Creating a compelling rogue trader character in a game like Pathfinder or Dungeons & Dragons involves careful consideration of skills, feats, and abilities. A well-built rogue trader can be a formidable addition to any party, providing valuable services and unique combat capabilities. Let's delve into the best build for a rogue trader main character, focusing on skills, feats, and class choices.
First, let's understand the rogue trader's role. Rogue traders are typically charismatic, versatile characters who excel in social situations, have a knack for business, and can hold their own in combat. They're jack-of-all-trades, masters of none, making them an excellent choice for a main character.
Class Selection
The first step in creating your rogue trader is choosing the right class. The rogue trader archetype is a blend of the rogue and the bard, so let's consider these two classes.
Rogue provides excellent skills for stealth, thievery, and combat, while bard offers a wide range of spells, access to powerful magic items, and strong support abilities. For a rogue trader, the Swashbuckler archetype from the Rogue class and the Entertainer archetype from the Bard class are particularly appealing.
Swashbuckler Rogue
The Swashbuckler archetype emphasizes charisma, providing bonuses to attack and damage rolls, as well as special abilities like panache and charm. This aligns perfectly with the rogue trader's need for social prowess and combat effectiveness.
As a Swashbuckler, you gain access to the dashing scoundrel feature, which allows you to move around the battlefield with ease, making you a versatile combatant. Additionally, the grandstanding ability lets you inspire your allies, providing them with temporary hit points.
Entertainer Bard
The Entertainer bard is an excellent choice for a rogue trader, as it focuses on performance, which can be used to distract enemies, gain advantage on attack rolls, or even deal extra damage.
Entertainers gain access to the performance feats, which allow them to use their performance abilities in unique ways. For example, the dazzling display feat lets you use your performance to create illusions, while the mesmerizing voice feat grants you advantage on Persuasion checks.
Skills and Feats
Next, let's look at the skills and feats that make a rogue trader truly shine.
Rogue traders should focus on skills like Persuasion, Performance, Deception, and Stealth. These skills are crucial for navigating social situations, deceiving foes, and avoiding detection. Additionally, skills like Acrobatics, Athletics, and Sleight of Hand can be useful for combat and other physical challenges.
Feats
Feats are a great way to customize your rogue trader and make them truly unique. Some excellent feats for a rogue trader include:
- Skulker: This feat grants you proficiency in Stealth and gives you advantage on Stealth checks when you're in the shadows. It's perfect for a rogue trader who needs to slip in and out of places unnoticed.
- Mimic: This feat allows you to impersonate another creature, granting you advantage on Deception checks to do so. It's great for gathering information or infiltrating enemy ranks.
- Actor: This feat gives you advantage on Performance checks and allows you to use your performance to create illusions. It's perfect for a rogue trader who wants to use their charisma to deceive and distract.
Background
Choosing the right background can provide your rogue trader with valuable skills, equipment, and roleplaying opportunities. Some excellent backgrounds for a rogue trader include:
- Criminal: This background provides proficiency in Deception and Stealth, as well as a criminal contact who can provide jobs and information.
- Entertainer: This background grants proficiency in Performance and gives you a place to perform, providing a steady stream of income and opportunities for roleplaying.
- Charlatan: This background provides proficiency in Deception and Persuasion, as well as a false identity that can be useful for infiltrating enemy ranks or gathering information.
Finally, remember that the best rogue trader is one that you enjoy playing. Don't be afraid to experiment with different class features, skills, and feats to find the combination that works best for you. With the right build, your rogue trader can be a valuable and versatile addition to any party, providing a unique blend of social prowess, combat effectiveness, and business acumen.