by Mike McArtor fl ROGUE OF fl undisputed master of skill points, a rogue ‘can serve many different roles in a party depending on what skills she chooses to perfect. The theme and emphasis of a campaign might also significantly affect where the rogue puts her ranks, The following rogue archetypes give examples of different roles a rogue might play in the party, and each one offers advice for skill and feat selections. As a general rule, all rogues should putatleasta few ranks in Hide, Listen, Move Silently, Search, and Spot, a these skill often prove the difference between life and death, even fora specialized rogue. Backroom Rogue: Some rogues prefer the relatively safe life of operating holed up ina hidden location, putting their trained eye and steady hands to work. These rogues often operate a mostly legitimate business asa front for their more illicit activities, and ‘many become wealthy just from the income of their honest proprietorship. Backroom rogues find the following skills most useful when ‘maintained with the maximum ranks possible: Appraise, Decipher Script, Disguise, Forgery, Knowledge (local), Profession (merchant), and Use Magic Device. Depending on the nature of their business, they might wish to invest in other skills as well. These rogues prefer the feats Deceitful, Diligent, and Skill Focus. ‘Scheming Rogue: Focusing on the cerebral aspects of thievery and roguish behavior, scheming rogues often work as advisors to a succession of thieves’ guild leaders. Their keen intellects make them valuable assets, while their analytical natures acknowledge the relative safety of staying out of the limelight. Scheming rogues make excellent masterminds, plotting and concocting elaborate heists or deadly games of political intrigue. In an adventuring party, the scheming rogue watches and listens, learning all he can about a situation ‘or dilemma before making his move or offering his advice. Scheming rogues usually ‘max out their ranks in Listen, Search, and Spot, as well as gaining in Bluff, Diplomacy, Gather DIFFERENT COLOR Information, Knowledge (local), and Sense “Motive. His feats should focus on those that grant bonuses to his skill, such as Investigator, Negotiator, and Skill Focus. ‘Charming Rogue: This archetype focuses ‘on Charisma-based interpersonal skills and fills many of the same roles as bards. However, thanks to her sneak attack ability a charismatic rogue excels at winning over a victim then murdering him when he least expects an attack. Such rogues make excellent diplomats, merchants, and spies. The charming rogue focuses on Bluff, Diplomacy, Disguise, Gather Information, Intimidate, Sense Motive, and Sleight of Hand, Her feat selections should focus on those that grant bonuses to her skills, especially Negotiator, Persuasive, and Skill Focus. Trapspringer: Dwarves and gnomes often favor this type of rogue, as it focuses on skills they already appreciate and excel at. A trapspringer cares litle about stealth and less about negotiation, and instead keeps Climb, Disable Device, Open Lock, Search, Sleight of Hand, Spot, Use Magic Device, and Use Rope at the highest rank possible, Graft (trapmaking), Decipher Script, and Jump can also be usefl Trapspringers often select Nimble Fingers at Ist level, but Lightning Reflexes and Toughness also make excellent choices. Warrior Rogue: Often multiclassing as fighters or rangers, these battlers might take on any role from thug to swashbuckler. Most use their abilities to set up foes as targets for their sneak attacks, The skills Balance, Climb, Escape Artist, Hide, Jump, Listen, Move Silently, Spot, and Tumble often prove useful for a warrior rogue. When multiclassing, he should keep as many of his skills at the maximum rank possible, which means that such a character probably becomes quite good at climbing and jumping. For feats, a warrior rogue cauit go wrong with Athletic, Dodge, Point Blank Shot, Quick Draw, Rapid Reload, or Weapon Finesse. ous 2004 onacon 32 ET