Post/Author/DateTime	Post
DBoot 08-02-04, 04:19 PM	I was letting my mind wander today, and I was wondering about the following: Using the Sneak Attack -> Feat exchange in Unearthed Arcana, what is the best straight 20 rogue you can come up with. Can combat be optimized with the loss of SA? Or should effort be spent in making the Rogue's position as 'Skill Monkey' shine?
amalcon 08-02-04, 04:29 PM	Absolutely. The Feat rogue is SO much better than the SA rogue, because you can go dodge-mobility-spring attack-expertise-whirlwind attack without damaging your feat selection for your defense and skillmonkeying (nymph's kiss, two-for-one feats, save boosters). I know, whirlwind attack sucks, but not for a rogue! It helps you hit more often with that low attack bonus of yours, by letting you use it on each target. You can't be flanked anyway. As far as your weapon goes, take the Spiked Chain, and work on your tripping and disarming.
handforged 08-02-04, 09:48 PM	I would be very tempted to take 10 levels of Feats and 9 levels of SA. That would be six fighter bonus feats and +5d6 Sneak Attack. I would suggest the following "progression." 1-4 Feats (3 bonus feats) 5-9 SA (+3d6) 10-13 Feats (2 bonus feats) 14-17 SA (+2d6) 18-19 Feats (1 bonus feat) 20 (doesn't matter because one more level won't get you a feat or a SA boost) ~hf
Enoch Van Garret 08-03-04, 12:38 PM	With 100% certainty. Sneak attack is unwieldy and definitely sub-optimal at best, even with a precise tailoring of feats to allow for its use in as many situations as possible.
Setanos 08-03-04, 12:49 PM	I know you asked for a straight Rogue build, but a paladin might make an interesting base for this: Paladin 4/Rogue 16. Max CHA, Take the Divine Feats for Turning. 4 attacks/round, tons of feats, outstanding diplomatic skills.
Enoch Van Garret 08-04-04, 08:38 AM	Now that's an interesting character concept. Sort of like the Divine Rogue from Book of Exalted Deeds.