Rogue Preference

[disgruntledarcher]

hey, i'm designing my first ever rogue character and i need some input. I'm planning on multiclassing him for a more battle capable character but still respectable to skills. I can't decide between halfling and human. (Human=no mult class penalty and better damage but lacking halfling racial bonuses; halfling=better dex and racial skill bonuses but less str, so less damage.) What do you suggest?

 

[The_Gneech]

I'd recommend a human rogue/fighter, specializing in archery feats ... since you need Dex anyway to be a capable rogue. This way you won't have to take a Str hit.

-TG

 

[Voadam]

Halflings are small, higher dex and lower strength, which makes good accuracy on missile fire and you can still sneak attack within 30 feet.

If you want to be in melee then human is slightly better for doing damage with normal sized weapons, no str penalty and a bonus feat.

Halflings can still do well though, the small size gives a +1 ac bonus, the dex helps out and they can go the weapon finesse and or two-weapon fighting route and try to get as many sneak attacks as they can.

Either are viable options, I would go human but that's just because I dislike halflings and gnomes.

 

[Saeviomagy]

If you want to be an effective stealthy rogue, then halfling is a waste of time.

Why? Because halflings are one of two creatures in basically the entire game that cannot see in the dark. Humans are the other one.

Every other race in creation has low light vision or darkvision. And if you have to carry a candle with you, hide is damn near useless. And you're slow, so you'll almost never be able to tumble into position and sneak attack from a flank.

I'd go for dwarf or half orc (believe it or not) for a sneaky, combat worthy rogue.

Of those, both have upsides and downsides. Dwarf is slow, but has better all round racial abilities. Half orc has the speed, but suffers from the extra 'strength balancing' penalties.

And that's if you're restricted to using PHB races.

If you can get your DM to bend, just a little bit, go with goblin. -2 str, +2 dex, -2 chr. +4 to sneak, small size (but still 30ft movement). Darkvision 60ft. Still humanoid.

The best classes for multiclass are barbarian, ranger and monk. All prefer light or no armour, all get decent skill points and all add combat benefits.

Do not fall into the trap of assuming that a ranged rogue will be effective. They will almost never get to sneak attack, which is a very big part of a rogue's combat ability.

 

[Stormborn]

Human, or possibly goblin as was suggested. Take Improved Initative and Weapon Finess (sorry, Re: spelling should be getting ready for bed) and a light weapon. That will alow you to take the best advantage of your DEX and Sneak Attacks.

 

[Blackivarr]

Unearthed Arcana variant

If your DM will allow it, take a look at the Unearthed Arcana Variant (PP.58). You will lose sneak attack but gain bonus feats as a Fighter. I have used it on 2 seperate occasions, both seem to work well.





-Blackivarr

 

[Enkhidu]

Since you've said you'll be going multi for the combat capability, decide immediately if you want to be a sneak attack machine or not. If you do, go dwarven rogue with a smattering of fighter levels to boost your BAB and hp. Ditch the "sneaky" aspect of the rogue almost completely and concentrate on the skills not hindered by armor (and max out your Spot/Search/Listen skills). Then make sure you go the two weapon route, get a buddy, and hope you don't fight a lot of plants, elementals, constructs, or undead.

 

[Herremann the Wise]

I don't know about the rest of you but I think straight Rogue is just fine. If you want to biff and barge, that's fine but you'll most probably be better sticking to fighter.

If this is your first time being a Rogue, embrace the differences rather than trying to make up for perceived shortfalls. Look to the long term rather than the short.

Sneak Attack damage is some of the best in the business. If you want to limit this by multiclassing, fine but I think you're missing out on one of the great things of being a rogue.

Being good with a light crossbow is always good (in particular Precise Shot is necessary).
Another route to take is the dodge, mobility, spring attack feat chain. Spring attacking into and out of melee whilst achieving a flanking position - and thus your sneak attack ability - is always fun.
Weapon Finesse while useful is only marginal in my opinion compared to the above.

In terms of skills, be excellent at the things other are not - disable device, search etc.
Using the Charisma based skills is also fun if your group role plays a little as well.

I'd go either Human or Elf - Halfling is good too though. That extra feat however, particularly if you go straight rogue is almost indispensable.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

 

[Sejs]

Human or Half-Elf rogue.

If you're a sneaky type, being able to see without needing a light source is a big plus.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

At later levels you might be able to afford the ultimate Rogue equipment - the Belt of Dwarvenkind. Grants you stonecunning, a bonus to Constitution, and most importantly, darkvision.

I would probably go for Halfling - they make good rogues, I think. Even if they are a bit handicapped in combat whenever someone uses their size against them (Disarm, Trip, Grapple).
Use Weapon Finesse and/or ranged attacks to negate the Strength penalty.