Artful Dodger/Shadow Assassin/Destined Scion
(Optimized for elusiveness, mobility, hitting and damage)
July 25 updates- Changed Epic Destiny to Destined Scion
Synopsis
You are very hard to hit, you almost never miss, you can move anywhere freely, and you hit hard.
The
halfling rogue is sky blue in everyone’s rogue optimization guide, but
to my knowledge has never been optimized. Drow are flashier,
half-orcs and bugbears are more brutal, and elves are the most
accurate. I propose that halflings have something that none of
these offer, true elusiveness.
One of the problems with melee
strikers is that they have a big target on their heads. This build
gets around that problem with having defender defenses (higher in many
cases), combined with second chance (which becomes better as your
defenses get higher). I favor bonuses to AC that are always on, or that
work till hit (in the case of magic items). Also high defenses
combined with Artful Dodger will make you virtually immune to
opportunity attacks.
Shadow Assassin is mainly chosen for Shadow Assassin's Riposte, giving enemies a good reason not to attack you.
Demigod
is chosen for the Divine Spark bonuses. This build worships Dex
for AC and Hit, and the +2 Str is needed to qualify for Light Blade
Mastery.
Added-Playtests confirm high AC + Shadow Assassin's Riposte = Awesome, the damage dealt to enemies that attack you is very high, and being this annoying you may draw lots of attention.
Also Artful Dodger + Shadow Assassin's Riposte means you actually want to draw OA's.
No Frostcheese (but very annoying)
Halfling, Rogue
Build: Trickster Rogue
Rogue Tactics: Artful Dodger
Background: Gritty Sergeant (Gritty Sergeant benefit for Rapier)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 13, Con 10, Dex 20, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 15.
STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 13, Con 10, Dex 18, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 13.
AC: 18 (22 vs OA) Fort: 11 Reflex: 18 Will: 12
HP: 24 Surges: 6 Surge Value: 6
TRAINED SKILLS
Stealth +10, Thievery +12, Bluff +7, Athletics +6, Perception +5, Acrobatics +12
UNTRAINED SKILLS
Arcana -1, Diplomacy +2, Dungeoneering, Endurance, Heal, History -1, Insight, Intimidate +2, Nature, Streetwise +2, Religion -1
FEATS
Level 1: Shield Proficiency (Light)
POWERS
Rogue at-will 1: Piercing Strike
Rogue at-will 1: Deft Strike
Rogue encounter 1: Opening Move
Rogue daily 1: Duelist's Prowess
ITEMS
Leather Armor, Rapier, Dagger (3), Adventurer's Kit, Thieves' Tools, Fine Clothing, Light Shield
Discussion
The goal is elusiveness and mobility. You need to be able to get to flanking whenever you want and not be scared to be there. So the light shield gives you the static +1 AC that will help.
Halfling, Rogue, Shadow Assassin
Build: Trickster Rogue
Rogue Tactics: Artful Dodger
Background: Gritty Sergeant (Gritty Sergeant benefit for Rapier)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 14, Con 11, Dex 23, Int 9, Wis 11, Cha 18.
STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 13, Con 10, Dex 18, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 13.
AC: 28 (30 with LitC, 34 vs OA's) Fort: 20 Reflex: 31 Will: 24
HP: 73 Surges: 6 Surge Value: 18 (enemies take 6 damage on missed melee attack)
TRAINED SKILLS
Stealth +16, Thievery +18, Perception +10, Athletics +12, Acrobatics +18, Insight +10
UNTRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +4, Bluff +9, Diplomacy +9, Dungeoneering +5, Endurance +5, Heal +5, History +4, Intimidate +9, Nature +5, Streetwise +6, Religion +4
FEATS
Level 1: Shield Proficiency (Light)
Level 2: Blade and Buckler Duelist
Level 4: Light Blade Expertise
Level 6: Backstabber
Level 8: Lost in a Crowd
Level 10: Nimble Dodge
Level 11: Improved Defenses
POWERS
Rogue at-will 1: Piercing Strike
Rogue at-will 1: Deft Strike
Rogue encounter 1: Opening Move
Rogue daily 1: Blinding Barrage
Rogue utility 2: Sneak in the Attack
Rogue encounter 3: Low Slash
Rogue daily 5: Bloodbath
Rogue utility 6: Swift Parry
Rogue encounter 7: Circling Predator
Rogue daily 9: Knockout
Rogue utility 10: Brisk Stride
ITEMS
Master's Blade Rapier +2, Amulet of Protection +2, Iron Armbands of Power (heroic tier), Helm of Able Defense (paragon tier), Light Shield, Rhythm Blade Spiked shield +1, Gambler's Suit Leather Armor +2
Discussion
You're at 30 AC (Helm of Able Defense), 32 with Lost in the Crowd, and 38 vs OA’s. Helm of Able defense is simply too good to be true. +1 Item bonus to will, and +2 to all defenses until you are damaged after the first turn.
Halfling, Rogue, Shadow Assassin, Demigod
Build: Trickster Rogue
Rogue Tactics: Artful Dodger
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Strength
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Dexterity
Background: Gritty Sergeant (Gritty Sergeant benefit for Rapier)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 17, Con 12, Dex 28, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 21.
STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 13, Con 10, Dex 18, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 13.
AC: 40 (45 until damaged or hit, 47 or 51 vs OA's) Fort: 32 Reflex: 42 Will: 34
HP: 124 Surges: 7 Surge Value: 31 (enemies take 8 damage on melee miss)
TRAINED SKILLS
Stealth +24, Thievery +26, Perception +16, Athletics +18, Acrobatics +26, Insight +16
UNTRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +10, Bluff +15, Diplomacy +15, Dungeoneering +11, Endurance +11, Heal +11, History +10, Intimidate +15, Nature +11, Streetwise +15, Religion +10
FEATS
Level 1: Shield Proficiency (Light)
Level 2: Blade and Buckler Duelist
Level 4: Light Blade Expertise
Level 6: Backstabber
Level 8: Lost in a Crowd
Level 10: Nimble Dodge
Level 11: Improved Defenses
Level 12: Melee Training (Dexterity)
Level 14: Repel Charge
Level 16: Nimble Blade
Level 18: Weapon Focus (Light Blade)
Level 20: Shield Mastery (retrained to Shield Specialization at level 21)
Level 21: Light Blade Mastery
POWERS
Rogue at-will 1: Piercing Strike
Rogue at-will 1: Deft Strike
Rogue encounter 1: Opening Move
Rogue daily 1: Duelist's Prowess
Rogue utility 2: Sneak in the Attack
Rogue encounter 3: Low Slash
Rogue daily 5: Bloodbath
Rogue utility 6: Swift Parry
Rogue encounter 7: Snap Shot
Rogue daily 9: Knockout
Rogue utility 10: Brisk Stride
Rogue encounter 13: Stunning Strike (replaces Opening Move)
Rogue daily 15: Rogue's Recovery (replaces Duelist's Prowess)
Rogue utility 16: Anticipate Attack
Rogue encounter 17: Tumbling Strike (replaces Circling Predator)
Rogue daily 19: Hilt Slam (replaces Rogues Recovery)
ITEMS
Helm of Able Defense (paragon tier), Light Shield, Rhythm Blade Spiked shield +1, Gauntlets of Destruction (paragon tier), Belt of Vim (heroic tier), Boots of Eagerness (heroic tier), Master's Blade Rapier +5, Feyleather Armor of Dark Deeds +4, Cloak of Displacement +4, Iron Armbands of Power (paragon tier)
Discussion
Paragon items that give bonuses to defenses really shine. Helm of Able Defense is simply insane combined with Cloak of Displacement, together adding +4 to most defenses. At paragon we also have access to Armor of Dark Deeds which will give us concealment if he attack with combat advantage. This is where you start to become harder to hit than a defender, and much harder when you add in Second Chance.
Build: Trickster Rogue
Rogue Tactics: Artful Dodger
Rogue: Rogue Weapon Talent
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Dexterity
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Strength
Background: Gritty Sergeant (Gritty Sergeant benefit for Rapier)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 17, Con 13, Dex 30, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 22.
STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 13, Con 10, Dex 18, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 13.
AC: 50 Fort: 47 Reflex: 49 Will: 45
HP: 170 Surges: 12 Surge Value: 42
TRAINED SKILLS
Stealth +29, Thievery +31, Perception +21, Athletics +22, Acrobatics +31, Insight +21
UNTRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +15, Bluff +21, Diplomacy +21, Dungeoneering +16, Endurance +15, Heal +16, History +15, Intimidate +21, Nature +16, Religion +15, Streetwise +21
FEATS
Level 1: Shield Proficiency (Light)
Level 2: Blade and Buckler Duelist
Level 4: Light Blade Expertise
Level 6: Backstabber
Level 8: Lost in a Crowd
Level 10: Nimble Dodge
Level 11: Improved Defenses
Level 12: Melee Training (Dexterity)
Level 14: Repel Charge
Level 16: Nimble Blade
Level 18: Weapon Focus (Light Blade)
Level 20: Shield Mastery (retrained to Shield Specialization at level 21)
Level 21: Light Blade Mastery
Level 22: Epic Fortitude
Level 24: Epic Will
Level 26: Martial Mastery
Level 28: Armor Proficiency (Hide)
Level 30: Shield Mastery
POWERS
Rogue at-will 1: Piercing Strike
Rogue at-will 1: Deft Strike
Rogue encounter 1: Opening Move
Rogue daily 1: Duelist's Prowess
Rogue utility 2: Sneak in the Attack
Rogue encounter 3: Low Slash
Rogue daily 5: Bloodbath
Rogue utility 6: Swift Parry
Rogue encounter 7: Circling Predator
Rogue daily 9: Knockout
Rogue utility 10: Brisk Stride
Rogue encounter 13: Stunning Strike (replaces Opening Move)
Rogue daily 15: Rogue's Recovery (replaces Duelist's Prowess)
Rogue utility 16: Anticipate Attack
Rogue encounter 17: Tumbling Strike (replaces Snap Shot)
Rogue daily 19: Hilt Slam (replaces Rogue's Recovery)
Rogue utility 22: Indomitable Agility
Rogue encounter 23: Shimmering Blade (replaces Low Slash)
Rogue daily 25: Cruel Pursuit (replaces Hilt Slam)
Rogue encounter 27: Perfect Strike (replaces Stunning Strike)
Rogue daily 29: Kiss of Death (replaces Bloodbath)
ITEMS
Helm of Able Defense (paragon tier), Light Shield, Rhythm Blade Spiked shield +1, Gauntlets of Destruction (paragon tier), Boots of Eagerness (heroic tier), Master's Blade Rapier +6, Iron Armbands of Power (epic tier), , Cloak of Displacement +6, Ring of Tenacious Will (epic tier), Shadow Band (epic tier), Displacer Elderhide Armor +6, Solitaire (Violet) (epic tier), Zephyr Boots (epic tier), Belt of Vim (epic tier), Teamstrike Tattoo (paragon tier)
Discussion
Ring of Tenacious Will suddenly gives you defenderish surges. And Shadow Band gives concealment, which will make you even harder to hit. At lvl 28 we finally have access to Hide Armor, giving us 1 more AC. Previous builds (before Rhythm blade) had a higher Con and allowed for a light shield and Hide at lvl 11, but meant a lower Cha and it was more feat intensive.
Halfling, Rogue, Shadow Assassin, Destined Scion
Build: Trickster Rogue
Rogue Tactics: Artful Dodger
Rogue: Rogue Weapon Talent
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Dexterity
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Strength
Background: Born Under a Bad Sign (Born Under a Bad Sign Benefit)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 17, Con 13, Dex 30, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 22.
STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 13, Con 10, Dex 18, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 13.
AC: 50 Fort: 47 Reflex: 49 Will: 45
HP: 170 Surges: 12 Surge Value: 42
TRAINED SKILLS
Stealth +29, Thievery +31, Perception +21, Athletics +22, Acrobatics +31, Insight +21
UNTRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +15, Bluff +21, Diplomacy +21, Dungeoneering +16, Endurance +15, Heal +16, History +15, Intimidate +21, Nature +16, Religion +15, Streetwise +21
FEATS
Level 1: Shield Proficiency (Light)
Level 2: Blade and Buckler Duelist
Level 4: Light Blade Expertise
Level 6: Backstabber
Level 8: Nimble Dodge
Level 10: Lost in the Crowd (retrained to Lasting Frost at Level 11)
Level 11: Wintertouched
Level 12: Improved Defenses
Level 14: Lost in the Crowd
Level 16: Nimble Blade
Level 18: Weapon Focus (Light Blade)
Level 20: Shield Specialization
Level 21: Light Blade Mastery
Level 22: Epic Fortitude
Level 24: Epic Will
Level 26: Martial Mastery
Level 28: Armor Proficiency (Hide)
Level 30: Epic Resurgence
POWERS
Rogue at-will 1: Piercing Strike
Rogue at-will 1: Deft Strike
Rogue encounter 1: Opening Move
Rogue daily 1: Blinding Barrage
Rogue utility 2: Sneak in the Attack
Rogue encounter 3: Low Slash
Rogue daily 5: Bloodbath
Rogue utility 6: Swift Parry
Rogue encounter 7: Snap Shot
Rogue daily 9: Knockout
Rogue utility 10: Brisk Stride
Rogue encounter 13: Stunning Strike (replaces Opening Move)
Rogue daily 15: Rogue's Recovery (replaces Blinding Barrage)
Rogue utility 16: Anticipate Attack
Rogue encounter 17: Tumbling Strike (replaces Snap Shot)
Rogue daily 19: Hilt Slam (replaces Bloodbath)
Rogue utility 22: Indomitable Agility
Rogue encounter 23: Shimmering Blade (replaces Low Slash)
Rogue daily 25: Hilt Slam (replaces Rogue's Recovery)
Rogue encounter 27: Perfect Strike (replaces Stunning Strike)
Rogue daily 29: Kiss of Death (replaces Knockout)
ITEMS
Helm of Able Defense (paragon tier), Light Shield, Ring of Tenacious Will (epic tier), Shadow Band (epic tier), Cloak of Displacement +6, Iron Armbands of Power (epic tier), Boots of Striding (heroic tier), Backlash Tattoo (heroic tier), Frost Dagger +6, Gloves of Ice (epic tier), Siberys Shard of Merciless Cold (epic tier), Rhythm Blade Spiked shield +1, Adventurer's Kit, Climber's Kit, Footpads, Inquisitive's Kit, Thieves' Tools, Displacer Elderhide Armor +6, Belt of Vim (epic tier)
Frost
Cheese is probably the optimal option for halfling rogues. For 2
Feats you gain about 4 extra damage and a reliable source of CA over the
Goblin Totem/Gauntlets of Destruction combo. You spend a bit more
gold as well for the support of a more expensive weapon, gloves and the
dragon shard. That said not every campaign gives you the loot
options to support Frost Cheese and not every player likes using a build
with Cheese in its name. The no frost cheese version works
perfectly well and I will continue to keep it up-to-date.
Currently it is more defensive in nature and can be easily converted to
do a more damage.
The Daggermaster version uses a dagger and a
dagger offand. It makes use of the Two-Weapon feat line, and Repel
Charge since it already has Melee Training. It does lose out on
Shadow Assassin's Riposte but tries to make up for it with defensive
bonuses from powers and feats (although less than the Shadow Assassin
Build), and it also makes use of Spark Slippers for some added
deterrence. If you want more damage replace
How much defense is too much? Most enemies at or near your level will need at least a 16+ dice roll to hit you. Melee will take damage on a miss. There are many feats that are passed up in favor of defense. Basically, it comes down to your group and dm play style as to how much defense is needed. Halflings make better use of high defenses due to their racial abilities, but if your dm stops attacking you the moment you turn lvl 11 and get Shadow Assassin's Riposte, then obviously put the feats and weapons into putting out some more damage.
Hard to Hit (great combined with Nimble Dodge and other re-rolls or Defense buffing Int erupts)
At
lvl 11 you have spend 4 feats and 2 item slots for +4 AC, +4 Ref and +2
to all defenses till damaged after the first turn (Helm of Able
Defense), and +2 defense when adjacent to 2 or more larger enemies
Also you are +1 to hit, Ref, and AC vs rogue who didn't max dex lvl 1.
Total +7 AC (+9 litc) above an unoptimized rogue.
At lvl
21 You have upgraded to paragon Belt of Vim and added Cloak of
Displacement +2 AC and Ref till hit. Shield Mastery gives you +3
to fort defense. Demigod has put you +1 more on Hit, AC Ref and Fort,
and allowed for Lightblade mastery. Total +10 AC (+12 litc) above
an unoptimized rogue.
At lvl 30, you have Epic Fort, Epic
Will, added Robust Defenses, boosted your surges with Ring of Tenacious
Will, and added Concealment with Shadow Band. Total +13 AC (15
litc) above an unoptimized rogue.
Feats:
Two-Weapon Feat Tree
Melee Training: Dexterity
Harlequin Style
Weapon Proficiency: Rapier
Veratile Duelist (multiclass fighter, whole line of versatile weapon Feats to boost your defenses)
Slaying Action (earlier)
Defensive Advantage (you probably don't have the Wis to qualify)
Eyes in the Back of Your Head (MP3, flanking does not cause you to grant CA)
Repel Charge (MP3, charging enemies grant you a MBA as OA) (Not in Frost Cheese Shadow Assassin Build)
Powers:
Dazing Strike
Positioning Strike
Press the Advantage
Blinding Barrage
Fleeting Ghost
Adaptable Flanker
Paragon Paths:
Epic Destinies:
Deadly Trickster
Items:
Spark Slippers (now in Daggermaster version)
And many many others, please reply and help me add to the list and other work