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{{Topquote|Elusive, evasive, persistent - righteous traits for a rogue. |[[Darkest Dungeon|The Ancestor]]}}
 
[[File:Rogue-DND.jpeg|300px|thumb|right|Cheeki Breeki Sneaky Beaky! ]]
 
'''Rogue''' is a character class found in [[Dungeons & Dragons]] and [[Pathfinder]], although the general archetype (usually by different names) can be found in almost every [[RPG]] ever made. Rogues are sneaky, backstabbing, nimble adventurers, and they're just so useful you can't help but keep them around.
'''Rogue''' is a character class found in [[Dungeons & Dragons]] and [[Pathfinder]], although the general archetype (usually by different names) can be found in almost every [[RPG]] ever made. Rogues are sneaky, backstabbing, nimble adventurers, and they're just so useful you can't help but keep them around.


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Their skillmonkeying is more useful in [[Pathfinder]], where they now have a lot of exclusive skill uses that other classes used to be able to do well enough with the right buffs, and they get ''rogue talents'' that give them a little more unique flavor. Yet ultimately they are outdone by the Investigator in the skillmonkey/utility part. The Investigator hybrid class has an even bigger skill list, is more reliant on Int, can buff himself with alchemy and may add 1d6(later 1d8) to his skill/attack/save rolls at will.  The rogues now also have the advantage of far fewer enemies having sneak-attack immunity.  Nowadays it's mostly just elementals and oozes.  Have a Japan-flavored alternate class in the [[ninja]], which changes out some of those skill monkey powers for [[monk|ki pool]] and general ''insane badassery''.  Each can crosstrain in the other's special abilities.
Their skillmonkeying is more useful in [[Pathfinder]], where they now have a lot of exclusive skill uses that other classes used to be able to do well enough with the right buffs, and they get ''rogue talents'' that give them a little more unique flavor. Yet ultimately they are outdone by the Investigator in the skillmonkey/utility part. The Investigator hybrid class has an even bigger skill list, is more reliant on Int, can buff himself with alchemy and may add 1d6(later 1d8) to his skill/attack/save rolls at will.  The rogues now also have the advantage of far fewer enemies having sneak-attack immunity.  Nowadays it's mostly just elementals and oozes.  Have a Japan-flavored alternate class in the [[ninja]], which changes out some of those skill monkey powers for [[monk|ki pool]] and general ''insane badassery''.  Each can crosstrain in the other's special abilities.


[[Arcane Trickster]] is [[Prestige class]] aimed as Rogues who uses casting to enhance sneakiness like a [[Gish]] uses magic to enhance smashing things. This contrasts a [[Bard]] who has casting and skill uses, but is not at all sneaky. Several attempts have been made to make this a base class. In 3.5 these include [[Spellthief]], Psychic Rogue (detailed below), and potentially [[Beguiler]], which differs in being a sneaky full caster instead of a rogue variant. There are several options for this in Pathfinder including the "Eldritch Scoundrel" archetype, which is roughly on par with a standard Arcane Trickster (unless you enter Arcane Trickster early with the Accomplished Sneak Attacker feat, then it comes out far ahead), Vivisectionist [[Alchemist (Pathfinder)|Alchemist]] and [[Investigator]], plus [[Inquisitor (Pathfinder)|Inquisitor]] for a divine variation. Arcane Trickser appears as a Paragon Path in 4E... which means you'll have no magic till 1/3rd of even the longest career is over. 5E makes "Arcane Trickster" one of the three core options Rogues can select as a specialty.
[[Arcane Trickster]] is [[Prestige Class]] aimed as Rogues who uses casting to enhance sneakiness like a [[Gish]] uses magic to enhance smashing things. This contrasts a [[Bard]] who has casting and skill uses, but is not at all sneaky. Several attempts have been made to make this a base class. In 3.5 these include [[Spellthief]], Psychic Rogue (detailed below), and potentially [[Beguiler]], which differs in being a sneaky full caster instead of a rogue variant. There are several options for this in Pathfinder including the "Eldritch Scoundrel" archetype, which is roughly on par with a standard Arcane Trickster (unless you enter Arcane Trickster early with the Accomplished Sneak Attacker feat, then it comes out far ahead), Vivisectionist [[Alchemist (Pathfinder)|Alchemist]] and [[Investigator]], plus [[Inquisitor (Pathfinder)|Inquisitor]] for a divine variation. Arcane Trickser appears as a Paragon Path in 4E... which means you'll have no magic till 1/3rd of even the longest career is over. 5E makes "Arcane Trickster" one of the three core options Rogues can select as a specialty.


People have a bad tendency to misspell the name as [[Rouge]], which, to be fair, does involve all the same letters, but they just can't find the [[FATAL|G-spot]].
People have a bad tendency to misspell the name as [[Rouge]], which, to be fair, does involve all the same letters, but they just can't find the [[FATAL|G-spot]].


==The Rogue/Thief Divide==
==The Rogue/Thief Divide==
Back in [[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]], the term "Rogue" was used as an overarching category into which several classes slotted - equivalent to the terms "Warrior" ([[Fighter]], [[Paladin]], [[Ranger]]), "Wizard" ([[Mage]], [[Abjurer]], [[Conjurer]], [[Diviner]], [[Enchanter]], [[Evoker]], [[Illusionist]], [[Necromancer]], [[Transmuter]]), and "Priest" ([[Cleric]], [[Druid]]). In those days, Rogue was a blanket term covering both the Thief, the class we now call the Rogue, and the [[Bard]], as both of these classes shared the ability to pick locks and detect traps - it also picked up some setting-based variants, such as the Handler (a [[kender]] take on the rogue), and the [[Gypsy]]. However, the bard was so much less effective at that job that the category of Rogue and the class of Thief were pretty much synonymous with each other in the fandom.
Back in [[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]], the term "Rogue" was used as an overarching category into which several classes slotted - equivalent to the terms "Warrior" ([[Fighter]], [[Paladin]], [[Ranger]]), "Wizard" ([[Mage]], [[Abjurer]], [[Conjurer]], [[Diviner]], [[Enchanter]], [[Evoker]], [[Illusionist]], [[Necromancer]], [[Transmuter]]), and "Priest" ([[Cleric]], [[Druid]]). In those days, "Rogue" was a blanket to cover the Thief (the class we now call the Rogue) and the [[Bard]], as both of these classes shared the ability to pick locks and detect traps - it also picked up some setting-based variants, such as the Handler (a [[kender]] take on the rogue), and the [[Gypsy]]. Oh right - and [[Unearthed Arcana]]'s [[Acrobat]]. However, the bard was so much less effective at that job that the category of Rogue and the class of Thief were pretty much synonymous with each other in the fandom.


Thus, when Wizards of the Coast took over and made D&D 3rd edition, the dropped the idea of class categories and just renamed the Thief into the Rogue, in part to give it a wider definition... But, you just can't keep something old-school down; the Thief returned as an Essentials style "simplified" version of the Rogue in 4th edition, and as a [[Skill Monkey]] subclass for the rogue in 5th edition.
Thus, when Wizards of the Coast took over and made D&D 3rd edition, the dropped the idea of class categories and just renamed the Thief into the Rogue, in part to give it a wider definition... But, you just can't keep something old-school down; the Thief returned as an Essentials style "simplified" version of the Rogue in 4th edition, and as a [[Skill Monkey]] subclass for the rogue in 5th edition.
Also, unique amongst RPGs, their backstab ability only worked on creatures that actually have a back, so things like slimes and skeletons were immune.


==Psychic Rogue==
==Psychic Rogue==
Introduced in [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd%2Fpsm%2F20040723b a web article] for 3.5, the [[Psionics|Psychic]] Rogue is an [[Arcane Trickster]] in a can. In exchange for less sneak attack and fewer skill points per level, a psionic rogue gains the ability to manifest a small number of powers (up to 5th level at level 17) that help him be sneaky. While a simple alternation to the base Rogue, the Psychic Rogue had the hidden advantage that ''it was a psionic class'', which offers some major advantages over an actual Arcane Trickster that are not explicitly stated in the class description. Firstly, Psionic powers are naturally silent and it's also relatively trivial to prevent them from being visually obvious. Secondly, since Psychic Rogue has a manifester level equal to their class level, Psionics makes it easy to learn powers from another list, and you can augment powers up to your manifester level (everyone misses this restriction and cries that psionics are broken) you can effectively get something close to a 9th level spell equivalent or two per day in exchange for blowing the rest of your manifesting. Thirdly you got access to <nowiki>[Psionic]</nowiki> feats like Obtain [[Familiar|Psycrystal]] or Up the Walls.
Introduced in [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd%2Fpsm%2F20040723b a web article] for 3.5, the [[Psionics|Psychic]] Rogue is an [[Arcane Trickster]] in a can. In exchange for less sneak attack and fewer skill points per level, a psionic rogue gains the ability to manifest a small number of powers (up to 5th level at level 17) that help him be sneaky. While a simple alternation to the base Rogue, the Psychic Rogue had the hidden advantage that ''it was a psionic class'', which offers some major advantages over an actual Arcane Trickster that are not explicitly stated in the class description. Firstly, Psionic powers are naturally silent and it's also relatively trivial to prevent them from being visually obvious. Secondly, since Psychic Rogue has a manifester level equal to their class level, Psionics makes it easy to learn powers from another list, and you can augment powers up to your manifester level (everyone misses this restriction and cries that psionics are broken) you can effectively get something close to a 9th level spell equivalent one or two per day in exchange for blowing the rest of your manifesting. Thirdly you got access to <nowiki>[Psionic]</nowiki> feats like Obtain [[Familiar|Psycrystal]] or Up the Walls. Psychic Rogue is [[Tier System|Tier 3]]. Capable of doing a good variety of things well and being useful even if those things aren't applicable.


''Complete Psionic'' introduced the Lurk, which had the same concept of a sneaky manifester. However the Lurk never caught on thanks to the fact that ''Complete Psionic'' was a horrible mess Psionics fans pretend never existed while Psychic Rogue was legitimately free content that could be played in an otherwise SRD only game.
''Complete Psionic'' introduced the Lurk, which had the same concept of a sneaky manifester. However the Lurk never caught on thanks to the fact that ''Complete Psionic'' was a horrible mess Psionics fans pretend never existed while Psychic Rogue was legitimately free content that could be played in an otherwise SRD only game.


==Assassin==
==Assassin==
This has varied between a Rogue kit and Rogue prestige class in the various editions. Most versions get Death Attack, which is a more powerful sneak attack that you need to study a target before using.
In the core handbook for 1st Edition AD&D, the Assassin was a subclass of thief.  Fittingly for an archetype that likes to sit in the darkest corner of the bar playing with their personal collection of sharp objects, they were the only class in ALL of 1st with no minimum charisma.  The assassin was one of the things about D&D that pissed off the satanic panic crowd, so it was absent from the core book for 2nd Edition, but then promptly restored in the thief's handbook for 2nd.  Since then it has varied between a Rogue kit and Rogue prestige class in the various editions. Most versions get Death Attack, which is a more powerful sneak attack that you need to study a target before using.


The 3.5 version is the most notable though because it was a spellcaster. In exchange for four fewer skill points per level they got four levels of arcane casting in 7 levels (as fast as a wizard, but with less spells per day) from a limited but useful list. This casting is also really loud for some reason since casting was based off the [[Bard]], who can't cast spells without a verbal component. It was a nice class and fairly easy to enter except that it required you be evil to enter, making it bad guy only. This was addressed in [http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/prc/20070401a a post on Wizards of the Coast's website]. This post introduced the ''[[Avenger]]'' which was like an Assassin, but required non-chaotic alignment instead of evil since the fluff is you're killing for king and country instead of money. While this was posted on April Fools, featured a poorly Photoshopped Assassin recolored to white and missed replacing a few evil aligned spells on their spell list, the class is still considered official first-party content and still sees use.
[[File:Halflingassassin.jpg|right|thumb|Who would have thought small races make for great assassins?]]
 
The 3.5 version is the most notable though because it was a spellcaster. In exchange for four fewer skill points per level they got four levels of arcane casting in 7 levels (as fast as a wizard, but with less spells per day) from a limited but useful list. This casting is also really loud for some reason since casting was based off the [[Bard]], who can't cast spells without a verbal component. It was a nice class and fairly easy to enter except that it required you be evil to enter, making it bad guy only. This was addressed in [http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/prc/20070401a a post on Wizards of the Coast's website]. This post introduced the ''[[Avenger]]'' which was like an Assassin, but required non-chaotic alignment instead of evil since the fluff is you're killing for king and country instead of money. While this was posted on April Fools, featured a poorly Photoshopped Assassin recolored to white and missed replacing a few evil aligned spells on their spell list, the class is still considered official first-party content and still sees use. The 3.5 Assassin also has the oddity of being the only prestige class in the entire game to have an alternate class feature option: The Psionic Assassin. It just kinda shows up on page 113 of ''Secrets of Sarlona''.


The 4th Edition version was unique in that it was a whole new class that introduced a whole new power source (Shadow) that was, woefully, very underdeveloped by only being comprised of a class introduced in [[Dragon Magazine]], the very lackluster [[Vampire]], and two variant classes ([[Blackguard]] and Executioner) in a time when 4E was practically sliding its way towards cancellation. It was something of a mid-point between a caster and attacker with a decent choice of weapons as well as being proficient in ki foci like [[monk]]s. It's key features were Assassin's Shroud (an at-will that targeted one enemy with a stacking damage bonus when invoked as part of an attack), Shade Form (A sustainable encounter power that turns you insubstantial and able to hide anywhere in exchange for vulnerable 5 radiant), and Shadow Step (teleports you from the side of one person to the side of another). Your subclass is defined by guilds, with the following as options:
The 4th Edition version was unique in that it was a whole new class that introduced a whole new power source (Shadow) that was, woefully, very underdeveloped by only being comprised of a class introduced in [[Dragon Magazine]], the very lackluster [[Vampire]], and two variant classes ([[Blackguard]] and Executioner) in a time when 4E was practically sliding its way towards cancellation. It was something of a mid-point between a caster and attacker with a decent choice of weapons as well as being proficient in ki foci like [[monk]]s. It's key features were Assassin's Shroud (an at-will that targeted one enemy with a stacking damage bonus when invoked as part of an attack), Shade Form (A sustainable encounter power that turns you insubstantial and able to hide anywhere in exchange for vulnerable 5 radiant), and Shadow Step (teleports you from the side of one person to the side of another). Your subclass is defined by guilds, with the following as options:
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*'''Night Stalker''' adds Charisma to the damage if any attacks you make while nobody is near them, making you a serviceable solo combatant.
*'''Night Stalker''' adds Charisma to the damage if any attacks you make while nobody is near them, making you a serviceable solo combatant.
*'''Executioner's Guild''' is a precursor to the Executioner variant class, replacing all of your encounter attacks with Executioner's Strike, a multiple-per-encounter attack that adds extra damage to an attack.
*'''Executioner's Guild''' is a precursor to the Executioner variant class, replacing all of your encounter attacks with Executioner's Strike, a multiple-per-encounter attack that adds extra damage to an attack.
The Assassin is one poor Schmuck, his Shrouds are just not nearly as good as they could be, mostly because of a few asinine decisions, his shade form is VASTLY outclassed by it's alternative, and most of the Assassin's powers while really fucking cool, sacrifice actual usefulness for flavour. Seriously, even the [[Runepriest]] and [[Seeker]] are giving the Assassin spare Change.


The Executioner, which would later be introduced in ''Heroes of Shadow'', kept Executioner's Strike but also gained access to poisons, a set of buildable items that took the place of daily powers and added effects on attacks, the ability to use Dex for MBAs, and the ability to eventually insta-kill things that you put below a certain HP threshold. While most Essentials classes had at least some degree of choice that impacted later levels, this class was particularly maligned for having a choice that only gave you your allotment of at-wills and nothing else.
The Executioner, which would later be introduced in ''Heroes of Shadow'', kept Executioner's Strike but also gained access to poisons, a set of buildable items that took the place of daily powers and added effects on attacks, the ability to use Dex for MBAs, and the ability to eventually insta-kill things that you put below a certain HP threshold. While most Essentials classes had at least some degree of choice that impacted later levels, this class was particularly maligned for having a choice that only gave you your allotment of at-wills and nothing else.


==Rogues in 3rd Edition==
==Rogues in 3rd Edition==
3rd Edition Rogue suffers from four big problems. Firstly, some idiot decided weapon finesse had to require a prerequisite of +1 BAB while rogues start at +0 so they can't take it at character creation. Either they have to start as something else, dip something that gets it as a bonus feat at level 2 ([[Fighter]], [[Swashbuckler]]), or suck it up for two levels. Secondly, they are dependent upon Sneak Attack to deal any damage, and half the game is immune to it. Thirdly, sneak Attack is really hard to set up, and can be prevented by something as simple as poor lighting: Yes, sneak attack doesn't work in the dark (this is why [[Dwarf]]s actually make good Rogues). Four: Magic does most of the things they do better.
3rd Edition Rogue suffers from four big problems. Firstly, some idiot decided weapon finesse had to require a prerequisite of +1 BAB while rogues start at +0 so they can't take it at character creation. Either they have to start as something else, dip something that gets it as a bonus feat at level 2 (which for 3.0 meant [[Fighter]]), or suck it up for two levels. Secondly, they are dependent upon Sneak Attack to deal any damage, and Constructs, Oozes, Plants, Undead, and incorporeal enemies are immune to it, with undead alone being one of the most common types of enemy. Thirdly, sneak Attack is really hard to set up, and can be prevented by something as simple as poor lighting: rogues need to be able to see their target well enough to take a good guess at where the important squishy organs are (this is why [[Dwarf]]s and other races with low-light vision and darkvision actually make good Rogues). Four: Magic does most of the things they do better. For that matter, an NPC [[retainer]] with the "[[Expert]]" class could do most of these things, and all you have to do is promise to pay him, until he misses that last saving-throw.
 
In the move to 3.5 they gained Uncanny Dodge and Improved Uncanny Dodge, freeing them of their dead level at 4th and 8th. Still a bad class, but it's at least a useful ability. Late in the system Wizards realized <s>everything</s> Constructs, Oozes, Plants, Undead, and incorporeal enemies being immune to sneak attack wasn't a good idea and released a few patches, but you had to go out of your way and expend resources to obtain them.


In the move to 3.5 they gained Uncanny Dodge and Improved Uncanny Dodge, freeing them of their dead level at 4th and 8th. Still a bad class, but it's at least a useful ability. Late in the system Wizards realized everything being immune to sneak attack wasn't a good idea and released a few patches, but you had to go out of your way and expend resources to obtain them.
Meanwhile 3.5 also offered the bushwhackin', hornswogglin' [[Swashbuckler]] cracker croaker. Rev'ren! ... which also ended up a dip.
 
The Rogue doesn't appear in their own right in [[Arcana Unearthed]]. The Unfettered (the Not-Swashbuckler) fills that niche. But you ''can'' add Assassin as a prestige-class.


Rogues are [[Tier System|Tier 4]], and likely a low tier 4 at that. They're capable of doing a lot of things, but not all that well.
Rogues are [[Tier System|Tier 4]], and likely a low tier 4 at that. They're capable of doing a lot of things, but not all that well.


==Rogues in Pathfinder==
==Rogues in Pathfinder==
[[File:Merisiel.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Merisiel, Pathfinder's iconic Rogue]]
Rogues in [[Pathfinder]] suffer from give and take. On one hand, the compressed skills make them able to do more, weapon finesse doesn't have any requirements, and they gained selectable Rogue Talents while the list of things immune to sneak attack was limited to [[Aeon]]s, [[Elemental]]s, [[Ghost|Incorporeal]]s (unless you had ghost touch), [[Ooze]]s, [[Protean]] and [[Swarm]]s (many of which not rare, but unlike [[Construct]]s and [[Undead]] things you aren't going to be fighting all the damn time and every adventure). On the other hand, the compressed skill system, its reduced penalties for non-class skills, it being easier to obtain class skills, and the [[Bard]]'s new Versatile Performance feature mean other classes can do the skill monkey thing pretty good if not better. You also can't sneak attack with splash weapons because some idiot that thinks martials needed to be realistic declared it OP during the playtest, and most of the talent options suck.
Rogues in [[Pathfinder]] suffer from give and take. On one hand, the compressed skills make them able to do more, weapon finesse doesn't have any requirements, and they gained selectable Rogue Talents while the list of things immune to sneak attack was limited to [[Aeon]]s, [[Elemental]]s, [[Ghost|Incorporeal]]s (unless you had ghost touch), [[Ooze]]s, [[Protean]] and [[Swarm]]s (many of which not rare, but unlike [[Construct]]s and [[Undead]] things you aren't going to be fighting all the damn time and every adventure). On the other hand, the compressed skill system, its reduced penalties for non-class skills, it being easier to obtain class skills, and the [[Bard]]'s new Versatile Performance feature mean other classes can do the skill monkey thing pretty good if not better. You also can't sneak attack with splash weapons because some idiot that thinks martials needed to be realistic declared it OP during the playtest, and most of the talent options suck.


Rogue was so underwhelming it was eventually replaced with the Unchained Rogue, which was a straight upgrade to the original. Partial concealment no longer blocks sneak attack, so you ''can'' stab someone in a dark alley. Instead of having to blow a feat to actually hit things with dexterity, a rogue gains it automatically and, at levels 3, 11 and 19, pick a weapon to add dexterity to damage. At 4th level they get the ability Debilitating Injury, which debuffs enemies hit by sneak attack for free and stacks with talents that modify Sneak Attack. At 5th level they automatically gain a skill unlock, which lets you do new things with a skill that vary between being "cool, useful ''and'' interesting", "did it better with magic four levels ago," and "be mildly better at something you could already do" (mostly the last two). Finally a lot of the Rogue Talents were buffed, and most of the talents going forward sucked less.
Rogue was so underwhelming it was eventually replaced with the Unchained Rogue, which was a straight upgrade to the original. Partial concealment no longer blocks sneak attack, so you ''can'' stab someone in a dark alley. Instead of having to blow a feat to actually hit things with dexterity, a rogue gains it automatically and, at levels 3, 11 and 19, pick a weapon to add dexterity to damage. At 4th level they get the ability Debilitating Injury, which debuffs enemies hit by sneak attack for free and stacks with talents that modify Sneak Attack. At 5th level they automatically gain a skill unlock, which lets you do new things with a skill that vary between being "cool, useful ''and'' interesting", "did it better with magic four levels ago," and "be mildly better at something you could already do" (mostly the last two). Finally a lot of the Rogue Talents were buffed, and most of the talents going forward sucked less.


Also added late in the system's life was the archetype Eldritch Scoundrel. In exchange for some of your sneak attack, all your armor, half your skill points, half your rogue talents and your first Uncanny Dodge, you become a single class [[Arcane Trickster]]. This is nice, except at this point Accomplished Sneak Attacker was already printed, which allowed early entry (Rogue 1/Wizard 3) into the ''actual'' Arcane Trickster, which is a better option since your build is then 95% [[Wizard]]. "Early Entry" may be synonymous with "[[Cheese]]", but this instance has been officially endorsed by being the default build of one of the companions in the Kingmaker video game.
Also added late in the system's life was the archetype Eldritch Scoundrel. In exchange for some of your sneak attack, all your armor, half your skill points (though an intelligence focus largely negates that), half your rogue talents and your first Uncanny Dodge, you become a single class [[Arcane Trickster]]. This is nice, except at this point Accomplished Sneak Attacker was already printed, which allowed early entry (Rogue 1/Wizard 3) into the ''actual'' Arcane Trickster, which is a better option since your build is then 95% [[Wizard]]. "Early Entry" may be synonymous with "[[Cheese]]", but this instance has been officially endorsed by being the default build of one of the companions in the [[Kingmaker]] video game.


Rogue is still tier 4, though a better tier 4. After Unchained, while much better, it's still tier 4 since it still lacks the power to truly shine in any area that other classes can not in. Eldritch Scoundrel is tier 3 but (again) Arcane Trickster is pretty much strictly better.
Rogue is still tier 4, though a better tier 4. After Unchained, while much better, it's still tier 4 since it still lacks the power to truly shine in any area that other classes can not in. Eldritch Scoundrel is tier 3 but (again) Arcane Trickster is pretty much strictly better.
===Rogues in [[Pathfinder Second Edition]]===
Take the 1e unchained Rogue and update it to 2nd. Seriously, that metric boatload of skill feats you get (one at each level) is a callback to the Skill Unlocks in 1e.
You are Still the stealing, sneak attacking, [[skill monkey]] but now more build potential has opened up. Target only needs to be flat-footed to be sneak attacked. Rogues are also more likely go first if they manage to substitute Deception or Stealth for initiative rolls.
Your subclasses (inventively called "Rackets" because crime) are as follows:
*''Thief'': Your vanilla rogue who uses Dex to damage.
*''Ruffian'': The bruiser rogue like in 4E. The difference here is that ruffians can wear medium armor and can focus their build around strength and intimidation.
*''Scoundrel'': The silver tongue, able to render enemies flat-footed with a well-placed feint.
*''Mastermind'': (Introduced in Advanced Player's Guide) More of a know-it-all, you can determine how to render an enemy flat-footed just by finding out those weaknesses. You also become more of a lore monkey than a wizard would like to be.
*''Eldritch Trickster'': (Introduced in Advanced Player's Guide) Gives you immediate access to a multiclass feat that grants casting and lets you pick up the Magical Trickster feat (letting you use Sneak Attack with spells) at level 2.
“Assassins” Decoupled from the rouge so other classes can use but require skills in Alchemy, Deception, and Stealth. You spend your entire turn to make a single target then get bonuses to find the target and deal more damage to them. One of the feats let you Assassinate so good only divine intervention can retrieve their soul.
{{Pathfinder-2nd-Edition-Archetypes}}


==Rogues in 4th Edition==
==Rogues in 4th Edition==
[[File:Humanrogue.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Of course the rogue has dreads, he's... you know... the urban type.]]


Rogues got a huge bump in 4th edition, mostly because the vast laundry list of creatures being immune to Sneak Attack was shredded and fed to a [[manticore]]. Sneak Attack, it was argued, was just a general term for any kind of specialized, precisely-aimed attack that did extra damage, and so most of the creatures that were immune to it were a case of taking realism to the point of stupidity. Yes, a [[skeleton]] doesn't have a liver to stab, but you can still stick a dagger through its knee or vertebrae and twist them apart.  Most subsequent editions of the game held onto this change, including [[Pathfinder| those specifically designed for butthurt 3.X fanboys pissed off at 4e]].
Rogues got a huge bump in 4th edition, mostly because the vast laundry list of creatures being immune to Sneak Attack was shredded and fed to a [[manticore]]. Sneak Attack, it was argued, was just a general term for any kind of specialized, precisely-aimed attack that did extra damage, and so most of the creatures that were immune to it were a case of taking realism to the point of stupidity. Yes, a [[skeleton]] doesn't have a liver to stab, but you can still stick a dagger through its knee or vertebrae and twist them apart.  Most subsequent editions of the game held onto this change, including [[Pathfinder| those specifically designed for butthurt 3.X fanboys pissed off at 4e]].
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The 4e Rogue is most infamous for having one of the most controversial, "blatantly gamist" powers, in the form of [[Bloody Path]].
The 4e Rogue is most infamous for having one of the most controversial, "blatantly gamist" powers, in the form of [[Bloody Path]].


==5th Edition==
==5th Edition==
[[File:Poisonrogue.jpg|300px|thumb|left|"Have you tried the wine? It's to die for."]]
Rogues in 5e get a d8 hit die, lots of skills (not quite as many as a Bard, but with more powers to make them the more reliable skillmonkeys) and are much better in combat than their 3.5 predecessors. This stems mostly from the fact that their backstabs now trigger on advantage or an adjacent ally instead of only when the opponent is flatfooted or flanked, meaning that they have the potential to get sneak attacks almost every round. Also helping them out is the Cunning Action, which lets them use a bonus action every turn to hide or disengage from an enemy, making them very skilled at hit-and-run kidney shankings. Plus, as part of the ongoing 4e move away from this kind of thing, nothing in the game is immune to sneak attacks. They're the only martial class in the game that doesn't get Extra Attack at any point, but the extra damage on a sneak attack more than makes up for it.  Especially since they crit harder than just about anyone else in the game. 
They can only sneak attack once a turn, and need their bonus actions to run away and hide, though, so while there's room for melee rogues this edition, two-weapon rogues are pretty well gone outside of very-niche builds or people who don't like the idea of feast-or-famine with their one attack per round.  ''Especially'' with how weak two-weapon fighting is without the Fighting Style option for it, that rogues don't get, though adding stat to damage matters less at higher levels when you're rolling more than that in d6s anyway.
One of the most interestingly-designed martials this edition, and a lot of fun overall.
At level 3 rogues get their subclasses or "Rogueish Archetypes". The class is very powerful on its own, so most of those do not change the play too much or add powerful abilities.
*'''Thief''' - The classic stealth-and-tricks archetype that focuses on stealth and skillmonkeying into things that are useful for thieving. It does not provide much for combat aside from ability to pickpocket people while you're fighting them and disabling traps as a bonus action, although that one time you steal a plot device mcguffin out of BBEG's pocket or a spellbook out of enemy wizard is going to be precious. 13-th level ability hilariously allows Thief to use class/race/level restricted magic items, which effectively means they can use wands, rods and spell scrolls, but sometimes it extends to things like Holy Avenger or Hag Artifacts that are supposed to be only used by Hags themselves. It also, in a little-read section, grants you an effective-if-not-actual climb speed.
*'''Assassin''' - The subclass for murdering people - both in combat and as stealth assassination. Notable for being extremely front-loaded, with nearly all the combat-relevant abilities coming online at level 3 and most of the higher level ones being only useful for stealth assassinations or long-term social infiltration. The class's famous "Death Attack" is a super-high-level unlock.


Rogues in 5e get a d8 hit die, lots of skills (not quite as many as a Bard, but with more powers to make them the more reliable skillmonkeys) and are much better in combat than their 3.5 predecessors. This stems mostly from the fact that their backstabs now trigger on advantage or an adjacent ally instead of only when the opponent is flatfooted, meaning that they have the potential to get sneak attacks almost every round. Also helping them out is the Cunning Action, which lets them use a bonus action every turn to hide or disengage from an enemy, making them very skilled at hit-and-run kidney shankings. Plus, as part of the ongoing 4e move away from this kind of thing, nothing in the game is immune to sneak attacks. At 3rd level, the rogue chooses between the Thief, a more skill-oriented path, the Assassin, which is essentially the PrC from 3.5, or the Arcane Trickster, who gets spells, cantrips, and a lot of skill with Mage Hand.
*'''Arcane Trickster''' - The gishy rogue that casts spells and stabs people in the kidneys. It comes with half a page of rules for special shit the ''mage hand'' can do. It's generally considered the best rulebook archetype for those who don't mind the math homework.


They're the only martial class in the game that doesn't get Extra Attack at any point, but the extra damage on a sneak attack more than makes up for it.  Especially since they crit harder than just about anyone else in the game.
*'''[[Swashbuckler]]''' - We Inigo Montoya now! A nice dueling-oriented subclass that lives up to its name by giving you extra initiative, the ability to apply your sneak attack dice to any melee attack so long as you aren't being mobbed, and a mechanic that can charm socially and goad enemies into 1v1ing you bro.


They can only sneak attack once a turn, and need their bonus actions to run away and hide, though, so while there's room for melee rogues this edition, two-weapon rogues are pretty well gone outside of very-niche builds (nonsense, rogues get free sneak attack so long as the double-team their enemies).  ''Especially'' with how weak two-weapon fighting is without the Fighting Style option for it, that rogues don't get (also nonsense, getting a second chance at your sneak attack is more than worth it) .
*'''Mastermind''' - A combat support Rogue, if you can imagine that. It takes the page out of Assassin's book with adding lots of abilities that help you with impersonation, infiltration and more social kind of spy games, and in combat can use Help as a Cunning Action, basically granting advantage to one of the teammates instead of running away like usual, although ironically most times a rogue would be the one who needs that Advantage the most.


The [[Forgotten Realms|Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide]] adds the [[Swashbuckler]] (we Inigo Montoya now!) and Mastermind (brainy super-villain/detective type rogue) archetypes.
*'''Inquisitive''' - Similar to [[Pathfinder]]'s [[Investigator]], and is basically [[Sherlock Holmes]] with a little Van Helsing added in for flavor. Ear for Deceit and Eye for Deception makes them more adept at sensing when somebody is lying and at finding hidden creatures and objects. Insightful Fighting lets them make a Wisdom vs. Charisma check to gain the ability to launch Sneak Attacks against a creature without actually needing combat advantage to do so. Steady Eye increases their bonuses granted by Eye for Deception. Unerring Eye lets them intuitively sense when they are within of a shapechanged creature or an illusion. Finally, Eye for Weakness increases the Sneak Attack damage they do when they use Insightful Fighting by +2d6.


The Gothic Heroes UA Article adds the Inquisitive, which is similar to [[Pathfinder]]'s [[Investigator]], and is basically [[Sherlock Holmes]] with a little Van Helsing added in for flavor. Ear for Deceit and Eye for Deception makes them more adept at sensing when somebody is lying and at finding hidden creatures and objects. Insightful Fighting lets them make a Wisdom vs. Charisma check to gain the ability to launch Sneak Attacks against a creature without actually needing combat advantage to do so. Steady Eye increases their bonuses granted by Eye for Deception. Unerring Eye lets them intuitively sense when they are within of a shapechanged creature or an illusion. Finally, Eye for Weakness increases the Sneak Attack damage they do when they use Insightful Fighting by +2d6.
*'''Scout''' - Kind of rogue/ranger hybrid. It mostly boosts mobility and buffs allies, but does feature a pretty devastating damage capstone. Features include double proficiency in Nature and Survival (level 3), the ability to move half your speed as a reaction (level 3), a boost to movement speed (level 9), granting allies a bonus to Initiative if you manage to surprise enemies (level 13), and the ability to sneak attack two different targets each turn (level 17).


In a recent UA, they were given a new archetype, the Scout, a kind of rogue/ranger hybrid. It mostly boosts mobility and buffs allies, but does feature a pretty devastating damage capstone. Features include double proficiency in Nature and Survival (level 3), the ability to move half your speed as a reaction (level 3), a boost to movement speed (level 9), granting allies a bonus to Initiative if you manage to surprise enemies (level 13), and the ability to sneak attack two different targets each turn (level 17).
*'''Revived''' rogue was so popular, they decided to rip out everything that made it a cool, popular concept in favor of bland, dull, poorly-executed mechanics to create the '''Phantom'''. While the Phantom is probably the best of its UA just in terms of being mediocre rather than outright bad and/or confused, it also represents an almost-strict downgrade of everything the original Revived rogue had, while everything of value about it is just something the Revived rogue had reprinted without alteration. This was religiously unfixed for the official release in ''Tasha's''.


All four were reprinted, with minimal-to-no changes, in the ''Xanathar's Guide to Everything'' sourcebook.
*'''[[Soulknife]]''' is the obligatory psychic rogue that uses mindblades, but breaks with the class it's adapting's long tradition of suck by being really rad. It doubles down on things the rogue is already good at via letting you spend your pool of psionic dice on turning failed skill-checks into successes, which works well with the class's emphasis on reliability, lets you establish telepathic communications with your team (though not with each other), and summon psychic blades that deal psychic damage (and don't leave wounds) with great action economy, but are otherwise just shortswords you can throw up to 60 feet.  (You can also make dagger-equivalents with your offhand in the same way.) Later level abilities apply the same reliability dice on your attacks, teleport by throwing the blade and spending a die (range is 10 times the number rolled in feet), turn invisible until you do something to break it (attack and so on) once per long rest (recharges on spending a psionic die), and get the ability to stab people in the mind and/or soul at level 17.


[[Mike Mearls]] also brought back the [[Acrobat]] as a Rogue Subclass on his livestream. Since its page for details.
[[Mike Mearls]] also brought back the [[Acrobat]] as a Rogue Subclass on his livestream. See its page for details.


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{{dnd-stub}}[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons Classes]]
{{dnd-stub}}[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons Classes]]

Latest revision as of 10:42, 22 June 2023

"Elusive, evasive, persistent - righteous traits for a rogue. "

The Ancestor

Rogue is a character class found in Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder, although the general archetype (usually by different names) can be found in almost every RPG ever made. Rogues are sneaky, backstabbing, nimble adventurers, and they're just so useful you can't help but keep them around.

Rogues have a variety of skills that make them useful in various situations and, if they get a backstab, cause incredibly high damage, but they only have moderate hp. This may sound good, and they are pretty decent, but they're dead weight in a party with wizards, clerics, druids, erudites, or any other tier 1 (to tier 3 in case of Pathfinder) class. Similarly, they also become utterly fucking useless in combat when something with heavy fortification, an elemental, a construct, an ooze, a plant, or an undead show up. Pretty much, if it's immune to criticals, the rogue can only pout as he becomes a useless skill monkey, unless he starts diving into splatbooks looking for ways to bypass crit and sneak attack immunity. Most embarrassingly they can't sneak attack anything with concealment, which includes anything not standing in at least torch light so they can not, in fact, stab someone in the dark (unless they are a Dwarf or Half-Orc).

Given the power of their sneak attacks, many builds revolve around turning invisible after performing an attack. This may sound pretty sweet, but said builds also often revolve around one specific kind of weapon (ice, radiant, etc.) and so a clever DM can simply not provide any of said weapon. Serves you right for min-maxing, I guess.

Their skillmonkeying is more useful in Pathfinder, where they now have a lot of exclusive skill uses that other classes used to be able to do well enough with the right buffs, and they get rogue talents that give them a little more unique flavor. Yet ultimately they are outdone by the Investigator in the skillmonkey/utility part. The Investigator hybrid class has an even bigger skill list, is more reliant on Int, can buff himself with alchemy and may add 1d6(later 1d8) to his skill/attack/save rolls at will. The rogues now also have the advantage of far fewer enemies having sneak-attack immunity. Nowadays it's mostly just elementals and oozes. Have a Japan-flavored alternate class in the ninja, which changes out some of those skill monkey powers for ki pool and general insane badassery. Each can crosstrain in the other's special abilities.

Arcane Trickster is Prestige Class aimed as Rogues who uses casting to enhance sneakiness like a Gish uses magic to enhance smashing things. This contrasts a Bard who has casting and skill uses, but is not at all sneaky. Several attempts have been made to make this a base class. In 3.5 these include Spellthief, Psychic Rogue (detailed below), and potentially Beguiler, which differs in being a sneaky full caster instead of a rogue variant. There are several options for this in Pathfinder including the "Eldritch Scoundrel" archetype, which is roughly on par with a standard Arcane Trickster (unless you enter Arcane Trickster early with the Accomplished Sneak Attacker feat, then it comes out far ahead), Vivisectionist Alchemist and Investigator, plus Inquisitor for a divine variation. Arcane Trickser appears as a Paragon Path in 4E... which means you'll have no magic till 1/3rd of even the longest career is over. 5E makes "Arcane Trickster" one of the three core options Rogues can select as a specialty.

People have a bad tendency to misspell the name as Rouge, which, to be fair, does involve all the same letters, but they just can't find the G-spot.

The Rogue/Thief Divide[edit]

Back in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, the term "Rogue" was used as an overarching category into which several classes slotted - equivalent to the terms "Warrior" (Fighter, Paladin, Ranger), "Wizard" (Mage, Abjurer, Conjurer, Diviner, Enchanter, Evoker, Illusionist, Necromancer, Transmuter), and "Priest" (Cleric, Druid). In those days, "Rogue" was a blanket to cover the Thief (the class we now call the Rogue) and the Bard, as both of these classes shared the ability to pick locks and detect traps - it also picked up some setting-based variants, such as the Handler (a kender take on the rogue), and the Gypsy. Oh right - and Unearthed Arcana's Acrobat. However, the bard was so much less effective at that job that the category of Rogue and the class of Thief were pretty much synonymous with each other in the fandom.

Thus, when Wizards of the Coast took over and made D&D 3rd edition, the dropped the idea of class categories and just renamed the Thief into the Rogue, in part to give it a wider definition... But, you just can't keep something old-school down; the Thief returned as an Essentials style "simplified" version of the Rogue in 4th edition, and as a Skill Monkey subclass for the rogue in 5th edition.

Also, unique amongst RPGs, their backstab ability only worked on creatures that actually have a back, so things like slimes and skeletons were immune.

Psychic Rogue[edit]

Introduced in a web article for 3.5, the Psychic Rogue is an Arcane Trickster in a can. In exchange for less sneak attack and fewer skill points per level, a psionic rogue gains the ability to manifest a small number of powers (up to 5th level at level 17) that help him be sneaky. While a simple alternation to the base Rogue, the Psychic Rogue had the hidden advantage that it was a psionic class, which offers some major advantages over an actual Arcane Trickster that are not explicitly stated in the class description. Firstly, Psionic powers are naturally silent and it's also relatively trivial to prevent them from being visually obvious. Secondly, since Psychic Rogue has a manifester level equal to their class level, Psionics makes it easy to learn powers from another list, and you can augment powers up to your manifester level (everyone misses this restriction and cries that psionics are broken) you can effectively get something close to a 9th level spell equivalent one or two per day in exchange for blowing the rest of your manifesting. Thirdly you got access to [Psionic] feats like Obtain Psycrystal or Up the Walls. Psychic Rogue is Tier 3. Capable of doing a good variety of things well and being useful even if those things aren't applicable.

Complete Psionic introduced the Lurk, which had the same concept of a sneaky manifester. However the Lurk never caught on thanks to the fact that Complete Psionic was a horrible mess Psionics fans pretend never existed while Psychic Rogue was legitimately free content that could be played in an otherwise SRD only game.

Assassin[edit]

In the core handbook for 1st Edition AD&D, the Assassin was a subclass of thief. Fittingly for an archetype that likes to sit in the darkest corner of the bar playing with their personal collection of sharp objects, they were the only class in ALL of 1st with no minimum charisma. The assassin was one of the things about D&D that pissed off the satanic panic crowd, so it was absent from the core book for 2nd Edition, but then promptly restored in the thief's handbook for 2nd. Since then it has varied between a Rogue kit and Rogue prestige class in the various editions. Most versions get Death Attack, which is a more powerful sneak attack that you need to study a target before using.

Who would have thought small races make for great assassins?

The 3.5 version is the most notable though because it was a spellcaster. In exchange for four fewer skill points per level they got four levels of arcane casting in 7 levels (as fast as a wizard, but with less spells per day) from a limited but useful list. This casting is also really loud for some reason since casting was based off the Bard, who can't cast spells without a verbal component. It was a nice class and fairly easy to enter except that it required you be evil to enter, making it bad guy only. This was addressed in a post on Wizards of the Coast's website. This post introduced the Avenger which was like an Assassin, but required non-chaotic alignment instead of evil since the fluff is you're killing for king and country instead of money. While this was posted on April Fools, featured a poorly Photoshopped Assassin recolored to white and missed replacing a few evil aligned spells on their spell list, the class is still considered official first-party content and still sees use. The 3.5 Assassin also has the oddity of being the only prestige class in the entire game to have an alternate class feature option: The Psionic Assassin. It just kinda shows up on page 113 of Secrets of Sarlona.

The 4th Edition version was unique in that it was a whole new class that introduced a whole new power source (Shadow) that was, woefully, very underdeveloped by only being comprised of a class introduced in Dragon Magazine, the very lackluster Vampire, and two variant classes (Blackguard and Executioner) in a time when 4E was practically sliding its way towards cancellation. It was something of a mid-point between a caster and attacker with a decent choice of weapons as well as being proficient in ki foci like monks. It's key features were Assassin's Shroud (an at-will that targeted one enemy with a stacking damage bonus when invoked as part of an attack), Shade Form (A sustainable encounter power that turns you insubstantial and able to hide anywhere in exchange for vulnerable 5 radiant), and Shadow Step (teleports you from the side of one person to the side of another). Your subclass is defined by guilds, with the following as options:

  • Bleak Disciple adds THP whenever you hit a target that isn't bloodied.
  • Night Stalker adds Charisma to the damage if any attacks you make while nobody is near them, making you a serviceable solo combatant.
  • Executioner's Guild is a precursor to the Executioner variant class, replacing all of your encounter attacks with Executioner's Strike, a multiple-per-encounter attack that adds extra damage to an attack.

The Assassin is one poor Schmuck, his Shrouds are just not nearly as good as they could be, mostly because of a few asinine decisions, his shade form is VASTLY outclassed by it's alternative, and most of the Assassin's powers while really fucking cool, sacrifice actual usefulness for flavour. Seriously, even the Runepriest and Seeker are giving the Assassin spare Change.

The Executioner, which would later be introduced in Heroes of Shadow, kept Executioner's Strike but also gained access to poisons, a set of buildable items that took the place of daily powers and added effects on attacks, the ability to use Dex for MBAs, and the ability to eventually insta-kill things that you put below a certain HP threshold. While most Essentials classes had at least some degree of choice that impacted later levels, this class was particularly maligned for having a choice that only gave you your allotment of at-wills and nothing else.

Rogues in 3rd Edition[edit]

3rd Edition Rogue suffers from four big problems. Firstly, some idiot decided weapon finesse had to require a prerequisite of +1 BAB while rogues start at +0 so they can't take it at character creation. Either they have to start as something else, dip something that gets it as a bonus feat at level 2 (which for 3.0 meant Fighter), or suck it up for two levels. Secondly, they are dependent upon Sneak Attack to deal any damage, and Constructs, Oozes, Plants, Undead, and incorporeal enemies are immune to it, with undead alone being one of the most common types of enemy. Thirdly, sneak Attack is really hard to set up, and can be prevented by something as simple as poor lighting: rogues need to be able to see their target well enough to take a good guess at where the important squishy organs are (this is why Dwarfs and other races with low-light vision and darkvision actually make good Rogues). Four: Magic does most of the things they do better. For that matter, an NPC retainer with the "Expert" class could do most of these things, and all you have to do is promise to pay him, until he misses that last saving-throw.

In the move to 3.5 they gained Uncanny Dodge and Improved Uncanny Dodge, freeing them of their dead level at 4th and 8th. Still a bad class, but it's at least a useful ability. Late in the system Wizards realized everything Constructs, Oozes, Plants, Undead, and incorporeal enemies being immune to sneak attack wasn't a good idea and released a few patches, but you had to go out of your way and expend resources to obtain them.

Meanwhile 3.5 also offered the bushwhackin', hornswogglin' Swashbuckler cracker croaker. Rev'ren! ... which also ended up a dip.

The Rogue doesn't appear in their own right in Arcana Unearthed. The Unfettered (the Not-Swashbuckler) fills that niche. But you can add Assassin as a prestige-class.

Rogues are Tier 4, and likely a low tier 4 at that. They're capable of doing a lot of things, but not all that well.

Rogues in Pathfinder[edit]

Merisiel, Pathfinder's iconic Rogue

Rogues in Pathfinder suffer from give and take. On one hand, the compressed skills make them able to do more, weapon finesse doesn't have any requirements, and they gained selectable Rogue Talents while the list of things immune to sneak attack was limited to Aeons, Elementals, Incorporeals (unless you had ghost touch), Oozes, Protean and Swarms (many of which not rare, but unlike Constructs and Undead things you aren't going to be fighting all the damn time and every adventure). On the other hand, the compressed skill system, its reduced penalties for non-class skills, it being easier to obtain class skills, and the Bard's new Versatile Performance feature mean other classes can do the skill monkey thing pretty good if not better. You also can't sneak attack with splash weapons because some idiot that thinks martials needed to be realistic declared it OP during the playtest, and most of the talent options suck.

Rogue was so underwhelming it was eventually replaced with the Unchained Rogue, which was a straight upgrade to the original. Partial concealment no longer blocks sneak attack, so you can stab someone in a dark alley. Instead of having to blow a feat to actually hit things with dexterity, a rogue gains it automatically and, at levels 3, 11 and 19, pick a weapon to add dexterity to damage. At 4th level they get the ability Debilitating Injury, which debuffs enemies hit by sneak attack for free and stacks with talents that modify Sneak Attack. At 5th level they automatically gain a skill unlock, which lets you do new things with a skill that vary between being "cool, useful and interesting", "did it better with magic four levels ago," and "be mildly better at something you could already do" (mostly the last two). Finally a lot of the Rogue Talents were buffed, and most of the talents going forward sucked less.

Also added late in the system's life was the archetype Eldritch Scoundrel. In exchange for some of your sneak attack, all your armor, half your skill points (though an intelligence focus largely negates that), half your rogue talents and your first Uncanny Dodge, you become a single class Arcane Trickster. This is nice, except at this point Accomplished Sneak Attacker was already printed, which allowed early entry (Rogue 1/Wizard 3) into the actual Arcane Trickster, which is a better option since your build is then 95% Wizard. "Early Entry" may be synonymous with "Cheese", but this instance has been officially endorsed by being the default build of one of the companions in the Kingmaker video game.

Rogue is still tier 4, though a better tier 4. After Unchained, while much better, it's still tier 4 since it still lacks the power to truly shine in any area that other classes can not in. Eldritch Scoundrel is tier 3 but (again) Arcane Trickster is pretty much strictly better.

Rogues in Pathfinder Second Edition[edit]

Take the 1e unchained Rogue and update it to 2nd. Seriously, that metric boatload of skill feats you get (one at each level) is a callback to the Skill Unlocks in 1e.

You are Still the stealing, sneak attacking, skill monkey but now more build potential has opened up. Target only needs to be flat-footed to be sneak attacked. Rogues are also more likely go first if they manage to substitute Deception or Stealth for initiative rolls.

Your subclasses (inventively called "Rackets" because crime) are as follows:

  • Thief: Your vanilla rogue who uses Dex to damage.
  • Ruffian: The bruiser rogue like in 4E. The difference here is that ruffians can wear medium armor and can focus their build around strength and intimidation.
  • Scoundrel: The silver tongue, able to render enemies flat-footed with a well-placed feint.
  • Mastermind: (Introduced in Advanced Player's Guide) More of a know-it-all, you can determine how to render an enemy flat-footed just by finding out those weaknesses. You also become more of a lore monkey than a wizard would like to be.
  • Eldritch Trickster: (Introduced in Advanced Player's Guide) Gives you immediate access to a multiclass feat that grants casting and lets you pick up the Magical Trickster feat (letting you use Sneak Attack with spells) at level 2.


“Assassins” Decoupled from the rouge so other classes can use but require skills in Alchemy, Deception, and Stealth. You spend your entire turn to make a single target then get bonuses to find the target and deal more damage to them. One of the feats let you Assassinate so good only divine intervention can retrieve their soul.

The Archetypes of Pathfinder 2nd Edition
Core Rule Book: Alchemist - Barbarian - Bard - Champion - Cleric - Druid
Fighter - Monk - Ranger - Rogue - Sorcerer - Wizard
Lost Omens Setting Guide: Crimson Assassin - Duelist - Guild Agent - Hellknight Armiger
Lion Blade - Living Monolith - Magic Warrior - Runescarred - Sentry - Student of Perfection
Lost Omens Character Guide: Hellknight - Hellknight Signifer - Spellmaster - Firebrand Braggart - Lastwall Knights - Halcyon Speaker - Knight Reclaimant - Scrollmaster - Spellmaster - Swordmaster
Lost Omens World Guide: Aldori Duelist - Lastwall Sentry - Knight Vigilant - Pathfinder Agent - Runescarred
Adventure Path Juggler Dedication - Staff Acrobat Archetype - Zephyr Guard Archetype - Mammoth Lord - Mammoth Lord - Nantambu Chime-Ringer - Crystal Keeper - Drow Shootist - Edgewatch Detective - Eldritch Reasercher - Forlklorist - Game Hunter - Ghost Eater - Ghost Hunter - Golden League Xun - Golem Grafter - Gray Gardener - Alkenstar Agent - Animal Trainer - Bellflower Tiller - Bright Lion - Butterfly Blade - Magaambyan Attendant - Juggler - Jalmeri Heavenseeker - Provocator - Red Mantis Assassin - Sixth Pillar - Turpin Rowe Lumberjack
The Slithering OOzemorph
Grand Bazaar Captivator - Spell Trickster - Wrestler
Monsters of Myth Packbound Initiate
Advanced Player's Guide Acrobat - Archaeologist - Archer - Assassin - Bastion - Beastmaster - Blessed One - Bounty Hunter - Cavalier - Celebrity - Dandy - Dual-Weapon Warrior - Duelist - Eldritch Archer - Familiar Master - Gladiator - Herbalist - Horizon Walker - Investigator - Linguist- Loremaster - Marshal -Martial Artist - Mauler - Medic - Oracle - Pirate - Poisoner - Ritualist - Scout - Scroll Trickster - Scourger -Sentinel - Shadowdancer - Snarecrafter -Swashbuckler - Talisman Dabbler - Vigilante - Viking - Weapon Improviser - Witch
Secrets of Magic: Magus - Summoner - Wellspring Mage - Cathartic Mage - Elementalist - Flexible Spellcaster - Geomancer - Shadowcaster - Soulforger - Wellspring Mage
Guns & Gears: Demolitionist - Fireworks Technician - Gunslinger - Inventor - Artillerist - Beast Gunner - Bullet Dancer - Pistol Phenom - Overwatch - Runelord - Sniping Duo - Spellshot - Sterling Dynamo - Trapsmith - Trick Driver - Unexpected Sharpshooter - Vehicle Mechanic
Book of the Dead: Exorcist - Ghoul - Ghost - Hallowed Necromancer - Lich - Mummy - Reanimator - Soul Warden - Undead Master - Undead Slayer - Vampire - Zombie

Rogues in 4th Edition[edit]

Of course the rogue has dreads, he's... you know... the urban type.

Rogues got a huge bump in 4th edition, mostly because the vast laundry list of creatures being immune to Sneak Attack was shredded and fed to a manticore. Sneak Attack, it was argued, was just a general term for any kind of specialized, precisely-aimed attack that did extra damage, and so most of the creatures that were immune to it were a case of taking realism to the point of stupidity. Yes, a skeleton doesn't have a liver to stab, but you can still stick a dagger through its knee or vertebrae and twist them apart. Most subsequent editions of the game held onto this change, including those specifically designed for butthurt 3.X fanboys pissed off at 4e.

The 4e Rogue is a Martial Striker - a Source & Role combination that it shares with the Ranger. Its focus is predominantly on mobile attacks, hitting a target and then moving out of range before they can strike back, in comparison to the Ranger's focus on either peppering foes with arrows or slicing them up in a flurry of blades. Whilst predominantly Dexterity focused, it has secondary class features allowing it to get more use out of Charisma or Strength as a secondary statistic. Properly built, the 4e Rogue is a veritable mincing machine of a class; it's actually possible to build a Paragon level Rogue who can inflict damage with every single action of a turn:

  • Minor Action: Tumbling Strike or Low Slash
  • Standard Action: Knockout
  • Free Action: Two-weapon Opening Attack
  • Move-to-Minor Action: Critical Opportuity
  • Action Point Standard Action: Bloodbath or Deep Dagger Wound

The Rogue's class features in this edition consist of Rogue Tactics (see below), Sneak Attack (1/round, when you are using a light blade, crossbow or sling, you can inflict bonus damage determined by your tier (+2d6 for Heroic, +3d6 for Paragon, +5d6 for Epic) to an enemy you have Combat Advantage against), and Rogue Weapon Talent - you increase the damage die type of shurikens by +1 size and gain a +1 to attack rolls with daggers.

The primary "variable" class feature for the Rogue is called "Rogue Tactics", which broadly dictates what kind of rogue you are. In the PHB, Rogue Tactics is divisible into the Artful Dodger (Charisma modifier is a bonus to AC vs opportunity attacks) and Brutal Scoundrel (Strength modifier is bonus damage to Sneak Attack), which are the basis of the "Trickster Rogue" and "Brawny Rogue" build examples respectively. Martial Power 1 adds the Ruthless Ruffian Rogue Tactic, which grants proficiency with the mace & club, lets you Sneak Attack with those weapons, and boosts up the damage of your Rattling keyword rogue powers by your Strength modifier - this Tactic is the basis of the "Cutthroat Rogue" build, a Str/Cha sample build that relies on intimidation tactics and brute force attacks for a "thuggish" motif - its counterpart, the "Aerialist Rogue", is an acrobatic alternative build for the Artful Dodger tactic, focused on the various mobility-boosting or granting powers added in that splatbook. Martial Power 2 offers the final Rogue Tactics alternative, the Cunning Sneak, who is much more stealthy than usual - it also grants an alternative to the standard Rogue Weapon Talent in the form of the Sharpshooter Talent, which grants you a +1 to attack rolls with either crossbows or slings (chosen at 1st level) and the Far Shot feat for free. That book's sole build example, the "Shadowy Rogue", can key off of either or both of these variant traits.

The Essentials series of books also gave the Rogue a variant in the form of the Thief. This class pretty much focused entirely on their skill-monkey aspects with a bunch of utility powers that could be exploited at-will, though Sneak Attack still existed and they also had the 1/Encounter Backstab to add to both the hit and damage rolls. Thief also allows all MBAs to use Dex to hit and damage while also adding a bonus for all the basic Rogue weapons, sparing a whole feat's usage. Unfortunately, your choice in powers is cut quite short, as is the case with most Essentials classes.

The 4e Rogue is most infamous for having one of the most controversial, "blatantly gamist" powers, in the form of Bloody Path.


5th Edition[edit]

"Have you tried the wine? It's to die for."

Rogues in 5e get a d8 hit die, lots of skills (not quite as many as a Bard, but with more powers to make them the more reliable skillmonkeys) and are much better in combat than their 3.5 predecessors. This stems mostly from the fact that their backstabs now trigger on advantage or an adjacent ally instead of only when the opponent is flatfooted or flanked, meaning that they have the potential to get sneak attacks almost every round. Also helping them out is the Cunning Action, which lets them use a bonus action every turn to hide or disengage from an enemy, making them very skilled at hit-and-run kidney shankings. Plus, as part of the ongoing 4e move away from this kind of thing, nothing in the game is immune to sneak attacks. They're the only martial class in the game that doesn't get Extra Attack at any point, but the extra damage on a sneak attack more than makes up for it. Especially since they crit harder than just about anyone else in the game.

They can only sneak attack once a turn, and need their bonus actions to run away and hide, though, so while there's room for melee rogues this edition, two-weapon rogues are pretty well gone outside of very-niche builds or people who don't like the idea of feast-or-famine with their one attack per round. Especially with how weak two-weapon fighting is without the Fighting Style option for it, that rogues don't get, though adding stat to damage matters less at higher levels when you're rolling more than that in d6s anyway.

One of the most interestingly-designed martials this edition, and a lot of fun overall.

At level 3 rogues get their subclasses or "Rogueish Archetypes". The class is very powerful on its own, so most of those do not change the play too much or add powerful abilities.

  • Thief - The classic stealth-and-tricks archetype that focuses on stealth and skillmonkeying into things that are useful for thieving. It does not provide much for combat aside from ability to pickpocket people while you're fighting them and disabling traps as a bonus action, although that one time you steal a plot device mcguffin out of BBEG's pocket or a spellbook out of enemy wizard is going to be precious. 13-th level ability hilariously allows Thief to use class/race/level restricted magic items, which effectively means they can use wands, rods and spell scrolls, but sometimes it extends to things like Holy Avenger or Hag Artifacts that are supposed to be only used by Hags themselves. It also, in a little-read section, grants you an effective-if-not-actual climb speed.
  • Assassin - The subclass for murdering people - both in combat and as stealth assassination. Notable for being extremely front-loaded, with nearly all the combat-relevant abilities coming online at level 3 and most of the higher level ones being only useful for stealth assassinations or long-term social infiltration. The class's famous "Death Attack" is a super-high-level unlock.
  • Arcane Trickster - The gishy rogue that casts spells and stabs people in the kidneys. It comes with half a page of rules for special shit the mage hand can do. It's generally considered the best rulebook archetype for those who don't mind the math homework.
  • Swashbuckler - We Inigo Montoya now! A nice dueling-oriented subclass that lives up to its name by giving you extra initiative, the ability to apply your sneak attack dice to any melee attack so long as you aren't being mobbed, and a mechanic that can charm socially and goad enemies into 1v1ing you bro.
  • Mastermind - A combat support Rogue, if you can imagine that. It takes the page out of Assassin's book with adding lots of abilities that help you with impersonation, infiltration and more social kind of spy games, and in combat can use Help as a Cunning Action, basically granting advantage to one of the teammates instead of running away like usual, although ironically most times a rogue would be the one who needs that Advantage the most.
  • Inquisitive - Similar to Pathfinder's Investigator, and is basically Sherlock Holmes with a little Van Helsing added in for flavor. Ear for Deceit and Eye for Deception makes them more adept at sensing when somebody is lying and at finding hidden creatures and objects. Insightful Fighting lets them make a Wisdom vs. Charisma check to gain the ability to launch Sneak Attacks against a creature without actually needing combat advantage to do so. Steady Eye increases their bonuses granted by Eye for Deception. Unerring Eye lets them intuitively sense when they are within of a shapechanged creature or an illusion. Finally, Eye for Weakness increases the Sneak Attack damage they do when they use Insightful Fighting by +2d6.
  • Scout - Kind of rogue/ranger hybrid. It mostly boosts mobility and buffs allies, but does feature a pretty devastating damage capstone. Features include double proficiency in Nature and Survival (level 3), the ability to move half your speed as a reaction (level 3), a boost to movement speed (level 9), granting allies a bonus to Initiative if you manage to surprise enemies (level 13), and the ability to sneak attack two different targets each turn (level 17).
  • Revived rogue was so popular, they decided to rip out everything that made it a cool, popular concept in favor of bland, dull, poorly-executed mechanics to create the Phantom. While the Phantom is probably the best of its UA just in terms of being mediocre rather than outright bad and/or confused, it also represents an almost-strict downgrade of everything the original Revived rogue had, while everything of value about it is just something the Revived rogue had reprinted without alteration. This was religiously unfixed for the official release in Tasha's.
  • Soulknife is the obligatory psychic rogue that uses mindblades, but breaks with the class it's adapting's long tradition of suck by being really rad. It doubles down on things the rogue is already good at via letting you spend your pool of psionic dice on turning failed skill-checks into successes, which works well with the class's emphasis on reliability, lets you establish telepathic communications with your team (though not with each other), and summon psychic blades that deal psychic damage (and don't leave wounds) with great action economy, but are otherwise just shortswords you can throw up to 60 feet. (You can also make dagger-equivalents with your offhand in the same way.) Later level abilities apply the same reliability dice on your attacks, teleport by throwing the blade and spending a die (range is 10 times the number rolled in feet), turn invisible until you do something to break it (attack and so on) once per long rest (recharges on spending a psionic die), and get the ability to stab people in the mind and/or soul at level 17.

Mike Mearls also brought back the Acrobat as a Rogue Subclass on his livestream. See its page for details.

Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition classes
Player's Handbook BarbarianBardClericDruidFighterMonkPaladinRangerRogueSorcererWizard
Player's Handbook II BeguilerDragon ShamanDuskbladeKnight
Complete Adventurer ExemplarNinjaScoutSpellthief
Complete Arcane WarlockWarmageWu jen
Complete Divine Favored SoulShugenjaSpirit Shaman
Complete Psionic ArdentDivine MindEruditeLurk
Complete Warrior HexbladeSamuraiSwashbuckler
Dragon Compendium Battle DancerDeath MasterJesterMountebankSavantSha'irUrban Druid
Dragon Magazine Sha'ir
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Miniatures Handbook Favored SoulHealerMarshalWarmage
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Psionics Handbook PsionPsychic WarriorSoulknifeWilder
Tome of Battle CrusaderSwordsageWarblade
Tome of Magic BinderShadowcasterTruenamer
War of the Lance Master
Wizards's Website Psychic Rogue
NPC Classes AdeptAristocratCommonerExpertMagewrightWarrior
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Class-related things Epic LevelsFavored ClassGestalt characterMulticlassingPrestige ClassRacial Paragon ClassTier SystemVariant Class
Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition Classes
Player's Handbook 1 ClericFighterPaladinRangerRogueWarlockWarlordWizard
Player's Handbook 2 AvengerBarbarianBardDruidInvokerShamanSorcererWarden
Player's Handbook 3 ArdentBattlemindMonkPsionRunepriestSeeker
Heroes of X Blackguard* • Binder* • Cavalier* • Elementalist* • Hexblade* • Hunter* • Mage* • Knight* • Protector* • Scout* • Sentinel* • Skald* • Slayer* • Sha'ir* • Thief* • Vampire* • Warpriest* • Witch*
Settings Book ArtificerBladesinger* • Swordmage
Dragon Magazine Assassin
Others Paragon PathEpic Destiny
*·: Non-AEDU variant classes
Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Classes
Player's Handbook BarbarianBardClericDruidFighterMonk
PaladinRangerRogueSorcererWarlockWizard
Tasha's Cauldron of Everything ArtificerExpertSpellcasterWarrior
Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft ApprenticeDiscipleSneakSquire
Unearthed Arcana Mystic
The Classes of Pathfinder 1st Edition
Core Classes: Barbarian - Bard - Cleric - Druid - Fighter - Monk
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Advanced
Player's Guide:
Alchemist - Antipaladin - Cavalier
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Shaman - Skald - Slayer - Swashbuckler - Warpriest
Occult
Adventures:
Kineticist - Medium - Mesmerist
Occultist - Psychic - Spiritualist
Ultimate X: Gunslinger - Magus - Ninja - Samurai - Shifter - Vigilante
The Classes of Pathfinder 2nd Edition
Core Classes: Alchemist - Barbarian - Bard - Champion - Cleric - Druid
Fighter - Monk - Ranger - Rogue - Sorcerer - Wizard
Advanced Player's Guide: Investigator - Oracle - Swashbuckler - Witch
Secrets of Magic: Magus - Summoner
Guns and Gears: Gunslinger - Inventor
Dark Archive: Psychic - Thaumaturge
Other: Archetypes
The Archetypes of Pathfinder 2nd Edition
Core Rule Book: Alchemist - Barbarian - Bard - Champion - Cleric - Druid
Fighter - Monk - Ranger - Rogue - Sorcerer - Wizard
Lost Omens Setting Guide: Crimson Assassin - Duelist - Guild Agent - Hellknight Armiger
Lion Blade - Living Monolith - Magic Warrior - Runescarred - Sentry - Student of Perfection
Lost Omens Character Guide: Hellknight - Hellknight Signifer - Spellmaster - Firebrand Braggart - Lastwall Knights - Halcyon Speaker - Knight Reclaimant - Scrollmaster - Spellmaster - Swordmaster
Lost Omens World Guide: Aldori Duelist - Lastwall Sentry - Knight Vigilant - Pathfinder Agent - Runescarred
Adventure Path Juggler Dedication - Staff Acrobat Archetype - Zephyr Guard Archetype - Mammoth Lord - Mammoth Lord - Nantambu Chime-Ringer - Crystal Keeper - Drow Shootist - Edgewatch Detective - Eldritch Reasercher - Forlklorist - Game Hunter - Ghost Eater - Ghost Hunter - Golden League Xun - Golem Grafter - Gray Gardener - Alkenstar Agent - Animal Trainer - Bellflower Tiller - Bright Lion - Butterfly Blade - Magaambyan Attendant - Juggler - Jalmeri Heavenseeker - Provocator - Red Mantis Assassin - Sixth Pillar - Turpin Rowe Lumberjack
The Slithering OOzemorph
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Monsters of Myth Packbound Initiate
Advanced Player's Guide Acrobat - Archaeologist - Archer - Assassin - Bastion - Beastmaster - Blessed One - Bounty Hunter - Cavalier - Celebrity - Dandy - Dual-Weapon Warrior - Duelist - Eldritch Archer - Familiar Master - Gladiator - Herbalist - Horizon Walker - Investigator - Linguist- Loremaster - Marshal -Martial Artist - Mauler - Medic - Oracle - Pirate - Poisoner - Ritualist - Scout - Scroll Trickster - Scourger -Sentinel - Shadowdancer - Snarecrafter -Swashbuckler - Talisman Dabbler - Vigilante - Viking - Weapon Improviser - Witch
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