I'm putting together my version of a new archetype for the rogue class. I based the class largely on the Pathfinder hybrid Investigator class (http://goo.gl/wuZycd), as well as borrowing some great ideas from a post on the Harbinger of Doom blog, where the author explored the same topic a couple weeks ago (http://goo.gl/cxsjxU).
I'm thinking about the archetype as being on the spectrum of Sherlock Holmes (Doyle, Cumberbatch, and Downey Jr.), Indiana Jones, and Van Helsing, depending on what the PC wants to do with it. It could swing possibly more brainy, possibly more brawny. I wanted it to be different than any of the two existing rogue archetypes, with a blend of Thief's utility and Assassin's combat perks.
Here goes:
(Edited to include revisions based on feedback. I couldn't figure out strikethrough formatting, so old versions of text are lost. Sorry...)
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Investigator
With a mix of innate curiosity and unbelievable stubbornness, you relish the opportunity to dig into whatever mysteries are set in front of you. Whether hunting a fugitive, rediscovering a long-lost artifact, or dismantling a criminal empire, you have learned to use your knowledge of the world as a weapon. Detectives, Archaeologists, and Monster Hunters are all Investigators at their core. Your keen mind and quick wits are your best weapons, letting you take advantage of details others might miss and giving you an edge both on the hunt and in the fray.
Deductive Prowess
Starting at 3rd level, your powers of deduction begin to outstrip those around you. You gain a pool of deduction points equal to 1/2 your rogue level + your Intelligence modifier. You can expend one deduction point to roll 1d6 and add the result to one ability or skill check. You can apply this feature to an attack roll or saving throw by expending two deduction points and rolling 1d4 instead of 1d6. You can use Deductive Prowess on Investigation checks without expending a deduction point.
You can use this feature after rolling the d20, but must do so before the DM announces the results of the roll. You regain all of your deduction points after a long rest.
Keen Observation
When you choose this archetype at 3rd level, your powers of observation and intuition aid you on the hunt. You gain advantage on checks to find hidden objects (traps, secret doors, etc.), and you can make an Intelligence (Investigation) check or a Wisdom (Perception) check instead of a Wisdom (Survival) check to find and follow tracks.
Hard Boiled
By 9th level, your stubbornness takes on a physical quality. When an enemy reduces you to 0 hit points but the blow does not kill you outright, you gain advantage on your death saves. Upon becoming stable, you gain 1 hit point + 1d6 temporary hit points which last for one minute. You can only benefit from this feature once between short rests.
Disabling Strike
At 13th level, your keen eye and calculating mind makes your Sneak Attacks even more potent. Whenever you succeed on an attack that deals Sneak Attack damage, you can give up that damage to force your target to make a Dexterity saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Dexterity modifier). If the target fails the saving throw, it gains one of the following conditions at your choice:
- Slowed by 1/2 their normal movement rate for 1d4 rounds
- Blinded for 1d2 rounds
- Stunned until the beginning of your next turn.
Agent of Justice
Your anger at the corruption you see all around you boils over. You become an agent of justice, fighting with a burning ferocity. You can expend 1/2 of your total pool of deduction points to gain the following benefits:
- You have advantage on Dexterity checks and Dexterity saving throws.
- Your weapon attacks score a critical hit on a natural 19 or 20.
- You have resistance to all damage types.
- Your movement speed increases by 10 feet.
Your fury lasts for one minute. It ends early if you are knocked unconscious, or if you end a turn without having attacked an enemy or taken damage since the end of your previous turn. You may end your fury on your turn as a bonus action. After you use this ability, you must take a long rest before you can use it again.
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That's what I've got. I tried hard to keep it in the flavor of 5e, and in keeping with the other rogue archetypes and the other various class features. I'd love to hear any thoughts for improvement.
Thanks for reading!
Why didn't you post this like 2 months ago when I was making my new character?
Just a couple of things. First, I don't think you should add d6 or d10 to any check for free. Partly because moar numberz is not an interesting mechanic, and partly because it trivializes success in these tasks. I like the idea, but I might go d4/d6 at lvl17 to keep the bonuses under control. I mean, you're giving a ton of those dice, and you can spend them on anything.
Second, Sneak Attack is really easy to get. I wouldn't tack on any powerful effects like Stun for free (hey, they grant CA now for more free Sneak Attack, for free, in an endless loop!), and definitely not for multiple turns. At minimum, I'd make the player trade Sneak Attack damage for the effect, or else make the effects much less crunchy ones that don't give advantage to the attacker.
Macv12 wrote:
Deductive Prowess strike me as a skill monkey ability, not anything to do with deduction. You'd use it on the stuff you were bad at, not the one skill that defines your character. When you can have a passive Investigation score of 22 at 1st level, it just doesn't fit in my mind.
Keen Observation is ok. Advantage mechanics are a little bland, though. Plus it'll be like, "I look around the room" "Ok, give me an Investigation check with advantage" "That means there's something hidden in here!" The second part is useless. Nothing states you must use Survival to follow tracks.
Disabaling Strike I'm on board with. DC should be your Int modifier, though. Saving throw should be Con, not Dex. You've already hit them, now it's a matter of them being able to shrug it off. Isn't the Monk's stun till the end of your next turn? You should definitely add a bleed to the list. 2d6 damage on their turn sounds about right for that level. Another thought would be to make it the level 3 ability and have it sale in power as you level.