Another Uber-Rogue

[Cheiromancer]

Well, the crippler is more combat oriented than the "skill monkey" rogue, so a pre-requisite that hints at greater martial focus seems appropriate. Proficiency with all weapons seemed a way of acknowledging that.

The prestige classes you list either have weaker abilities (the loremaster's, for example, are generally pretty minor) or are for much higher characters (e.g. the archmage). And sneak attack plus a crippler ability is two abilities at a level, not one. Consider too that getting a special ability every level is three times as fast as a standard rogue. A specialist might get 1/2 levels (50% faster than a rogue) but 1/level seems excessive.

It's your call, of course, but that's where I'm coming from in my comments.

 

[jaker2003]

Consider too that getting a special ability every level is three times as fast as a standard rogue. A specialist might get 1/2 levels (50% faster than a rogue) but 1/level seems excessive

how about 3 crippler abilities and 2 sneak attacks? Also, I have no problem pushing the prereqs up to level 10 requirements.

 

[jaker2003]

What, no more to say?

 

[Cheiromancer]

What, no more to say?

how about 3 crippler abilities and 2 sneak attacks?

My recommendation: Give the crippler SA at even levels and crippler abilities at odd levels.

I thought it went without saying that over five levels there are three odd levels and two even levels.

 

[the Jester]

First, I would also recommend some prereqs that reflect a more martial stance. If not proficiency with all martial weapons, maybe a higher BAB (+7?) or a more 'straightforward' feat or two (Combat Reflexes or something?).

Second, it will be virtually impossible for anyone other than a rogue to enter this prc. I would change the skill prereqs a little- neither Disguise nor Heal seem tied to the sneak attack mechanic at all. I would also drop the sneak attack prereq to +2d6 and raise the BAB req to +7.

As to the balance of it all- I'd move SA to 2nd and 4th, and give crippler abilities at 1st, 3rd and 5th.

Frankly though, this wouldn't make it into my campaign- it isn't different enough from a SA-focused rogue to make the cut. Prestige classes that are just lists of feat choices don't do it for me. I think what this prestige class really needs is some flavor- either a more strongly defined role or a tie to an organization in the campaign.