How do you play a Rogue??? [Archive] - Wizards Community

How do you play a Rogue??? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Kall El
11-01-03, 03:55 AM I know this seems like a general question, but I need help.

What kind of things do you do to role-play a rogue? What kind of attitude do you have (opposed to other classes)? How does alignment exactly fit in for this class (specifically CN)? What really makes a rogue stand out? So many questions...

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I thank all those who help out in advance.
Fridwulf
11-01-03, 04:05 AM Much depends on what kind of rogue you want to play. A friend of mine used to play a kleptomaniac. He'd steal just about anything that would fit in his pocket, no matter how cheap or meaningless the object. I also play a rogue now, with a "steal from the rich, give it to yourself" attitude. I guess it all depends on how far you're willing to go.

Your attitude will also influence your alignment a great deal. My "steal ONLY from the rich"-thing allows me to stay CG, especially since I'm CG in other respects (you know, the "no problem, I'll defend those poor peasants" thing). Stealing from just about anyone would put me more in the neutral area, while stealing only from the poor because I love seeing them go hungry gives me a solid evil alignment.
Gingerbread Guy
11-01-03, 06:44 AM Hiho,

Rogues don't have to be thieves, you know. Look at their set of skills, they're very broad. A rogue is really someone who excells at small talents, who travels light and uses whatever advantages they can in combat. They don't all have to be pickpockets and kleptos. You can be a Lawful Good rogue who'd never steal in his life, if you wanted.

When making a character, always consider their roots. Where do they come from, how did they become the person they are now? These are the kinds of questions that determine a class.. it isn't the other way around.

~Ginger
The_Yellow_Dart_Swinger
11-01-03, 11:13 AM The rogue's skills also make them good negotiating people because they have diplomacy, bluff, sense motive etc. And the high skill points you can max those area's out. Meaning you don't have to play the sterotypical rogue of got to steal stuff and get rich.
Henrik88
11-02-03, 03:54 PM Kal el did you play SWG?
Strife
11-02-03, 04:56 PM One good good rogue I've seen was a gnome locksmith, and thats a character I would like to try out for my self. (altough he would need to be kinda stupid to realise not everyting belongs to one or another paery memeber...)
Roiran
11-02-03, 06:50 PM Rogues are the most versatile class of all, and they can vary greatly. Here are a few options

Indiana Jones type infiltrator/dungeon crawler
Ninja type infiltrator
Assassin fighting rogue/ sneak attack rogue
Technical assasin-smart lock picking type
Street Rogue-Hide, pick pocket and stuff
Charismatic Rogue-could be a diplomat, with or without some hidden agenda, utilizes bluff, diplomacy, gather info. etc.

They could be cocky, paranoid, loud and obnoxious, silent and calm, nerdy, suave, they are very versatile. They are usually more selfish though, and keep an eye out for their own well being. There are the robin hood types though that steal from the rich give to the poor etc.
KAPtain Braindead
11-04-03, 06:08 AM I think the best rogue characters I have ever come across were from some well known authors. You might not recognize their names, but that is because they don't write sci-fi or fantasy novels.

Lawrence Block's creation, Bernie Rhoddenbar (sp?) is a cool headed professional. However, he rarely uses his tallents because it distracts him from his primary occupation-a used book seller in New York. Bernie is a burglar's burglar. He usually works alone, and can play a lock like a musical instrument. Charming and resourceful, Bernie never misses a beat. Suggested reading:The Burglar Who Traded Ted Williams

Donald Westlake's John Dortmunder is a aging fellon who always suffers from the worst luck imaginable. His hangdog look is more of an acceptance of nothing going right than from just giving up on life. Where Dortmunder excells is the planning of capers. His cardinal rule is if a job can't be done by five people, then it is impossible. Suggested readings: The Hot Rock, where Dortmunder and his crew have to steal the same gem over and over and over again. Bankshot, Dortmunder and company are on the biggest job of their carreers- stealing an entire bank.

For a more adventurous rogue, consider Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharpe. At a time when most convicted fellons were given the choice of hanging or millitary service, the British Army is full of thieves, murderers, and rapists. Commanding over these criminals that have taken to wearing the uniform, are wealthy blue bloods and society dandies; with one exception-Richard Sharpe. He has the audacity to do the impossible, rise from the ranks to become an officer.
Set durring the 1790's to the early 1800's, Cornwell's books create vivid pictures of not just the battles, but the mind set of the dregs of society as well. Suggested readings: Sharpe's Tiger and Sharpe's Regiment.
Yruc
11-05-03, 09:51 AM Well with the rogue having the most skill points, there are a lot of options. Just to list a couple

1. Con artist, with sense motive, bluff and high cha this person could sell you that island off the coast of [Insert land locked location here] think of used car salesman.

2. Cat burgler. Using balance, jump, hide, sneak. Break into houses.

3. Petty theivery. standard, pick pocket.
Realmsman
11-05-03, 01:24 PM "Rogue" covers a broad area within the fantasy gaming worlds. They are everything from a common pick pocket to the Lord's anonymous spy rooting out plots against the crown and kingdom. Alignment is something that really needs to be considered when making "your" rogue. You asked about CN specifically, and the advantages to playing CN is that it allows you to do what you will when you want to, but on the other hand (in my opinion) CN is an alignment that doesn't enforce role-playing, because there is too much freedom in what your alignment allows you to do. Like the others are saying the rogue has a huge list of skills allowing for totally different characters to be developed soley based on your selection of the skills.

1. Scouts (Climb, Hide, Listen, Move Silently, Spot, Search)
2. Spies (Bluff, Decipher Script, Diplomacy, Disguise, Forgery, Gather Information, Sense Motive)
3. Street Urchins (Hide, Gather Information, Knowledge{Local}, Move Silently, Slieght of Hand)
4. Professionals (Craft{Locksmithing/Trapmaking}, Disable Device, Open Lock, Search, Spot)

There really are so many ways to create a rogue that is group effective, combat effective, and personally satisfying.
Lhiannon Sidhe
11-09-03, 07:25 PM My rogue is Neutral Good. He's an orphan and grew up on the streets. He knows what its like to live in poverty, so he makes a point to only steal from those he knows can afford to suffer the loss, and takes only what he absolutly needs. He also keeps a list of everyone he's ripped off, and how much, because when he strikes it rich (and he knows he will... one day) he intends to pay everyone back.
Shadow8472
11-11-03, 09:21 PM Rogues are fun because they don't fit just one steriotype. I agree that the type of rogue you choose to play should be dependent on your backstory. However, do keep in mind that when it comes to combat, you MUST strategize with the rogue.

A good rogue will have ability in both melee and ranged (Shortsword/Rapier and Shortbow combinations work well) However, in melee, the Rogue simply does NOT have the Hit points to survive like a Fighter or Barbarian does.

There are key words with ANY rogue "Sneak Attack" In the right circumstances, sneak attack very deadly. However, it is a touch more effective in Melee combat than at ranged. So you want to build a rogue that can do decent sneak attack damage.

My current character has the Spring attack feat, which allows her to move into melee, attack, and then move out.

There's a lot to consider with a Rogue, but they do sometimes tend to be some of the most versatile characters in the campaign.
Kael Winters
11-11-03, 11:35 PM Due to it's skill points and impresive skill list a Rogue can do just about anything. While not a combat tank they are crafter when it comes to combat.

A Rogue can do any of the following

Diplomat/Ambassdor
Spy
Theif
Assasin
Medic
Con Artist
Scout
Tactican

The list can go on. They seem to fill a catch all place. Things that aren't covered by the other classes seems to fit a rogue well. Alignment will of course determine his path. As well as his background. They are not limited to just stealing.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Kall El 11-01-03, 03:55 AM	I know this seems like a general question, but I need help. What kind of things do you do to role-play a rogue? What kind of attitude do you have (opposed to other classes)? How does alignment exactly fit in for this class (specifically CN)? What really makes a rogue stand out? So many questions... Any help would be greatly appreciated. I thank all those who help out in advance.
Fridwulf 11-01-03, 04:05 AM	Much depends on what kind of rogue you want to play. A friend of mine used to play a kleptomaniac. He'd steal just about anything that would fit in his pocket, no matter how cheap or meaningless the object. I also play a rogue now, with a "steal from the rich, give it to yourself" attitude. I guess it all depends on how far you're willing to go. Your attitude will also influence your alignment a great deal. My "steal ONLY from the rich"-thing allows me to stay CG, especially since I'm CG in other respects (you know, the "no problem, I'll defend those poor peasants" thing). Stealing from just about anyone would put me more in the neutral area, while stealing only from the poor because I love seeing them go hungry gives me a solid evil alignment.
Gingerbread Guy 11-01-03, 06:44 AM	Hiho, Rogues don't have to be thieves, you know. Look at their set of skills, they're very broad. A rogue is really someone who excells at small talents, who travels light and uses whatever advantages they can in combat. They don't all have to be pickpockets and kleptos. You can be a Lawful Good rogue who'd never steal in his life, if you wanted. When making a character, always consider their roots. Where do they come from, how did they become the person they are now? These are the kinds of questions that determine a class.. it isn't the other way around. ~Ginger
The_Yellow_Dart_Swinger 11-01-03, 11:13 AM	The rogue's skills also make them good negotiating people because they have diplomacy, bluff, sense motive etc. And the high skill points you can max those area's out. Meaning you don't have to play the sterotypical rogue of got to steal stuff and get rich.
Henrik88 11-02-03, 03:54 PM	Kal el did you play SWG?
Strife 11-02-03, 04:56 PM	One good good rogue I've seen was a gnome locksmith, and thats a character I would like to try out for my self. (altough he would need to be kinda stupid to realise not everyting belongs to one or another paery memeber...)
Roiran 11-02-03, 06:50 PM	Rogues are the most versatile class of all, and they can vary greatly. Here are a few options Indiana Jones type infiltrator/dungeon crawler Ninja type infiltrator Assassin fighting rogue/ sneak attack rogue Technical assasin-smart lock picking type Street Rogue-Hide, pick pocket and stuff Charismatic Rogue-could be a diplomat, with or without some hidden agenda, utilizes bluff, diplomacy, gather info. etc. They could be cocky, paranoid, loud and obnoxious, silent and calm, nerdy, suave, they are very versatile. They are usually more selfish though, and keep an eye out for their own well being. There are the robin hood types though that steal from the rich give to the poor etc.
KAPtain Braindead 11-04-03, 06:08 AM	I think the best rogue characters I have ever come across were from some well known authors. You might not recognize their names, but that is because they don't write sci-fi or fantasy novels. Lawrence Block's creation, Bernie Rhoddenbar (sp?) is a cool headed professional. However, he rarely uses his tallents because it distracts him from his primary occupation-a used book seller in New York. Bernie is a burglar's burglar. He usually works alone, and can play a lock like a musical instrument. Charming and resourceful, Bernie never misses a beat. Suggested reading:The Burglar Who Traded Ted Williams Donald Westlake's John Dortmunder is a aging fellon who always suffers from the worst luck imaginable. His hangdog look is more of an acceptance of nothing going right than from just giving up on life. Where Dortmunder excells is the planning of capers. His cardinal rule is if a job can't be done by five people, then it is impossible. Suggested readings: The Hot Rock, where Dortmunder and his crew have to steal the same gem over and over and over again. Bankshot, Dortmunder and company are on the biggest job of their carreers- stealing an entire bank. For a more adventurous rogue, consider Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharpe. At a time when most convicted fellons were given the choice of hanging or millitary service, the British Army is full of thieves, murderers, and rapists. Commanding over these criminals that have taken to wearing the uniform, are wealthy blue bloods and society dandies; with one exception-Richard Sharpe. He has the audacity to do the impossible, rise from the ranks to become an officer. Set durring the 1790's to the early 1800's, Cornwell's books create vivid pictures of not just the battles, but the mind set of the dregs of society as well. Suggested readings: Sharpe's Tiger and Sharpe's Regiment.
Yruc 11-05-03, 09:51 AM	Well with the rogue having the most skill points, there are a lot of options. Just to list a couple 1. Con artist, with sense motive, bluff and high cha this person could sell you that island off the coast of [Insert land locked location here] think of used car salesman. 2. Cat burgler. Using balance, jump, hide, sneak. Break into houses. 3. Petty theivery. standard, pick pocket.
Realmsman 11-05-03, 01:24 PM	"Rogue" covers a broad area within the fantasy gaming worlds. They are everything from a common pick pocket to the Lord's anonymous spy rooting out plots against the crown and kingdom. Alignment is something that really needs to be considered when making "your" rogue. You asked about CN specifically, and the advantages to playing CN is that it allows you to do what you will when you want to, but on the other hand (in my opinion) CN is an alignment that doesn't enforce role-playing, because there is too much freedom in what your alignment allows you to do. Like the others are saying the rogue has a huge list of skills allowing for totally different characters to be developed soley based on your selection of the skills. 1. Scouts (Climb, Hide, Listen, Move Silently, Spot, Search) 2. Spies (Bluff, Decipher Script, Diplomacy, Disguise, Forgery, Gather Information, Sense Motive) 3. Street Urchins (Hide, Gather Information, Knowledge{Local}, Move Silently, Slieght of Hand) 4. Professionals (Craft{Locksmithing/Trapmaking}, Disable Device, Open Lock, Search, Spot) There really are so many ways to create a rogue that is group effective, combat effective, and personally satisfying.
Lhiannon Sidhe 11-09-03, 07:25 PM	My rogue is Neutral Good. He's an orphan and grew up on the streets. He knows what its like to live in poverty, so he makes a point to only steal from those he knows can afford to suffer the loss, and takes only what he absolutly needs. He also keeps a list of everyone he's ripped off, and how much, because when he strikes it rich (and he knows he will... one day) he intends to pay everyone back.
Shadow8472 11-11-03, 09:21 PM	Rogues are fun because they don't fit just one steriotype. I agree that the type of rogue you choose to play should be dependent on your backstory. However, do keep in mind that when it comes to combat, you MUST strategize with the rogue. A good rogue will have ability in both melee and ranged (Shortsword/Rapier and Shortbow combinations work well) However, in melee, the Rogue simply does NOT have the Hit points to survive like a Fighter or Barbarian does. There are key words with ANY rogue "Sneak Attack" In the right circumstances, sneak attack very deadly. However, it is a touch more effective in Melee combat than at ranged. So you want to build a rogue that can do decent sneak attack damage. My current character has the Spring attack feat, which allows her to move into melee, attack, and then move out. There's a lot to consider with a Rogue, but they do sometimes tend to be some of the most versatile characters in the campaign.
Kael Winters 11-11-03, 11:35 PM	Due to it's skill points and impresive skill list a Rogue can do just about anything. While not a combat tank they are crafter when it comes to combat. A Rogue can do any of the following Diplomat/Ambassdor Spy Theif Assasin Medic Con Artist Scout Tactican The list can go on. They seem to fill a catch all place. Things that aren't covered by the other classes seems to fit a rogue well. Alignment will of course determine his path. As well as his background. They are not limited to just stealing.