A Bad Guide To Rogue: Embrace the Underhanded

A bad guide to rogue focuses on the underhanded tactics and clever strategies to exploit situations, dominate combat, and thrive as a versatile character. At CONDUCT.EDU.VN, we explore the rogue’s challenges, focusing on building a viable character despite limitations, emphasizing agility, planning, and strategic thinking for those who want to master the art of deception, stealth, and tactical combat. Dive in to discover builds and tactics that make the rogue a force to be reckoned with. Embrace these rogue tips, sneaky tactics, and deceptive strategies to master the game.

1. Understanding the Rogue’s Dilemma

The rogue class in Pathfinder is often seen as underpowered due to its medium Base Attack Bonus (BAB), poor Fortitude and Will saves, and reliance on Sneak Attack, which requires specific positioning and circumstances. Rogues are supposed to be nimble skirmishers, excelling in mobility and flanking. Yet, their light armor and middling hit points leave them vulnerable in direct combat. The traditional role of rogues as masters of skills like Disable Device and Stealth has also been diminished, as other classes can now more easily acquire these skills.

1.1. Key Challenges for Rogues

• Combat Vulnerability: Light armor and mediocre HP make rogues fragile in melee combat.
• Dependence on Sneak Attack: Reliant on specific conditions, such as flanking or surprise, to maximize damage output.
• Skill Redundancy: Other classes can now easily acquire skills that were once exclusive to rogues.

1.2. The Rogue Identity Crisis

The developers’ decision to distribute rogue abilities among other classes has led to an identity crisis. While other classes have received enhancements, rogues have remained largely unchanged, with many rogue talents being underwhelming. The best rogue archetypes, such as Thug and Rake, are so effective that they are often chosen regardless of character theme or build.

2. Ability Scores: Building a Foundation

Ability scores are the foundation of any character, and for rogues, Dexterity is paramount. A high Dexterity score is essential for combat prowess, skills, and defenses. Intelligence is also important, particularly for skill points and certain feats.

2.1. Prioritizing Dexterity

Dexterity is the most important ability score for rogues. It affects:

• Attack rolls: Essential for hitting targets in combat.
• Armor Class (AC): Improves survivability by making the rogue harder to hit.
• Skills: Powers key rogue skills like Acrobatics, Stealth, and Disable Device.
• Reflex saves: Enhances defense against area-of-effect spells and traps.

2.2. The Importance of Intelligence

Intelligence is crucial for rogues due to its impact on skill points. Aim for at least 13 Intelligence to qualify for feats like Combat Expertise, and consider increasing it further for more skill points.

2.3. Balancing Constitution and Wisdom

Constitution and Wisdom govern the rogue’s weakest saves: Fortitude and Will. Prioritize Constitution for increased hit points, which are essential for survival. Wisdom is also important, but can be secondary to Constitution.

2.4. Sample Stat Array

Here’s a balanced 20-point stat array for a rogue, before racial modifiers:

• Strength: 10
• Dexterity: 16
• Constitution: 13
• Intelligence: 14
• Wisdom: 12
• Charisma: 10

3. Races: Choosing the Right Heritage

Many races are viable for rogues, particularly those that offer a bonus to Dexterity. Humans, Gnomes, Elves, and Half-Elves are excellent choices, each offering unique strengths and abilities.

3.1. Humans: The Versatile Choice

Humans remain a solid choice for rogues, thanks to their +2 bonus to any ability score and a free feat. The Skilled racial trait provides extra skill points, although this may be less necessary if you already have high Intelligence.

Human Racial Traits:

• Bonus Feat: A free feat at level 1.
• Skilled: An additional skill point at each level.

Consider the Silver Tongue alternate racial trait for a bonus to Bluff and Diplomacy checks. Or trade your bonus feat for Focused Study, which grants you 3 different Skill Focuses over your career.

3.2. Gnomes: The Magic Touch

Gnomes have several advantages for rogues, including a size bonus to hit and AC, and a racial bonus to Stealth. The Fell Magic racial trait is particularly potent, granting access to the Chill Touch spell once per day, which can be used to make melee sneak attacks against touch AC. Fell Magic is also good against the fortitude of enemies.

Gnome Racial Traits:

• Small Size: +1 bonus to hit and AC.
• Fell Magic: Use Chill Touch 1/day, allowing melee sneak attacks against touch AC.
• Master Tinker: Proficiency with personally built weapons.

The Constitution and Charisma bonuses enhance survivability and social skills. Master Tinker, allows you to have proficiency with any weapon that you personally build.

3.3. Dwarves: The Durable Option

Dwarves lack a Dexterity bonus, but their Constitution and Wisdom bonuses make them exceptionally durable. The Steel Soul feat offers excellent protection against enemy magic, and Darkvision is always an advantage. They help shore up your two weakest saves, which is always a plus.

Dwarf Racial Traits:

• Constitution Bonus: Enhances hit points and Fortitude saves.
• Wisdom Bonus: Improves Will saves.
• Steel Soul: Excellent protection against enemy magic.

Consider the Glory of Old regional trait for a bonus to saves against spells, spell-like abilities, and poison.

3.4. Elves: The Keen Senses

Elves offer a Dexterity bonus and proficiency with longbows and Elven Curve Blades. Their bonus to Intelligence can be useful for some builds, and Elven Immunities provide resistance to enchantment effects.

Elf Racial Traits:

• Dexterity Bonus: Improves attack rolls, AC, and skills.
• Intelligence Bonus: Useful for skill points and certain feats.
• Elven Immunities: Resistance to enchantment effects.

Consider the Elf for Fell Magic builds. Keen Senses provide a good bonus for elves.

3.5. Half-Elves: The Versatile Hybrids

Half-Elves are incredibly versatile, thanks to their ability bonus and free Skill Focus. They also gain Keen Senses and Elven Immunities, and can trade Multi-Talented for the ability to activate items as if they had one level in an Arcane class.

Half-Elf Racial Traits:

• Ability Bonus: Can be applied to Dexterity.
• Keen Senses: Improves Perception checks.
• Elven Immunities: Resistance to enchantment effects.

3.6. Half-Orcs: The Intimidating Presence

Half-Orcs provide a bonus to Dexterity and an Intimidate bonus, making them well-suited for Enforcer builds. They can trade Orc Ferocity for Sacred Tattoo, which increases all saves.

Half-Orc Racial Traits:

• Ability Bonus: Can be applied to Dexterity.
• Intimidate Bonus: Enhances demoralization tactics.
• Sacred Tattoo: Increases all saves.

Half Orcs are the only race to gain access to the Skulking Slayer archetype.

3.7. Halflings: The Underdogs

Halflings have a Dexterity bonus and a bonus to all saves. While they are overshadowed by other races, they can still be effective rogues, particularly with the Swift as Shadows racial trait for sniper builds.

Halfling Racial Traits:

• Dexterity Bonus: Improves attack rolls, AC, and skills.
• Save Bonus: +1 bonus to all saves.
• Swift as Shadows: Potential for sniper builds.

4. Traits: Optimizing Your Character

Traits provide an opportunity to enhance your rogue, shoring up weaknesses or gaining small but useful bonuses.

4.1. Combat Traits

• Armor Expert: Reduces armor check penalties, allowing you to wear heavier armor without penalty.
• Crowd Dodger: A weaker version of Mobility, providing a bonus to avoid attacks of opportunity.
• Reactionary: A +2 bonus to initiative, always valuable for rogues.

4.2. Faith Traits

• Reincarnated: A +2 trait bonus to Fortitude saving throws against fear and death effects.

4.3. Social Traits

• Bruising Intellect: Use Intelligence for Intimidate checks instead of Charisma.
• Clever Wordplay: Use Intelligence with one Charisma-based skill.
• Savant: A +2 bonus on one type of Perform check, essential for Dashing Archer builds.

4.4. Racial Traits

• Bred for War (Human): +1 bonus to Intimidate and CMB, ideal for Thugs.
• Failed Apprentice (Half-Elf): +1 bonus to saves against arcane spells.
• Superstitious (Human): +1 bonus to saves against arcane spells.
• Warrior of Old (Elf): +2 Initiative bonus.
• Glory of Old (Dwarf): +1 bonus to saves against spells, spell-like abilities, and poison.

4.5. Regional Traits

• River Rat: +1 damage to all attacks with daggers and a minor bonus to Swim.

5. Skills: Mastering the Art of Deception and Evasion

Skills are a rogue’s bread and butter, allowing them to excel in a variety of roles, from smooth talkers to professional infiltrators.

5.1. The Smooth Talker

• Diplomacy: Essential for making friends, gathering information, and asking nicely.
• Bluff: Determines your skill at feinting, lying, and passing secret messages.
• Intimidate: Vital for demoralizing enemies in combat and extracting information.

5.2. The Professional

• Disable Device: Used for picking locks, disabling traps, and sabotaging equipment.
• Escape Artist: Allows you to slip out of restraints and escape grapples.
• Sleight of Hand: Used for picking pockets and performing subtle actions.
• Acrobatics: Lets you flip, jump, dive, balance, and avoid attacks of opportunity.

5.3. The Scout

• Stealth: Essential for moving undetected and scouting ahead.
• Perception: Used to notice hidden threats and gather information.

5.4. Specific Skills

• Acrobatics: Max this skill to avoid attacks of opportunity and navigate tricky terrain.
• Appraise: Useful for determining the value of stolen goods.
• Bluff: Keep this skill maxed out for feinting and deception.
• Climb: Invest a few points to cover your bases.
• Diplomacy: Maintain a high Diplomacy skill for social interactions.
• Disable Device: Essential for dealing with traps and locks.
• Disguise: Take a few points for occasional use.
• Escape Artist: Max this skill to escape grapples and restraints.
• Intimidate: Vital for demoralizing enemies and extracting information.
• Knowledge (Dungeoneering): Helps you identify underground hazards and oozes.
• Knowledge (Local): Allows you to blend into cities and find contacts.
• Linguistics: Useful for learning languages and detecting forgeries.
• Perform: Essential for Dashing Archer builds.
• Sense Motive: Helps you detect lies and deception.
• Sleight of Hand: Use this skill for picking pockets and performing subtle actions.
• Stealth: Max this skill to move undetected.
• Use Magic Device: Allows you to use wands and scrolls, providing versatility against foes immune to Sneak Attack.

6. Combat: Fighting Dirty and Staying Alive

Rogues excel in team-based combat, using their skills and abilities to support their allies and exploit enemy weaknesses.

6.1. The Importance of Teamwork

Rogues are not particularly capable solo combatants. They rely on teamwork to create opportunities for Sneak Attack and to protect themselves from harm. A rogue’s survival is inversely proportionate to the amount of damage they deal, so it is important to find a balance.

6.2. Key Combat Tactics

• Flanking: Position yourself to flank enemies, granting a +2 bonus to hit and enabling Sneak Attack.
• Improved Feint: Use the Feint action to deny enemies their Dexterity bonus to AC, making them easier to hit.
• Winning Initiative: Act early in combat to secure an advantageous position and land a surprise attack.

6.3. Maximizing Your Reliable Attack

Rogues typically have one reliable attack per turn, so it’s important to make it count. Here are ways to maximize the effectiveness of that attack:

• Damage: Increase damage output through Sneak Attack and other abilities.
• Debuffing: Use archetypes like Thug and Rake, or the Enforcer feat, to apply conditions like Sickened and Shaken to enemies.
• Disarming: Remove weapons from enemies, lessening their ability to harm your party.

7. Feats and Combat Styles: Building Your Rogue

Feats are essential for customizing your rogue and enhancing their combat capabilities.

7.1. Troubleshooters

Troubleshooters are versatile rogues who focus on boosting their to-hit chance and gaining additional combat options.

Feat Tree:

• Weapon Finesse
• Combat Expertise
• Improved Feint
• Improved Disarm
• Butterfly’s Sting
• Greater Feint

7.2. Legbreakers

Legbreakers focus on brawling and dealing nonlethal damage, typically using the Sap Adept feat chain and Thug archetype.

Feat Tree:

• Weapon Finesse
• Enforcer
• Improved Unarmed Strike
• Knockout Artist
• Sap Adept
• Sap Master

7.3. Infiltrators

Infiltrators excel at moving undetected, even in the midst of battle.

Feat Tree:

• Skill Focus (Stealth)
• Eldritch Heritage (Shadow)
• Dampen Presence
• Improved Eldritch Heritage (Shadow)

7.4. Magic Touch

Magic Touch rogues use their natural gift of magic to target foes’ touch AC with a Sneak Attack Chill Touch.

7.5. Dashing Archers

Dashing Archers use Performance Combat and pure bravado to get reliable sneak attacks with a bow.

Feat Tree:

• Precise Shot
• Point Blank Shot
• Rapid Shot
• Weapon Focus (Longbow)
• Dazzling Display
• Hero’s Display
• Performing Combat
• Shatter Defenses

7.6. Key Feats

• Arcane Strike: Adds a scaling source of damage for rogues with Minor Magic Talent.
• Butterfly Sting: Allows you to forgo the effects of a critical hit to grant an ally an automatic critical hit on their next attack.
• Combat Expertise: Required for many feats, but best used against enemies you can’t otherwise hurt.
• Combat Reflexes: Allows you to make more attacks of opportunity.
• Dampen Presence: Allows you to hide from creatures with Blindsight and Blindsense.
• Dazzling Display: A full-round action to intimidate multiple enemies, a prerequisite for Shatter Defenses.
• Disarm, Improved: Makes you the best disarm specialist in the game.
• Eldritch Heritage: Shadow: Grants a nonlethal melee touch attack.
• Eldritch Heritage: Shadow, Improved: Grants Hide in Plain Sight.
• Enforcer: Allows you to apply the Shaken and Sickened statuses simultaneously.
• Extra Rogue Talent: Allows you to acquire additional rogue talents, including advanced talents.
• Feint, Improved: Allows you to deny an enemy their Dexterity bonus to AC.
• Gang Up: Grants a bonus when flanking with multiple allies.
• Iron Will: Enhances your Will saves.
• Moonlight Stalker: Grants bonuses to attack and damage when you have concealment.
• Opening Volley: Capitalizes on ranged sneak attacks during surprise rounds.
• Performing Combatant: Allows you to use Performance Combat feats in a normal battle.
• Point Blank Shot/Precise Shot/Rapid Shot: Essential for archery rogues.
• Sap Adept: Increases damage with nonlethal bludgeoning weapons.
• Sap Master: Doubles your sneak attack dice when attacking a flat-footed target with a nonlethal bludgeoning weapon.
• Shatter Defenses: Treats enemies as flat-footed when they are shaken, sickened, or frightened.
• Skill Focus: Stealth: Improves your Stealth skill.
• Spring Attack: Allows you to move, attack, and continue moving.
• Steel Soul (Dwarf): Provides resistance to spells, poison, and spell-like abilities.
• Weapon Finesse: Allows you to use your Dexterity modifier on attack rolls with finesse weapons.
• Weapon Proficiency: Swordbreaker Dagger: Grants proficiency with the Swordbreaker Dagger, enhancing disarm attempts.

8. Rogue Talents: Enhancing Your Abilities

Rogue talents allow you to customize your rogue and enhance their abilities.

8.1. Top Tier Talents

• Finesse Rogue: Essential for Dexterity-based rogues.
• Offensive Defense: Provides a bonus to AC after landing a Sneak Attack.
• Combat Trick: Grants a free combat feat.
• Weapon Training: Provides a bonus to hit with a chosen weapon.
• Snap Shot: Guarantees you’ll go first.
• Resiliency: Provides a contingency plan for emergencies.
• Minor Magic: Grants access to a cantrip.
• Major Magic: Grants access to a level 1 spell.
• Fast Stealth: Allows you to move quickly while using Stealth.
• Disabling Stunt: Enhances your ability to disable constructs.

8.2. Advanced Talents

• Crippling Strike: Inflicts Strength damage on enemies hit with a Sneak Attack.
• Feat: Grants a free feat.
• Opportunist: Allows you to make an additional attack of opportunity each round.
• Skill Master: Removes the element of chance when using key skills in combat.
• Dispelling Attack: Allows you to dispel magical effects on enemies hit with a Sneak Attack.
• Hard Minded: Provides additional chances to break free from mind control.
• Hunter’s Surprise: Is not effective for the rogue, but could have combat advantages.
• Redirect Attack: Allows you to redirect an attack to another target.
• Weapon Snatcher: This allows you to keep your Sleight of Hand maxed.

8.3. Low Tier Talents

Many rogue talents are underwhelming and should be avoided. These include:

• Underhanded
• Powerful Sneak
• Rogue Crawl
• Surprise Attack
• Slow Reactions
• Esoteric Knowledge

9. Archetypes: Defining Your Rogue’s Path

Archetypes allow you to specialize your rogue and gain unique abilities.

9.1. Top Tier Archetypes

• Thug: Enhances debuffing abilities with shaken and sickened conditions.
• Rake: Gains Bravado’s Blade.

9.2. Mid Tier Archetypes

• Skulking Slayer (Half-Orc): Grants bonuses to feinting and dirty trick maneuvers.
• Bandit: Provides useful ambush tactics.
• Scout: Allows sneak attacks on a charge.
• Sanctified Rogue: Grants bonuses to saves and the ability to cast Augury.
• Liberator: Might be worth thinking about with Catch Off-Guard legbreaker build.
• Swashbuckler: Provides a free martial weapon proficiency, lets you take Combat Trick a second time, and gives a bonus to Acrobatics and saves against fear.

9.3. Low Tier Archetypes

Knife Master
Sniper

10. Multiclassing: Expanding Your Horizons

Multiclassing can provide rogues with additional abilities and options.

10.1. Top Tier Multiclass Options

• Alchemist (Crypt Breaker): Trapfinding.
• Magus (Spire Defender): A great combat boost for rogues.
• Inquisitor (Heretic): Defensive bonuses.
• Wizard (Foresight Diviner): Provides versatility and utility.

10.2. Mid Tier Multiclass Options

Fighter (Lore Warden or Weapon Master)
Druid (Tempest)
*Cleric

10.3. Low Tier Multiclass Options

Barbarian
Bard
Cavalier (Standard Bearer)
Monk
Oracle
Paladin
Ranger (Trapper/Guide)
Sorcerer
Summoner
Witch

11. Basic Gear: Equipping Your Rogue for Success

Having the right gear is essential for any adventurer, and rogues are no exception.

11.1. Armor

• Mithral Kikko Armor: Provides decent protection with a high Dex bonus and minimal armor check penalty.
• Mithral Chain Shirt: A readily available alternative to Kikko Armor.
• Mithral Buckler: Provides additional protection without hindering your other abilities.

11.2. Weapons

• Keen Rapier: Ideal for rogues with Butterfly’s Sting.
• Alchemical Silver Sap: Bypasses damage reduction.
• Masterwork Cold Iron Dagger: Used as a backup weapon.

11.3. Tools of the Trade

• Alkali Flask: Deals double damage against oozes.
• Acid Flask: Provides ranged damage against swarms.
• Masterwork Thieves’ Tools: Essential for Disable Device checks.
• Ioun Torch: Provides a reliable light source.
• Earplugs: Grants a bonus against save effects requiring hearing.
• Holy Water: Used against incorporeal undead.
• Antitoxin: Protects against poison.
• Antiplague: Protects against disease.
• Tanglefoot Bags: Entangles enemies, hindering their movement and attacks.
• Spring Loaded Wrist Sheath: Conceals a weapon and allows you to draw it as a swift action.
• Moonrod: Creates a dim light source.
• Shadowcloy: Lowers the ambient light level.
• Smoke Pellets: Creates quick concealment.
• Wayfinder: An invaluable item that resonates with ioun stones.

11.4. Fashionable Accessories

• Head – Jingasa of the Fortunate Soldier or Buffering Cap: Used to negate a critical hit or sneak attack.
• Eyes – Whatever/Sniper Goggles: (If an archer, get Sniper Goggles ASAP)
• Headband – Headband of Ninjitsu: A well known headband which gives sneak attacks.
• Neck – Amulet of Natural Armor/Necklace of Adaptation/Amulet of Elemental Strife
• Shoulders – Cloak of Resistance: Boosts all saves.
• Wrists – Sleeves of Many Garments: Disguises your clothes.
• Hands – Gloves of Arcane Striking/Gloves of Larceny/Deliquescent Gloves
• Body – Whoever cares?
• Chest – Bane Baldric/ Quickrunner’s Shirt
• Belt – Belt of Dexterity and eventually Constitution: Boosts Dexterity and Constitution.
• Boots – Boots of Elvenkind/ Cat Burglar’s Boots/Jaunt Boots

11.5. Rings

*Ring of Protection: Used to give better AC.

12. Conclusion: Embracing the Rogue’s Potential

Despite the challenges, rogues can be a powerful and versatile class with the right build and strategy. By prioritizing Dexterity, choosing the right race and feats, mastering key skills, and utilizing teamwork, rogues can excel in combat and out of it.

FAQ: Rogue Tactics and Tips

1. What is the most important ability score for a rogue?
   Dexterity, as it affects attack rolls, AC, skills, and Reflex saves.
2. Which races make the best rogues?
   Humans, Gnomes, Elves, Half-Elves, and Halflings are all excellent choices.
3. What are some essential skills for a rogue?
   Acrobatics, Bluff, Disable Device, Stealth, and Use Magic Device.
4. How can a rogue maximize their damage output?
   By focusing on Sneak Attack and using feats like Sap Adept and Sap Master.
5. What are some useful combat tactics for rogues?
   Flanking, using Improved Feint, and winning initiative.
6. Which archetypes are best for rogues?
   Thug, Rake, Skulking Slayer, and Scout.
7. What are some good multiclass options for rogues?
   Alchemist (Crypt Breaker), Magus (Spire Defender), and Wizard (Foresight Diviner).
8. What gear should a rogue prioritize?
   Mithral armor, a Keen Rapier, and Masterwork Thieves’ Tools.
9. How can a rogue improve their survivability?
   By increasing Dexterity, using defensive feats, and relying on teamwork.
10. Where can I find more information on rogue tactics and builds?
    Visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN for more guides and resources. Address: 100 Ethics Plaza, Guideline City, CA 90210, United States. Whatsapp: +1 (707) 555-1234. Trang web: conduct.edu.vn

By embracing these tactics, you can unlock the true potential of the rogue class and thrive in any Pathfinder campaign.