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Message: <blockquote data-quote="malph" data-source="post: 6545274" data-attributes="member: 6791443">Is there any reason for a melee-fighting rogue not to hold a light weapon in his/her off-hand (two-weapon fighting)?A few points:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">From my experience, it seems clear that dealing Sneak Attack is the primary goal for a rogue (in terms of combat).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Rogues need to use finesse weapons (for melee), so they won't be using any two-handed weapons.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">They are not proficient with shields, so that's not an option.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">While the off-hand attack uses up the bonus action (which the rogue might otherwise use for Cunning Action), he/she only needs to use the bonus action for an off-hand attack if they miss with the first attack.  Given that Sneak Attack is their one big gun (in combat), this seems like a darn good trade to say the least.</li> </ul>Therefore, it seems like a no-brainer for the rogue to always hold a dagger or shortsword in his/her off-hand.  If you hit with your first attack, great, you can hold off using your off-hand attack, and use Cunning Action to skidaddle (or whatever).  If you miss, then you might as well use your off-hand attack in order to actually do something worthwhile this turn.Two quick points (as preemptive retorts):<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A rapier is higher damage than shortsword but cannot be used in two-weapon fighting sans a feat.  Sure, that's true, but 1d8 vs 1d6 is not significant when we're comparing it to the xd6 tagging along behind it (particularly at higher levels, when we're talking 5d6, 8d6, or even 10d6).  IMHO, setting off Sneak Attack is your primary goal; the actual damage die of the blade is not a significant factor.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">This discussion is based on a rogue without any special bells 'n whistles (such as multiclassing or feats).  Additionally, it's for a melee-based rogue, not one using ranged attacks.</li> </ul>Thanks!</blockquote>

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