D&D 5E My new STR-based Rogue.

[jdrakeh]

So, for Adventurer's League, I've made a new character - a STR-based rogue. Very specifically, he's a variant human Rogue with the grappler feat who moves in for the grapple (to gain advantage on attacks against the grappled creature), then on subsequent turns uses his dagger (finesse weapon) to inflict sneak attack damage on his opponent. It's not super-effective, but it's certainly different and I've been having a lot of fun with it (as have my fellow players, who have affectionately dubbed him "the prison shanker").

 

[Warpiglet-7]

I’ve not pulled the trigger on it but thought about a mountain dwarf strength rogue, taking grappler at 4. Variety can be fun. I bet you will be fine! Headlock stab profit!

 

[DND_Reborn]

Yep, I did a STR-based rogue with a similar direction. It worked out well in the long-run. You should enjoy it since Expertise in Athletics makes you a grappling beast.

 

[jdrakeh]

Thanks for confirming that there may be some merit to this build! I look forward to playing him. I expect that I'll probably dip into some other classes at some point, but am unsure what those will be.

 

[DND_Reborn]

Depending on your ability scores and when you want to dip (and how deep), there are a lot of good options IMO for this concept.

Hope you enjoy it! I'd be interested in updates on how it comes along and what your experience is with it.

 

[jdrakeh]

I'd be interested in updates on how it comes along and what your experience is with it.

I'll update this thread as I continue to play Muscles, the Rogue (his actual name is Fezencloop).

 

[EzekielRaiden]

I'll update this thread as I continue to play Muscles, the Rogue (his actual name is Fezencloop).

He sounds like he was raised by gnomes! Hah.

But yes, Expertise in Athletics + high Str can make for a strong grapple-based build. I hadn't considered the auto-Advantage benefit in terms of Sneak Attack. Is there a Rogue subclass that particularly dovetails with this? Frankly, if there isn't one, I feel there should be.

 

[DND_Reborn]

Is there a Rogue subclass that particularly dovetails with this? Frankly, if there isn't one, I feel there should be.

Agreed. I always felt like Rogue was missing a "Thug" subclass, so STR-based with appropriate features.

Maybe I'll homebrew one and see what you all think?

 

[Shiroiken]

Agreed. I always felt like Rogue was missing a "Thug" subclass, so STR-based with appropriate features.

Maybe I'll homebrew one and see what you all think?

I think medium armor proficiency and sneak attack with the club, light hammer, and mace at level 3 would be a must. Beyond that... I got no idea.

 

[EzekielRaiden]

Agreed. I always felt like Rogue was missing a "Thug" subclass, so STR-based with appropriate features.

Maybe I'll homebrew one and see what you all think?

Sounds like a plan. If you somehow have access to the content, you might want to check out the 4e Rogue class features. One of the options you could choose was the Brutal Scoundrel, a Str-based option. Most 4e characters had two prime stats, their overall main stat like Dexterity for Rogues or Charisma for Sorcerers, and a secondary stat chosen by what 5e would call their subclass, e.g. Artful Dodger Rogues wanted Charisma and Dragon Sorcerers wanted Strength. I don't recall what the features of the Brutal Scoundrel were, but they overall had a criminal thuggish implication IIRC.

 

[Seramus]

Solasta released The Hoodlum in their most recent DLC.

The Hoodlum (Rogue):
When heads need crackin' and people beatin', Hoodlums are those you turn towards. These brutes may not be professional soldiers, but honor don't win you fights - violence does.

• Mean Mug (Level 3): The Hoodlum gains proficiency in Intimidation, or expertise in Intimidation if they were already proficient.
• The Right Tools (Level 3): The Hoodlum gains proficiency with martial weapons, medium armors and shields.
• Heavy Beating (Level 3): The Hoodlum can use Sneak Attack even when using non-finesse melee weapons.
• Menacing (Level 9): An enemy hit by the Hoodlum's Sneak Attack will have disadvantage on their attack rolls against the Hoodlum until the start of the Hoodlum's next turn.

 

[ECMO3]

So, for Adventurer's League, I've made a new character - a STR-based rogue. Very specifically, he's a variant human Rogue with the grappler feat who moves in for the grapple (to gain advantage on attacks against the grappled creature), then on subsequent turns uses his dagger (finesse weapon) to inflict sneak attack damage on his opponent. It's not super-effective, but it's certainly different and I've been having a lot of fun with it (as have my fellow players, who have affectionately dubbed him "the prison shanker").

I played a Grappler Rogue/Fighter once.

She had tavern brawler feat, unarmed fighting style and a 5 level dip in Rune Knight. She did not have grappler.

She would shove prone, then unarmed strike (with advantage/without sneak attack), then bonus action grapple then action surge, pull out a rapier and start stabbing with advantage. With Rune Knight she could use Giants might and get advantage on the grapple as well as grapple huge creatures like Dragons and Giants. With cunning action on subsequent rounds she could bonus action dash and drag said grappled enemy around the battlefield.

 

[jdrakeh]

I played a Grappler Rogue/Fighter once.

She had tavern brawler feat, unarmed fighting style and a 5 level dip in Rune Knight. She did not have grappler.

She would shove prone, then unarmed strike (with advantage/without sneak attack), then bonus action grapple then action surge, pull out a rapier and start stabbing with advantage. With Rune Knight she could use Giants might and get advantage on the grapple as well as grapple huge creatures like Dragons and Giants. With cunning action on subsequent rounds she could bonus action dash and drag said grappled enemy around the battlefield.

Ah, I think I need to look into Rune Knight.