The rogue is an expert in their field, someone who knows all the tricks of their trade and can apply them in a wide variety of situations. They rely on their wits to outsmart their opponent with cunning and guile, always living on the edge of their abilities.
Subclasses
Different rogue subclasses provide different ways of leveraging your skills to your advantage, both in and out of combat.
Assassin
Skulking in the shadows, the assassin only draws their blade when their target is vulnerable. They prefer infiltration and ambushes, never giving their victim a fair chance.
Arcane Trickster
By adding a dash of arcane magic to their toolkit, these rogues increase their arsenal of tools greatly. They usually focus on versatile spells that have multiple uses, such as illusions and enchantments.
Soulknife
Some psionically gifted rogues can focus their power into a sharp blade, slicing their enemies' minds directly. These rogues make terrifying assassins, as they always have undetectable weapons on them.
Thief
The thief prefers to never be seen, and simply disappear into the night with all the valuables. Good thieves are among the craftiest rogues, able to utilize their environment to its fullest to outsmart their opponent.
Ideals
- Thrill: I am addicted to the rush, and I keep seeking it out. (Any)
- Honor Among Thieves: I follow a code, even if that is not the law of the land. (Lawful)
- Charity: If I take everything for myself, I am not better than those I took from. (Good)
- Freedom: Sometimes I will go one way, sometimes another. (Neutral)
- Greed: I want all the shiny things - I don't care who owns them. (Evil)
- Tricks: Fair has never won a fight. (Chaotic)
Backstory Questions
- What type of crimes have you committed?
- Who are your underworld allies?
- Are you wanted for your crimes somewhere? Did you do it?
Rogues of the Past
Some say that the best thief is the one you never heard of. While there is some truth to that, some rogues still manage to gain fame across the islands, especially among the lower strata of society.
Trixie Softstep
(halfling, CG, 1287-1332): Infamous for her last words ("There are no mimics in the Feywild!"), which were uttered shortly before being devoured by a mimic while adventuring in the Feywild. 'Trixie' is used in some variants of Thieves' Cant to mean "foresee one's own failure". For example, "any trixies in the plan?" means "Are their any obvious things we are missing here?"
Cormac Moonshot
(gnome, CN, 1219-1267): Famous gambler who invented gnome fold. Famous for never turning down a wager, Cormac's antics are legendary. He once flipped a coin with a rakshasa, gambling a pair of daggers against his life. Could have retired a wealthy gnome at several points in his career, but always would find a bet to lose it all on. He burnt his candle quickly and was killed by a scorned djinni who had just lost a game of dice for a wish.