Combat Style + Rogue = Coolness?

[DragnLancr]

Alright, so I was wondering what y'all thought of my new character class, cause my DM (who's a rather new DM and not very open to very many new things yet) isgoing to let me do it, but doesn't like it.

So here's the thing:

Take the basic Rogue class. Remove the trapfinding and trap sense abilities. Add the Combat Style feature from the Ranger class. That's it.

Any comments?

 

[CRGreathouse]

It's very strong.

 

[Arkhandus]

I'd make you ditch the Uncanny Dodge abilities too. As-is, you're just giving up two situational non-combat abilities of minor to moderate usefulness, which may or may not even be useful depending on campaign type, in exchange for a few directly- and frequently-useful combat bonus feats. At least giving up Uncanny Dodge abilities would sorta compensate (but I'd still remove the Trapfinding and Trap Sense too). Though, I'd also be willing to swap Disable Device as a class skill in exchange for Knowledge (war) for this character, in fitting with the different orientation of such a Rogue.

New DMs should definitely be wary of 'new' things and suggested houserules, IMO (so should experienced DMs for that matter, but they're more likely to notice any problems beforehand or at least adjust to them during play).

QUICK EDIT: Mind you, I'm assuming you mean this Rogue gets the later Combat Style benefits as well as the 2nd-level benefit (and I'm assuming you mean to gain that first benefit at 1st-level instead of 2nd).

 

[Vrecknidj]

I don't know that I like the Archery combat style option for a rogue. The two-weapon style seems good for the rogue. I'd probably build a new class and offer that as an alternative, instead of just do the swapping as you suggest.

But, the d6 and the good Ref saves seem a great place to start.

Dave

 

[Darklone]

Is there a special reason why you don't simply multiclass with ranger or barbarian? These builds work wonderfully. If you mind to miss the maxxed out sneak attack, rather ask your DM about some houserule feats with +1d6 to sneak attack or similar stuff?

That may be less of an ordeal for him than modifying a whole class.

 

[DragnLancr]

Ok. Thanks for the input.

As far as the Improved Combat Style and Combat Style Mastery, yes, I intend on recieving them as well. But, I'm not getting them at any earlier levels, in fact, I'm getting them at one later level than rangers do - Combat Style at 3rd, Improved at 7, Mastery at 12.

And yes, there is a reason why I don't want my character to multi-class into ranger or barbarian. My character doesn't fit the other abilities those classes get. He's a dual-light-crossbow-wielding sneak when it comes to combat, but a rather charming guy who does his best to stay out of direct confrontation. He fits the bill for bard much more than ranger or barbarian, but I don't want him to have the musical abilities the bard gets.

I also intend on talking to my DM about Improved Combat Style as well, because as it is, it provides Manyshot, which doesn't work with a crossbow.

If anyone knows of a better alternative than these changes to rogue, please, let me know, and thanks again for your input so far.

 

[monboesen]

but a rather charming guy who does his best to stay out of direct confrontation

Why would he even have sneak attack then, I would say that sneak attacking takes a lot of combat training.


It sounds to me like one of the Rogue class options from Unearthed Arcana fits your build better. You give up sneak attack and get bonus feats as a fighter instead.

That will leave you with plenty of feats to get all those nifty shooting ones. And even weapon focus and specialisation too.

 

[Arkhandus]

...I don't know what that guy's talking about. Sneak attack is all about avoiding direct confrontation (Rogues learn to strike the vitals in the hopes that an enemy will just fall over dead, or run away, after their first surprise attack). Sneak attack isn't about lots of combat training, just a little combat training that is very specialized and limited in its scope (and not good in a normal mano-a-mano fight out in the open).

As I said, your DM should definitely take away the Uncanny Dodge abilities from your Rogue in exchange for those combat feats (doesn't matter if some of those feats are gained later, it's still an even trade after all things are considered), but I would say that swapping the Manyshot feat for Rapid Reload would be acceptable in this case.

 

[Vrecknidj]

This all makes me think that a rogue-like class would be best build using something similar to the feats and talents system of d20 Modern.

Dave

 

[TheLe]

If anyone knows of a better alternative than these changes to rogue, please, let me know, and thanks again for your input so far.

Heya.

Perhaps I can help. Can you give me a better idea of what you want the Rogue to do? Are you looking to make him more of a combat oriented class? More versatile? etc.

I can probably think up of a couple abilities on the fly if you can give me a better idea of what you want.

`Le