalagon said:
Thank you for the input. Are you in a wilderness heavy adventure? If not, does it impact a lot?

A fair amount. I would say over all we are probably about 45% dungeon/installation, 35% wilderness, and 20% city. All three of which can involve exploration, which the Scout is good at.

ProfessorDetective · Sep 14, 2020

I've been theory-crafting a Scout using the UA Tracker feat for a while. Seems like an obvious pairing, if you're going the Not-A-Ranger route.

I'm thinking Wood Elf with Outlander, as well, but that may be a bit TOO obvious...

Ancalagon · Sep 14, 2020

WayOfTheFourElements said:
What I wouldn't accept would be: "Yesterday, I found his spell book in my uncles attic. Now today I'm a wizard."

Replace "wizard" with "warlock" and that's... pretty much bang on what can happen.

Ancalagon · Sep 14, 2020

ProfessorDetective said:
I've been theory-crafting a Scout using the UA Tracker feat for a while. Seems like an obvious pairing, if you're going the Not-A-Ranger route.

I'm thinking Wood Elf with Outlander, as well, but that may be a bit TOO obvious...

Wood elf outlander way of the kensai monk. KI? what Ki? you call upon the stars, the moon, the fireflies... You're basically Legolas

D&D 5E The Scout Rogue - how did it work out?

Tales and Chronicles

Jewel of the North, formerly know as vincegetorix

WayOfTheFourElements

Hero

bedir than

Full Moon Storyteller

WayOfTheFourElements

Hero

Haldrik

Hero

Undrave

Legend

DND_Reborn

The High Aldwin

ProfessorDetective

Explorer

Ancalagon

Dusty Dragon

Ancalagon

Dusty Dragon

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