Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Funny_haha Mar 17, 2015 9:43:03	Hey guys. I just started playing d&d a couple weeks ago and my group just leveld up to level 4. im the rogue for the group which means at lvl3 I chose my path as an arcane trickster. Anyways. Even at level 4 im not really contributing much in the way of damage (1d4 &1d8) I was just wondering; what is the best way (if any) to improve my damage output?
#2 MisterPiita Mar 17, 2015 9:46:06	Your sneak attack dmg! That'll add 2d6 by lvl 4
#3 FighterFan Mar 17, 2015 9:52:20	And you should use a finesse weapon, that let's you add your dexterity modifier not only to the attack roll, but also to the damage. But not to the damage for your off-hand weapon, unless you have the Two-Weapon-Fighting ability granted by the fighter or the ranger class.   Examples:   1) You fight with 1 non-magical rapier only, assuming a rogue 4 with dexterity 16 (+3): attack action: attack roll bonus: +5 (+2 prof., +3 dex) damage: 1d8+3 plus sneak attack 2d6 if you fulfill the requirements (which is quite easy in 5e)   2) You fight with 2 non-magical short swords, assuming a rogue 4 with dexterity 16 (+3): attack action: attack roll bonus: +5 (+2 prof., +3 dex) damage: 1d6+3 bonus action = off-hand attack: attack roll bonus: +5 (+2 prof., +3 dex) damage: 1d6 plus sneak attack 2d6, only on one of these attacks.
#4 Eck Mar 17, 2015 9:54:22	Are you not using Sneak attack? If you have advantage OR if one of your allies is adjacent to the target, you get your sneak attack damage (2d6 at level 4) once per turn. What's your dexterity? At level 4, I'm guessing it's a 16, so use two short-swords in melee: 1d6+2d6 +3 damage from 1 short sword attack, and just a 1d6 for your other short sword attack. Or a short bow for ranged.   - Eck
(Reply to #2) Funny_haha	MisterPiita wrote:
#6 Cantfindaname Mar 17, 2015 19:49:41	What does the rest of your group consist of?   Remember that in addition to Sneak Attack you also have several abilities that help you survive, lockpicks, and more skills (with better rolls) than the average PC. You, as a class, is not built to be the ultimate damage machine. You are meant to help facilitate the group in safe transport to the area the group wish to go, then support the group in combat.
#7 slumgum Mar 17, 2015 19:54:52	Arcane Trickster/all rogues should be doing superior damage to other classes at level 4.  Your Sneak Attack dice allow you to outpace them because they don't have double attack or improved cantrips yet.  Polearm Master/Crossbow Expert (depending on how your group interprets that feat) should be the only way any of them could keep up/pass you. Can you possibly run through a round of typical combat for yourself and the other people at the table?  You might be playing incorrectly.   You'll also fall behind casters if the group has easy encounters and rests a lot.  Not much you can do about that though.  Rest frequency plays a big part in a lot of class performance.
(Reply to #7) Funny_haha	slumgum wrote:
(Reply to #6) Funny_haha	Cantfindaname wrote:
#10 FighterFan Mar 18, 2015 0:05:35	Damage output is quite equalized in 5e (some say too much...):   the barbarian 4, assuming greatsword, str 18, rage, 2 attacks: 2x +6 / 2d6 +6 => 4d6 +12, avg 26 if both attacks hit   the druid 4, assuming brown bear: +5 / 1d8+4 and +5 / 2d6+4 => 1d8+2d6+8, avg 19.5 if both attacks hit (with 5% less hit chance)   the rogue 4, assuming 2 short swords, dex 18, 2 attacks, one with sneak attack: 2x +6 / 1d6 (+4) (+2d6) => 4d6 +4, avg 18 if both attacks hit   So there's is a difference - but you got the best damage dealers for that level as colleagues...   BUT: you're like a fighter, you can deal that damage all day, whereas the barbarian's rages and the druid's wildshapes are limited. And you have way more options outside of combat, especially compared to the barbarian.   So don't worry, use your opportunities, and make sure you somehow sneak attack each round. At least you have 2 guys in your group who are always in melee, so easy time for you getting sneak attacks.
#11 Funny_haha Mar 18, 2015 1:58:20	Wow. Thank you, guys, for all the help. Ill make sure to remember this next time my friends and I get together.
#12 SterlingRat Mar 18, 2015 4:27:39	Yeah... that group is some serious melee powerhouses and nothing else for you to contrast your own production with. That can happen. Plus you are casting a spell in the first turn.   Just imagine how much more damage you do than my Level 4 Paladin shieldmaster... 1d8+3 if I hit, once per turn (though I have a very good chance to hit because I shove prone for advantage before swinging)