Rogue, Neverwinter Nights 1, NWN 1

Rogue NWN

Rogue is a NWN class in BioWare's cRPG of 2002, Neverwinter Nights 1.

This is easily my number one class. I've played Rogues more than any other class due to their flavorsome feats and the unequaled versatility of their skillset. They are just so much more interesting to play than Infinity Engine Thieves.

Use Magic Device is great fun to experiment with, allowing you to use an array of specialty items such as the monk-only Robes of the Darkmoon (perma-Haste) and Boots of the Sun Soul (+AC dodge). You can even cast spells from scrolls, wands, rods and staffs.

My fave Rogue is a thug; that is, a Strength-based Rogue with one or more levels in Fighter in order to wield big weapons and wear heavy armor. Pulling off Knockdown → Sneak Attacks is so satisfying. You can't stealth in heavy armor but you can still pick locks and disarm traps. I dump neither Dex nor Int with such a build because I want to stay skillful (both Int and Dex modify your skills).

Note that equipping a shield will cause you to incur some skillpoint penalties but you can easily unequip through the quickbar when thieving. It's a small price to pay for playing an entertaining hybrid build.

Note that skill-dumping is possible in NWN (not so much in NWN2). What that means is, you can save up your skillpoints that accumulate at each "level-up" (say, while you're leveling Fighter or Wizard) and then dump them all into the many handy Rogue skills, such as UMD and Tumble, when you take a Rogue level (though Rogue is usually taken at 1st level for the skillpoint bonus). The ability to skill-dump makes dipping into Rogue at certain build-points very attractive.

I found the rogue archer that I took through Snow Hunt to be quite efficient at landing ranged sneak attacks, too. Of course, you will need a tank or some kind of meatshield to hold back the aggro and keep it distracted while you line them up to be shot right between the eyes.

If you're going to take a level of Rogue then you should do so at first character level; that is, chargen. Why? To take advantage of the x4 skillpoint bonus! You will not receive this bonus if you take Rogue at any other level.

cf. Rogue Build NWN.

Note that Tomi NWN is a Rogue.

Where Only Dedicated Rogues Dare Tread:

Rogue Description

Rogues have little in common with each other. While some - maybe even the majority - are stealthy thieves, many serve as scouts, spies, investigators, diplomats, and simple thugs. Rogues are versatile, adaptable, and skilled at getting what others don't want them to get. While not equal to a fighter in combat, a rogue knows how to hit where it hurts, and a sneak attack can dish out a lot of damage. Rogues also seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to avoiding danger. Experienced rogues develop nearly magical powers and skills as they master the arts of stealth, evasion, and sneak attacks. In addition, while not capable of casting spells on their own, a rogue can sometimes "fake it" well enough to cast spells from scrolls, activate wands, and use just about any other magic item.

• Hit Die: d6.
• Proficiencies: Proficient with rogue weapons and light armor. Rogues are not proficient with shields.
• Skill Points (*4 at 1st level): 8 + Int Modifier.

NWN Rogue Feats

NWN Rogue Sneak Attack

• Type of Feat: Class
• Prerequisite: Rogue.
• Specifics: Whenever the character makes a successful attack against an opponent who is flat-footed, cannot see them, or who is in combat with someone else, the character's blow delivers extra damage. This extra damage is +1d6 at 1st level and an additional +1d6 every two levels thereafter. This extra damage is not multiplied in the case of a critical hit.
• Use: Automatic. Monsters of the construct and undead types are immune to sneak attacks, as are any creatures that are immune to critical hits.

Evasion NWN Rogue

• Type of Feat: Class
• Prerequisite: Monk level 1, rogue level 2 or shadowdancer level 2.
• Specifics: Whenever a Reflex save is allowed for half damage, the character instead takes no damage if he succeeds at the save.
• Use: Automatic.

Improved Evasion NWN Rogue

• Type of Feat: Class
• Prerequisite: Monk level 9, rogue level 10 or shadowdancer level 10.
• Specifics: Whenever a Reflex save is allowed for half damage, characters with this feat instead take no damage if they succeed at the save. Even if they fail the save, they take only half damage.
• Use: Automatic.

Crippling Strike NWN Rogue

• Type of Feat: Class
• Prerequisite: Rogue level 10.
• Specifics: The rogue deals an additional 2 points of ability score Strength damage when they make a successful sneak attack.
• Use: Automatic.

Defensive Roll NWN Rogue

• Type of Feat: Class
• Prerequisite: Rogue level 10 or shadowdancer level 5.
• Specifics: If the rogue is struck by a potentially lethal blow, they make a Reflex saving throw (DC = damage dealt). If succesful, they take only half damage from the blow.
• Use: Automatic, but limited to one use per day. Flat-footed characters cannot make a defensive roll.

Opportunist NWN Rogue

• Type of Feat: Class
• Prerequisite: Rogue level 10.
• Specifics: The rogue gains a +4 competence bonus to attack rolls when making attacks of opportunity.
• Use: Automatic.

Slippery Mind NWN Rogue

• Type of Feat: Class
• Prerequisite: Rogue level 10 or shadowdancer level 7.
• Specifics: Characters failing their Will save versus mind-affecting spells get an automatic reroll.
• Use: Automatic.

Skill Mastery NWN Rogue

• Type of Feat: Class
• Prerequisite: Rogue level 10.
• Specifics: When using the Disable Trap, Open Lock, and Set Trap skills, the character automatically takes 20 on any skill checks, even if in combat.
• Use: Automatic. The monster cannot be caught flat footed for any reason.

Uncanny Dodge NWN Rogue

• Type of Feat: Class
• Prerequisite: Barbarian level 16 or rogue level 17.
• Specifics: This feat grants a +4 bonus on Reflex saving throws made to avoid traps. The character also retains his Dex bonus to AC, even if caught flat-footed or attacked by a hidden or invisible creature.
• Use: Automatic.

NWN Classes	Bard NWN	Barbarian NWN	Cleric NWN	Druid NWN	Fighter NWN
Monk NWN	Paladin NWN	Ranger NWN	Rogue NWN	Sorcerer NWN	Wizard NWN
Arcane Archer NWN	Assassin NWN	Blackguard NWN	Champion of Torm NWN	Dwarven Defender NWN	Pale Master NWN
Red Dragon Disciple NWN	Shadowdancer NWN	Shifter NWN	Weapon Master NWN	Purple Dragon Knight NWN	Harper Scout NWN