Why do players like rogues/thieves?

[Libramarian]

I think it's partly the feel of being the "regular guy" underdog, and partly the feel that they're the class least dependent on other classes.

If you were playing single player, the Thief should be the best choice.

I like D&D where the Fighter is bar none the best at Fighting...and yet this makes them a bit of a one-trick pony and a pretty dicey choice if you're adventuring alone.

 

[GSHamster]

I look at it like d20 Modern classes. If you want to play a Strong or Tough hero, you play a fighter.

But if you want to play a (non-magical) Agile, Smart, or Charismatic hero, you gravitate to the rogue. And thus the rogue is usually designed to fulfill all those roles.

 

[Kzach]

I wanted to post to this thread when it was first put up but forgot so what I have to say has already probably been said.

Suffice to say that my preference for the rogue is deeply-seated in my childhood fantasies and upbringing. I like being the disarming charmer, the one who gets away, sly, cunning, manipulative, and most importantly, dexterous. A character that rarely gets hit but can hit you whenever he wishes, wherever he wishes. Climbing, running, jumping, hiding, he's a martial artist and acrobat, his skill comes from pure luck, upbringing and the fact that had he not learnt fast, he'd be dead. Although he can charm you with a smile and believes whole-heartedly in honour and integrity, he's a realist who will use any and every advantage to win and stay alive.

In general the skills and abilities of the rogue (thief-acrobat) have always been the closest to that ideal so it's the class I generally play whether the game be D&D or something else.

 

[frankthedm]

Backstab / Sneak Attack should be something that happens occasionally, not an ability expected to kick off every round.

3rd edition's crime of Flanking = Sneak Attack was a gross violation of every intelligent creature's right to prioritize threats.

 

[Neonchameleon]

Rogues were by favorite class in 3E, but not because of sneak attack etc. but because they were Jack of all Trades. In combat they were only second to Fighters and well prepared wizards and they also had a lot of skills to tackle out of combat problems (see here why this was important to me)

Really? To me the jack of all trades in 3.X with the skill to tackle out of combat problems wasn't the rogue. It was the bard (Bardic Lore being worth more than 2sp/level).