William "Bill the Butcher" Cutting - Fighter or Rogue?

[Chainsaw]

Hey. Need some advice from anyone familiar with Gangs of New York. Thinking about making a 4E character inspired by William "Bill the Butcher" Cutting, played by Daniel Day-Lewis. Mine would be more like a inn cook turned adventurer (not as cool as the Drow anti-hero, I know).

If you haven't seen the movie, you might still be able to help. Bill's a vicious 1860's gangland boss in NY with the scarily helpful side-interest of being a butcher. He's pretty mean in a street fight, using a big knife and a hatchet (could be two knives, I can't quite remember) to chop up foes, and has plenty of street smarts (pretty sure he grew up in the streets). What I'm having trouble deciding is whether he's more of a rogue or more of a fighter - and how to model him best.

I'm thinking maybe Tempest Fighter (short sword and handaxe) with the "Sneak of Shadows" feat, but I'm not quite sure. Of course, maybe a Rogue based build works better. Any suggestions?

Note: More trying to replicate the flavor for my 'cook' character than min-max the stats. Please don't waste your time writing about how the hand-axe and shortsword aren't the best possible two-weapon combo!

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Daniel D. Fox]

Brutal Scoundrel Rogue (PHB core) w/Rattling powers (Martial Powers). Train Intimidate as a means to an end and Streetwise. Use twin handaxes, or two daggers with Two Weapon Fighting and Two Weapon Defense. Use a witty, NYC accent, and pump up the Charisma and Strength.

Viola!

 

[ghearus]

I would say Human Brutal Scoundrel rogue with Str 16, Con 10, Dex 17, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 14.

Bill the Butcher is a strong, agile, and charismatic rogue who uses brutish tactics to intimidate his foes; he can lie, cheat, and steal with the best of them.

Skills: Bluff, Insight, Intimidate, Perception, Stealth, Streetwise

The Butcher has a flair for the dramatic, and is equally comfortable with a blade or hatchet, and has a natural talent for throwing knives. Skilled in hand-to-hand combat, he has the ability to turn a battle to his advantage.

Feats: Nerathi Vanguard Style (choose to gain AC bonus on Ripose strike), and Daring Performer (Use Bluff to gain CA as part of Deft Strike)

Using his natural abilities, Bill can follow up a successful attack with a stronger offense or defense, to close on a foe, or trick them into lowering their defenses. Finally, the Butcher is an intimidating foe and his legacy as a brutal opponent makes him a force to be feared.

At-Will Powers: Riposte Strike, Deft Strike, Disheartening Strike

The Butcher will frequently open combat with an attack that will leave his enemy exposed.

Encounter Powers: Sly Lunge

When pressed, he will resort to his skill with throwing knives to discourage a group of enemies, or provide cover for his escape.

Daily Powers: Barrage of Blades

 

[Chainsaw]

Cool, thanks for your thoughts ghearus and Moniker. I was beginning to think that I'd posted in the wrong place, heh.

When I get home I'll read through the books with your suggestions in mind. The Brutal Scoundrel name alone certainly does sound like Bill and your suggested powers do match his movie moves pretty well. Again, thanks!

 

[Stalker0]

Ah I loved that guy!

I think rogue is the way to go, though the big thing are skills. Intimidate, Streetwise are the most important, but you could go with bluff and even diplomacy to round him out.

 

[Chainsaw]

Ah I loved that guy!

I think rogue is the way to go, though the big thing are skills. Intimidate, Streetwise are the most important, but you could go with bluff and even diplomacy to round him out.

I know! He was such a great villain. Too bad Day-Lewis would never agree to a prequel portraying Bill's rise to power. That would be an awesome story (well, as long as they didn't make him into a helpless victim of society by giving him some sappy, sympathetic background).

I'm a little nervous about a low intelligence build, but I guess Bill was never that smart - just charismatic and forceful. If he couldn't charm or intimidate you, he killed you. Probably strength, dexterity and charisma are his main attributes, as ghearus suggested.

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts Stalker0.

Edit: Left out an "an."