Let's talk about a rogue's handbook

[Archao]

Sneak Attack Fighter 3/Swashbuckler 3/Feat Rogue 14 with Daring Outlaw.

I don't think you can do that. You can't take Necromancer 2 / Illusionist 2 since they are both Wizard even if they are different ACFs.

You must include Hellbreaker. It gives HiPS, steal spell-like ability, you can ride with any teleportation effect (like if a wizard ddoor's away you can go with him), and its capstone given before the end ability of steal supernatural abilities. It's awesome.

Isn't the sneak attack Fighter a base Fighter and the Feat Rogue a base rogue? Ie. fighter3/swash 3/rogue 14?

Seems legal to me, can't find the sneak attack fighter right now though.

How exactly are you still advancing Sneak Attack?

"Your rogue and swashbuckler levels also stack for the purpose of determining your sneak attack bonus damage."

It just says rogue, not "whatever class gave you +2d6 Sneak Attack" so you can get your SA dice from SA Fighter then take any form of rogue. Looks to be RAW exploitation, and I doubt a DM would look over such a character and let it interpret the rules like that.

[ninjarabbit]

Btw, what is it with rogues and dexterity? I mean, there's not really a reason to go for high dexterity if you are not using TWF or ranged weapons. Yes, i know that they have a lot of dexterity based skills, but the trade-off is not really worth it (14 is +2 at 6 points and 18 is +4 at 16 points).

Mostly holdover mentality from 2nd edition, int is really the stat rogues should focus on.


Anyways I like rogue2/swashbuckler3/assassin10/swashbuckler5 to give you a bit of spellcasting with your 16 BAB, full SA, and skills

[PhaedrusXY]

Don't forget the staggering strike feat!

Edit: Doh! Beat to it! I should read before posting!

Another feat that should never, EVER be forgotten about is Staggering Strike from Complete Adventurer.  It isn't an ambush feat, but whenever you make a sneak attack, the target makes a Fort save (DC10+damage!) or is staggered for the next round.  That's one standard OR move action, and the DC is extremely easy to boost high enough that even Epic monsters can't make it on anything but a 20.

Oh, and it can be rather useful on flying foes with lower manuverabilities.  If they lack Hover, then they have to take a move action to maintain minimum forward speed.

Alternatively Fighter 1/Swashbuckler 18/Rogue 1 with Daring outlaw and the one that stacks fighter levels and swashbuckler levels for feats.

only 19 levels of sneak attack and down a lot of skillpoints but you get 19 levels of fighter feats to make up for it.

Wow... I didn't know there was a feat that did that... That sounds like an incredible combination!

[snakeman830]

It doesn't do that (the Fighter/Swashbuckler one).  It lets your Fighter and Swashbuckler levels stack for meeting feat prerequisites, not getting the bonus feats.

So, a Fighter 1/Swashbuckler 3 with the feat could take Weapon Specialization.

[Littha]

It doesn't do that (the Fighter/Swashbuckler one).  It lets your Fighter and Swashbuckler levels stack for meeting feat prerequisites, not getting the bonus feats.

So, a Fighter 1/Swashbuckler 3 with the feat could take Weapon Specialization.

Damn table is misleading...

[snakeman830]

It doesn't do that (the Fighter/Swashbuckler one).  It lets your Fighter and Swashbuckler levels stack for meeting feat prerequisites, not getting the bonus feats.

So, a Fighter 1/Swashbuckler 3 with the feat could take Weapon Specialization.

Damn table is misleading...

But in this case, not false.

[gorfnad]

One somewhat simple rogue build I like is Rogue 5/ Assassin9/ Telfammar Shadowlord 6.

[BowenSilverclaw]

Maybe a section on the ever popular ranged sneak attack and how to make it viable?

[Dictum Mortuum]

So, to wrap up:

Post 1 - ToC
Post 2 - Intro, Why Rogue, Class Overview, Attributes, Races
Post 3 - Class Features & Alternative Class Features (Including special abilities rating)
Post 4 - Skills & Feats (Special section for ambush feats, maybe class stacking feats, steal some skills from the factotum handbook)
Post 5 - Multiclassing and Prestige Classes
Post 6 - Combat (Ways to sneak attack, immune to sneak attack damage creatures and how to bypass them)
Post 7 - Equipment
Post 8 - Builds
Post 9 - BBEGs, reserved, whatever

[McPoyo]

Just a note: Assassin qualifies for Unseen Seer. Hunter's Eye added to the assassin list.

[Rebel7284]

Rogue 1/Savage Bard 4/Unseen Seer1/Ur Priest 2/Arcane Trickster 8

Hehehehe

[McPoyo]

Isn't there a spell somewhere that autoconfirms the next successful sneak attack you do into a critical?

[PhaedrusXY]

Isn't there a spell somewhere that autoconfirms the next successful sneak attack you do into a critical?

Hunter's Mercy, and it doesn't even have to be a sneak attack. It's just the next attack. At least I think that's what the latest version does... They've changed that spell a few times...

[Ivory Knight]

The Ranger List has Hunter's Mercy, IIRC next hit is a critical thread(problem: It's a standard action and only lasts 1 round. Also it is IIRC Transmutation, so no Hunter's Mercy for the Unseen Seer).

Edit: PhaedrusXY was faster

[McPoyo]

Isn't there a spell somewhere that autoconfirms the next successful sneak attack you do into a critical?

Hunter's Mercy, and it doesn't even have to be a sneak attack. It's just the next attack. At least I think that's what the latest version does... They've changed that spell a few times...

Meh, Wyrm Wizard it in.

[Risada]

Also, a honorable mention for the Skill tricks from Complete Scoundrel that render opponents flat footed...

[emaNsdrawkcaB]

If you are going to add a part on the Daring Outlaw feat, I think  the Swift Ambusher feat should be considered as well.

Sneak Attack Fighter 3/ Swashbuckler 3/ Scout 4/ Feat Rogue 10 with Daring Outlaw and Swift Ambusher/ Improved Skirmish is even more deadly.

I also had another rather fun build mostly Rogue.

Rogue 3/ Warlock 6/ Hellfire Warlock 3/ Rogue 8

11d6 Hellfire Blast
6d6 +20 Sneak Attack

UMD Wands of Sniper's Shot for a 250 ft. ranged touch attack, dealing 17d6 +20.
Ranged touch to foes denied their DEX, an unlimited amount of times per day is greatly useful, IMHO.

Couple this with Scout/ Swift Ambusher/ Improved Skirmish and Fell Flight/ Flyby Attack (12,000 for Perfect Maneuverability), it goes up to 22d6 +20.

[Dawnmor]

I dont know about everyone, but I would LOVE to see something that explains how Sneak attack, Sudden attack, and those others work.  I know if I Was a newbie rogue *(which I am), still havent played one in 3.5, but I know I would love to know how it all worked so I could make an effective rogue character.

[snakeman830]

I dont know about everyone, but I would LOVE to see something that explains how Sneak attack, Sudden attack, and those others work.  I know if I Was a newbie rogue *(which I am), still havent played one in 3.5, but I know I would love to know how it all worked so I could make an effective rogue character.

On Sneak Attack, Sudden Strike, and Skirmish

All three only work when within 30ft of your target and only if the target is vulnerable to critical hits*

Sneak attack: Triggers on each attack that is made against a foe denied their dexterity bonus to Armor Class or when flanking a foe.

Sudden Strike: As Sneak Attack, but does not trigger by flanking foes.  Counts as sneak attack for meeting prerequisites and using ambush feats.

Skirmish: Triggers whenever you move 10ft or more from your starting position under your own power.  Does NOT count as Sneak Attack.


*There are ways of triggering it anyway on those who are immune, such as Swift Hunter and Greater Demolition crystals

[Senevri]

I always found this guide rather refreshing. It also has some things to say about play style. I know it's not for exactly the most commonly-spoken of variant of DnD, but I think parts of it still apply.