Heavy Hitter

Most rogues rely on speed, subtlety, and precision, but some find artistry in raw power. The Heavy Hitter is a rogue who wields massive weapons with deadly control, channeling cunning and strength into overwhelming strikes. Instead of slipping daggers between ribs, they crush defenses and drive foes back with sheer force.

These rogues learn to twist the rules of momentum and leverage to make even the largest weapons respond like extensions of their will. Their blows shake the ground, intimidate their enemies, and deflect attacks with sheer resilience.

Heavy Hitters thrive in the thick of combat, where cunning meets muscle. Whether they’re enforcers, gladiators, or warriors who mastered brute strength through precision timing, they prove that subtlety isn’t the only path to a perfect strike.

Level 3: Loaded for Bear

3rd level Heavy Hitter feature

When you select this archetype at 3rd level, you become proficient with greataxes, greatclubs, greatswords, mauls, and medium armor.

Level 3: Centrifugal Strike

3rd level Heavy Hitter feature

You’ve learned how to use the momentum of large weapons to their full potential. Starting at 3rd level, you can use your Sneak Attack feature with any two-handed, heavy melee weapon with which you are proficient. If you do, you can immediately move up to 5 feet without provoking an Opportunity Attack whether you hit or miss.

Level 9: Devastating Impact

9th level Heavy Hitter feature

The force of your blows cannot be contained. Starting at 9th level, you gain the extra attack feature. When you hit a creature with a heavy melee weapon and deal sneak attack damage, you can also make a shove attack as part of that same attack against that creature. If the creature has resistance to the damage or reduces it by at least half in any way, they gain advantage on the contested check. 

Additionally, when you make a shove attack, you can choose to attempt to shove the target creature up to 5 ft in any direction, instead of just away from you. If you win the contest by 10 or more, you can shove the target an additional 5 ft in a straight line from its original space.

Level 13: Intimidating Blow

13th level Heavy Hitter feature

 Starting at 13th level, your sudden devastating swings can instill fear in your enemy. When you hit a creature with a heavy weapon and deal sneak attack damage, you can force that creature to make a wisdom saving throw (DC equals 8 + your proficiency bonus + your strength or charisma modifier). On a failed save, the target becomes frightened until the end of your next turn. If the creature has resistance to the damage or reduces it by at least half in any way, they gain advantage on their saving throw against this ability.

Additionally, if they move away from you while frightened by this ability, you can use a special reaction to make a melee attack against that creature, regardless of if it took the disengage action or not. If you do, you cannot use your normal reaction for the rest of that creature's turn.

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and regain all expended uses when you complete a short or long rest.

Level 17: Uncanny Deflection

17th level Heavy Hitter feature 

Once you reach 17th level, your overwhelming strength provides a larger contribution to your fortitude and reflexes. When you use your uncanny dodge feature, you gain a temporary bonus to your AC equal to your Strength modifier before the triggering attack, potentially causing the attack to miss. If the attack still hits, you instead take half damage as usual. The bonus goes away after the triggering attack hits or misses.