Hello!! Im a DM and I have a player who plays a rogue, but he feels useless especially combat. (part of it is that he forgets about sneak attack, and I don't remind him because Im preoccupied running the rest of the encounter and also forget. I do try though i promise!!!) I want to give him advice and scenarios for him to actually use his rogueness, (having the party sneak somewhere) and that went okay? But I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for techniques to help him play a rogue and use the skills of one?
Rogues are great at low levels (before level 5) as they can deal good damage. Also, at those levels a rogue can kill guards and similar enemies in one hit so you can spice it up and give more opportunities for stealth gameplay. Scouting, killing some guards to make way for the rest of the party etc.
Level 5 ~ 8
Unfortunately, at this tier Rogues feel really bad to play. Martials get extra attack at 5, destroying sneak attack damage. While casters get 3rd level spells which are a real power increase. Unfortunately, Rogues get very lacking abilities at those levels, plus they are the only class that gets their second subclass ability at level 9. All other classes get their 2nd subclass feature sooner. Enemies won't die with easy sneak attacks anymore. At this tier you should offer the Rogue more situations to use their skills. As it might be obvious, above level 4 Rogues are masters of skills and that's how a DM should handle them. Offer skill challenges and unique situations for them to use skills.
Level 11
This is when Rogues get their best mid/late game ability: Reliable Talent, which allows them to never roll under 10 on skills with which they have proficiency. Unfortunately this also can annoy a DM, because starting from level 11 all "challenge" is removed from anything the Rogue is trained at (thanks to RT). You should still offer them ways to use their skills, although they most likely will auto-succeed
Technically, whenever a rogue attacks with the right weapon (finesse or ranged) under the right conditions (advantage, or an ally adjacent to the target, etc.) the sneak attack just happens. That could be a way for you train them.
I love playing rogues! Sneak attack is great, especially with a ranged weapon. What feats does he have. Crossbow Expert + Sharpshooter is awesome. I use that with a hand crossbow and kick ass. Remember: he does need advantage to get sneak attack if his target is engaged with a hostile within 5 feet.
You could let him redevelop/revise/retcon his character to make him more effective.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Compromise where you can. Where you can't, don't. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong is something right. Even if the whole world is telling you to move, it is your duty to plant yourself like a tree, look them in the eye, and say, "No. You move."
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Hello!! Im a DM and I have a player who plays a rogue, but he feels useless especially combat. (part of it is that he forgets about sneak attack, and I don't remind him because Im preoccupied running the rest of the encounter and also forget. I do try though i promise!!!) I want to give him advice and scenarios for him to actually use his rogueness, (having the party sneak somewhere) and that went okay? But I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for techniques to help him play a rogue and use the skills of one?
thank you!!
Make a point to tell him to write "Remember Sneak Attack" on a post-it or business card so he can remind himself, and it'll eventually stick.
What's the level of the party?
Levels 1-4 :
Rogues are great at low levels (before level 5) as they can deal good damage. Also, at those levels a rogue can kill guards and similar enemies in one hit so you can spice it up and give more opportunities for stealth gameplay. Scouting, killing some guards to make way for the rest of the party etc.
Level 5 ~ 8
Unfortunately, at this tier Rogues feel really bad to play. Martials get extra attack at 5, destroying sneak attack damage. While casters get 3rd level spells which are a real power increase. Unfortunately, Rogues get very lacking abilities at those levels, plus they are the only class that gets their second subclass ability at level 9. All other classes get their 2nd subclass feature sooner. Enemies won't die with easy sneak attacks anymore. At this tier you should offer the Rogue more situations to use their skills. As it might be obvious, above level 4 Rogues are masters of skills and that's how a DM should handle them. Offer skill challenges and unique situations for them to use skills.
Level 11
This is when Rogues get their best mid/late game ability: Reliable Talent, which allows them to never roll under 10 on skills with which they have proficiency. Unfortunately this also can annoy a DM, because starting from level 11 all "challenge" is removed from anything the Rogue is trained at (thanks to RT). You should still offer them ways to use their skills, although they most likely will auto-succeed
Its going to be a hard road to help a player who cant remember their most important class feature!
This isnt really your issue. Yes a good DM provides room for everyone to shine but the player has to do their part.
Technically, whenever a rogue attacks with the right weapon (finesse or ranged) under the right conditions (advantage, or an ally adjacent to the target, etc.) the sneak attack just happens. That could be a way for you train them.
I think Uncanny Dodge and Evasion are pretty nifty features to pick up at Levels 5-8. YMMV
I love playing rogues! Sneak attack is great, especially with a ranged weapon. What feats does he have. Crossbow Expert + Sharpshooter is awesome. I use that with a hand crossbow and kick ass. Remember: he does need advantage to get sneak attack if his target is engaged with a hostile within 5 feet.
You could let him redevelop/revise/retcon his character to make him more effective.
Compromise where you can. Where you can't, don't. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong is something right. Even if the whole world is telling you to move, it is your duty to plant yourself like a tree, look them in the eye, and say, "No. You move."