UA Rogue Variant

[kreynolds]

On a related note, how do you handle out those bonus feats? At Fighter intervals (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20) or a bonus feat whenever sneak attack would otherwise be gained (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19)?

Personally, I say at fighter intervals. I say this because the Fighter variant replaces his bonus feats with sneak attack as a rogue. One interval traded for another.

 

[kreynolds]

The rules in the UA SRD for many of the Variant Classes are written very simply. The UA Rogue gets the fighter bonus feats: Should I infer that a 4th level UA Rogue can take Weapon Specialization (without the Fighter requirements) or is that too much to assume.

I assume such a variant rogue can indeed qualify for Weapon Specialization. The rules for this rogue variant are simple, as you say. "Gain: Bonus feats (as fighter)." is a very simple statement, and I see no game breaking reason behind one deducing that such a rogue would therefore qualify for all fighter bonus feats. I certainly think that was the intent of the rules.

 

[rgard]

On a related note, how do you handle out those bonus feats? At Fighter intervals (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20) or a bonus feat whenever sneak attack would otherwise be gained (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19)?

We've always played it at the Fighter intervals.

 

[smootrk]

My opinion on what has been discussed already...

I would give the Rogue the Fighter Bonus Feats at the standard Fighter progession. However the Rogue is not a fighter, so the 4th level Fighter prerequisite for Specialization needs adjusting. The idea mentioned above (to replace the 4th level fighter requirement with BAB of +4) is probably a very good middle ground for this Martial Rogue variant. It does not negate one of the actual Fighter perks, but does allow the Rogue to access the Feat, albeit at a slightly delayed rate.

I do hesitate though, because even Barbarians, Paladins, and Rangers do not have access to these feats. Honestly, I have the opinion that these martial classes would have access to those feats before an even less martially-oriented class got access.

So, if I was to allow the Rogue character access, then I would also feel obligated to allow the other martial classes access (PAL, BAR, RAN, and probably other options such as Hexblades, Duskblades, etc). Simpler I think to simply say "No" to the Martial Rogue because of the further ramifications of allowing.

In a nutshell, Fighter Feat Progression (just as the sneaky Fighter would gain the Roguish Sneak Attack progression), but the Martial Rogue does not gain access to feats specifically earmarked for the standard Fighter class (or any other specific non-rogue class).

 

[Klaus]

I am asking about the intervals because the Fighter progression (which, mind you, gives out one more feat than using the sneak attack levels) would create -- as WotC calls them -- "dead levels".

 

[rgard]

I am asking about the intervals because the Fighter progression (which, mind you, gives out one more feat than using the sneak attack levels) would create -- as WotC calls them -- "dead levels".

Klaus, we used the Fighter feat progression...1, 2, 4, 6, etc.