I can see VERY little use for this Rogue power... I would like to hear your ideas on getting use out of this ability. Thanks in advance,
~Mad
It's basically a Social Power, one that requires a lot of observation time to set up. It's not one that's likely to be useful in many gray-room dungeoneering scenarios unless you're scouting ahead or preparing an ambush.
Probably more towards an ambush/no-prep situation; most of the rest of the information is stuff that you should be able to discern with research and interaction with the people in question, in a more social-focused campaign.
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🎵I'm on top of the world, looking down on creation, wreaking death and devastation with my mind.
As the power that I've found erupts freely from the ground, I will cackle from the top of the world.🎵
Totally get where you're coming from—Insightful Manipulator definitely feels underwhelming at first glance, especially compared to some of the flashier Rogue features. That said, there are some niche but potentially impactful ways to squeeze value out of it:
Social intrigue and planning: If you're in a campaign heavy on politics, infiltration, or social maneuvering, knowing a creature's Wisdom score or class levels can help you tailor your approach—e.g., avoid charming high-Wisdom targets, or prioritize disabling a cleric over a fighter.
Pre-combat prep: If you're about to engage in combat and can subtly use Insightful Manipulator, you might find out that a particular NPC is a spellcaster or has a low Insight—giving you a tactical edge before initiative is even rolled.
Roleplay leverage: Use it to spot weaknesses in NPCs—low Int or Wis? Play the manipulator. High Cha? Butter them up or avoid head-on persuasion duels. It can add flavor to your social interactions, even if it’s not mechanically dominant.
That said, I do think it's very situational, and whether it shines or not depends heavily on your DM’s style and how often non-combat encounters take the spotlight.
Hope that helps a bit—curious to hear what kind of campaign you're in!
Cheers
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“When the dice fail, flip a coin — fate always finds a way.” 🧙♂️ DM | ⚔️ Player | 🎲 Tinkerer of Luck Check out my homebrew ideas and let’s make every roll count!
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I can see VERY little use for this Rogue power...
I would like to hear your ideas on getting use out of this ability.
Thanks in advance,
~Mad
Not really any hidden capabilities here. Can be useful so the spellcasters know what save to target.
It's basically a Social Power, one that requires a lot of observation time to set up. It's not one that's likely to be useful in many gray-room dungeoneering scenarios unless you're scouting ahead or preparing an ambush.
Probably more towards an ambush/no-prep situation; most of the rest of the information is stuff that you should be able to discern with research and interaction with the people in question, in a more social-focused campaign.
🎵I'm on top of the world, looking down on creation, wreaking death and devastation with my mind.
As the power that I've found erupts freely from the ground, I will cackle from the top of the world.🎵
Charisma Saving Throw: DC 18, Failure: 20d6 Psychic Damage, Success: Half damage
Hey Mad',
Totally get where you're coming from—Insightful Manipulator definitely feels underwhelming at first glance, especially compared to some of the flashier Rogue features. That said, there are some niche but potentially impactful ways to squeeze value out of it:
Social intrigue and planning: If you're in a campaign heavy on politics, infiltration, or social maneuvering, knowing a creature's Wisdom score or class levels can help you tailor your approach—e.g., avoid charming high-Wisdom targets, or prioritize disabling a cleric over a fighter.
Pre-combat prep: If you're about to engage in combat and can subtly use Insightful Manipulator, you might find out that a particular NPC is a spellcaster or has a low Insight—giving you a tactical edge before initiative is even rolled.
Roleplay leverage: Use it to spot weaknesses in NPCs—low Int or Wis? Play the manipulator. High Cha? Butter them up or avoid head-on persuasion duels. It can add flavor to your social interactions, even if it’s not mechanically dominant.
That said, I do think it's very situational, and whether it shines or not depends heavily on your DM’s style and how often non-combat encounters take the spotlight.
Hope that helps a bit—curious to hear what kind of campaign you're in!
Cheers
“When the dice fail, flip a coin — fate always finds a way.”
🧙♂️ DM | ⚔️ Player | 🎲 Tinkerer of Luck
Check out my homebrew ideas and let’s make every roll count!