Picture this: you've just rolled up to the dungeon entrance, everyone looks heroic… and then the rogue vanishes before initiative even begins. Classic. In this remastered RPGBOT.Podcast episode, we get delightfully sneaky about how to build the perfect scoundrel from level 1 through 10 without needing a 20-page backstory explaining why you stole the wizard's lunch (again).
Show Notes
In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the team takes a dagger-sharp dive into how to build and optimize a Dungeons & Dragons Rogue from the earliest levels through level 10. We unpack class features, subclass decisions, damage expectations, ability score priorities, and the irresistible allure of Sneak Attack. Whether you're a stealthy assassin, a charming thief, or just someone who really, really likes stabbing things once per round, but really hard, this episode will give you the tools you need to play a rogue that's both effective and memorable.
We cover stealth fundamentals, combat math, common pitfalls, party synergy, and which subclass choices help you maximize your strengths (or make up for weaknesses). Whether you're planning to pick locks, disable traps, or carry the entire narrative while the rest of the table fails Perception checks, we've got you.
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Key Takeaways
- Sneak Attack scales fast; plan your combat actions around enabling it every turn
- Rogues are defined by mobility and positioning: staying alive is step one to doing anything cool
- Expertise dramatically changes your skill roles—choose skills that matter beyond combat
- Subclass choice shapes your playstyle: Assassin, Thief, Arcane Trickster—each has unique tactical benefits
- Rogues thrive with teamwork; make friends with the party members who keep enemies occupied
- Cunning Action is one of the most powerful class features in early game combat
- Ability Score priorities are typically Dexterity first, Constitution second, then flavor to taste
- Your role isn't "hit things constantly", it's "hit things when it hurts most, steal the scene, and disappear"
Liven up your winter with Startplaying.Games
Winter nights are long and cold, so warm them up by playing a game on StartPlaying.Games! Whether you want to try a new system, learn to play a rogue, or find a great GM in your time zone, StartPlaying.Games can match you with real people and great adventures. Find your next table today and sneak into a campaign before anyone notices you were missing!
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Meet the Hosts
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Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix.
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Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme.
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Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy.
Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos.
How to Find Us:
In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net
Tyler Kamstra
Ash Ely
Randall James
Producer Dan