I am new to DnD. I am pondering about making a shady detective type character. Who stays in the shadows and uses range or sneak attacks in combat.
I start at level 3 with a rogue inquisitive, early game advance in investigation/perception checks. Around level 4 or 5 multi-class to ranger gloom stalker for at least three levels, to improve my combat ability.
I want to stick to rogue inquisitive, it seems like a fun archetype.
A few questions, 1) is that a good combination? 2) does that leveling breakdown make sense, or how should I adjust it? 3) how should I level beyond the outline concept?
I've done some playing around with this and got to something I think would be fun. Mind you this is all theorycrafting, I haven't tried it in play yet and how your DM deals with MC and other situation may change the value of my choices.
The main benefit of Ranger in this case is multi attack at 5th level. You do get some interesting spells (hunter's mark, zephyr strike, pass without trace especially) but overall in combat, firing 2 arrows per round is a huge boost. I would therefor not go higher than 5th as a Ranger, I prefer the Rogues benefits.
I would choose a wood elf, +2 dex, +1 wis (needed for your Inquisitive Insight), free perception skill.
Stats before racial modifier with point buy 8 str (dump stat) 15 dex (primary) 15 con (always good) 10 int (could be dump but you might need investigation to find traps) 13 wis (insight) 10 cha (although you could dump).
Background Far Traveler fits the Ranger GS, get skills insight and perception but since you already have perception from elf, you get a full free pick.
1st level Rogue to get all the Rogue starting goodies.
2nd to 6th Ranger GS, to get your multi attack, pick archery FS. ASI I really like Resillient Con, Con saves are often big in my games and it rounds out con to 16 (very good)
If your DM uses the new UA class variants then Ranger is very good, even then I would rather use Fighter BM (most battle maneuvers work with bow), action surge, and get to at lest 11 FBM for 2nd extr attack (3 arrows per turn). Same ASI, same stats you loose one skill from Ranger (survival) in my exemple and his spells but BM, action surge and 3 attacks per round compensate IMHO. My choice is RI7/FBM13.
I like the ability to get sneak attack by myself almost all the time but, if your party has a lot of melee, you might want to look into the scout instead, his 9th level class ability is always good. In that case, I'd go RS9/FBM11.
Your welcome, please remember that caracter creation should be done with your DM, the way a DM runs his game will change some of the character options.
Also, my favorite Rogue archetype is the Arcane Trickster (but that would change the stats away from Wis to Int and may be go High Elf)
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May I join in this conversation asking how you get the inquisitive option in DND Beyond. I already play lvl 3 but when trying to use beyond I only can choose Thief.
which book must be bought to get the inquisitive archetype? thank you in advance.
I am new to DnD. I am pondering about making a shady detective type character. Who stays in the shadows and uses range or sneak attacks in combat.
I start at level 3 with a rogue inquisitive, early game advance in investigation/perception checks. Around level 4 or 5 multi-class to ranger gloom stalker for at least three levels, to improve my combat ability.
I want to stick to rogue inquisitive, it seems like a fun archetype.
A few questions, 1) is that a good combination? 2) does that leveling breakdown make sense, or how should I adjust it? 3) how should I level beyond the outline concept?
Thank you.
I've done some playing around with this and got to something I think would be fun. Mind you this is all theorycrafting, I haven't tried it in play yet and how your DM deals with MC and other situation may change the value of my choices.
The main benefit of Ranger in this case is multi attack at 5th level. You do get some interesting spells (hunter's mark, zephyr strike, pass without trace especially) but overall in combat, firing 2 arrows per round is a huge boost. I would therefor not go higher than 5th as a Ranger, I prefer the Rogues benefits.
I would choose a wood elf, +2 dex, +1 wis (needed for your Inquisitive Insight), free perception skill.
Stats before racial modifier with point buy 8 str (dump stat) 15 dex (primary) 15 con (always good) 10 int (could be dump but you might need investigation to find traps) 13 wis (insight) 10 cha (although you could dump).
Background Far Traveler fits the Ranger GS, get skills insight and perception but since you already have perception from elf, you get a full free pick.
1st level Rogue to get all the Rogue starting goodies.
2nd to 6th Ranger GS, to get your multi attack, pick archery FS. ASI I really like Resillient Con, Con saves are often big in my games and it rounds out con to 16 (very good)
7th+ Rogue Inquisitive, expertise, more skills, cunning actions, uncanny dodge, evasion.
For ASI Elven Acurracy (dex), Sharpshooter, 2 dex are a must, your last could be Lucky, I also like Alert (never surprised when conscious.
Here's a link https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/Kriegvarg/characters/19269759
If your DM uses the new UA class variants then Ranger is very good, even then I would rather use Fighter BM (most battle maneuvers work with bow), action surge, and get to at lest 11 FBM for 2nd extr attack (3 arrows per turn). Same ASI, same stats you loose one skill from Ranger (survival) in my exemple and his spells but BM, action surge and 3 attacks per round compensate IMHO. My choice is RI7/FBM13.
Here's a link https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/Kriegvarg/characters/19271479
I like the ability to get sneak attack by myself almost all the time but, if your party has a lot of melee, you might want to look into the scout instead, his 9th level class ability is always good. In that case, I'd go RS9/FBM11.
Here's a link https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/Kriegvarg/characters/19272664
Freedom without Laws is Anarchy... Laws without Freedom is Tyranny!
Thank you!!! This write up will help me design the character. Thank you again for taking the time to assist me.
Your welcome, please remember that caracter creation should be done with your DM, the way a DM runs his game will change some of the character options.
Also, my favorite Rogue archetype is the Arcane Trickster (but that would change the stats away from Wis to Int and may be go High Elf)
Freedom without Laws is Anarchy... Laws without Freedom is Tyranny!
May I join in this conversation asking how you get the inquisitive option in DND Beyond. I already play lvl 3 but when trying to use beyond I only can choose Thief.
which book must be bought to get the inquisitive archetype? thank you in advance.
it's in Xanathar's guide to everything
You can either purchase the entire book on here or just the subclass you want for considerably less.