Master of Shadows: The 2024 Rogue Handbook for Dungeons & Dragons

Rogues are the masters of subtlety and guile in Dungeons & Dragons. In the 2024 revisions, the Rogue 2024 class continues to embody cunning, stealth, and the exploitation of enemy weaknesses. Whether you envision a shadowy figure lurking in the back alleys or a charismatic trickster charming their way through social encounters, the rogue 2024 offers unparalleled versatility and strategic depth. This guide delves into the core of the rogue 2024, exploring their traits, features, and subclasses to help you craft the ultimate stealthy adventurer.

Rogues excel by outsmarting their opponents rather than overpowering them. They possess an innate ability to find solutions to complex problems, often relying on their wits and resourcefulness. While some rogue 2024 characters dabble in magic to enhance their skills, most hone their talents in stealth, deception, and essential dungeon-delving abilities like climbing, trap disarmament, and lock picking. In combat, the rogue 2024 is a precision striker, favoring calculated attacks over brute force, making every move count.

Alt text: A dynamic illustration of a D&D 2024 Rogue in action, showcasing their agility and stealth.

The rogue 2024 class attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds. Some may have started as criminals, utilizing their skills for illicit purposes, while others might use their cunning to uphold justice. Regardless of their past, the brilliance and subtlety of a master rogue 2024 are unmatched, surpassing both common criminals and law enforcement officials in their nuanced approach to challenges.

Core Rogue Traits
Primary Ability
Hit Dice Die
Saving Throws Proficiencies
Skill Proficiencies
Weapons Proficiencies
Tool Proficiencies
Armor Training
Starting Equipment

Embarking on the Rogue Path in 2024

Starting as a Level 1 Rogue

To begin your journey as a rogue 2024, you gain all the fundamental traits outlined in the Core Rogue Traits table. Additionally, you acquire the initial level 1 features specific to the rogue 2024 class, which are detailed in the Rogue Features table below.

Multiclassing into Rogue

For players seeking to blend the rogue 2024 with other classes, multiclassing offers exciting possibilities. When you choose to multiclass into rogue 2024, you gain specific proficiencies and traits: the Hit Point Die, proficiency in one skill from the Rogue skill list, proficiency with Thieves’ Tools, and training in Light armor. Like starting rogues, multiclass rogue 2024 characters also gain the level 1 features from the Rogue Features table.

CREATE A 2024 ROGUE Link to an external D&D character creator tool for Rogue 2024.

Unlocking Rogue Class Features in 2024

The rogue 2024 class progresses through distinct levels, each granting unique abilities and enhancements. The Rogue Features table summarizes this progression, detailing the features gained at each level, proficiency bonus increases, and the scaling of Sneak Attack damage.

Level Prof.Bonus Class Features SneakAttack
1 +2 Expertise, Sneak Attack, Thieves’ Cant, Weapon Mastery 1d6
2 +2 Cunning Action 1d6
3 +2 Rogue Subclass, Steady Aim 2d6
4 +2 Ability Score Improvement 2d6
5 +3 Cunning Strike, Uncanny Dodge 3d6
6 +3 Expertise 3d6
7 +3 Evasion, Reliable Talent 4d6
8 +3 Ability Score Improvement 4d6
9 +4 Subclass Feature 5d6
10 +4 Ability Score Improvement 5d6
11 +4 Improved Cunning Strike 6d6
12 +4 Ability Score Improvement 6d6
13 +5 Subclass Feature 7d6
14 +5 Devious Strikes 7d6
15 +5 Slippery Mind 8d6
16 +5 Ability Score Improvement 8d6
17 +6 Subclass Feature 9d6
18 +6 Elusive 9d6
19 +6 Epic Boon 10d6
20 +6 Stroke of Luck 10d6

As you advance as a rogue 2024, you will unlock these powerful class features, enhancing your capabilities both in and out of combat. Let’s explore some key features in detail.

Level 1: Expertise

The rogue 2024 class begins with Expertise, a defining feature that highlights their exceptional skill. At level 1, you choose two skill proficiencies to gain Expertise in, effectively doubling your proficiency bonus for any ability checks using those skills. For a classic rogue 2024, Sleight of Hand and Stealth are highly recommended choices, amplifying their natural talents in these areas.

At level 6, the rogue 2024 gains Expertise again, choosing two additional skill proficiencies to master. This further solidifies their role as a skill-based class, capable of excelling in a wide range of situations.

Level 1: Sneak Attack

Sneak Attack is the iconic offensive ability of the rogue 2024. It allows you to deal significant extra damage by exploiting enemy vulnerabilities. Once per turn, if you have advantage on the attack roll and use a Finesse or Ranged weapon, you can deal bonus damage. This damage starts at 1d6 and increases as you level up, as shown in the Rogue Features table.

Importantly, you don’t need advantage if an ally is within 5 feet of your target, provided the ally isn’t incapacitated and you don’t have disadvantage on the attack roll. This makes the rogue 2024 a potent damage dealer when working in tandem with party members.

Level 1: Thieves’ Cant

Reflecting their often shadowy associations, the rogue 2024 begins with Thieves’ Cant. This specialized language allows you to communicate in secret with other rogues, using coded language and subtle gestures understood only by those trained in the cant. In addition to Thieves’ Cant, you also learn one additional language of your choice, further enhancing your ability to navigate diverse social environments.

Level 1: Weapon Mastery

The rogue 2024 gains Weapon Mastery at level 1, reflecting their honed weapon skills. You can choose two types of weapons with which you are proficient and gain access to their mastery properties. Weapons like Daggers and Shortbows are excellent choices for early-level rogues. You can change your chosen weapon masteries after each Long Rest, allowing for tactical flexibility. For instance, you might switch to Scimitars and Shortswords for a different combat approach.

Level 2: Cunning Action

Cunning Action, gained at level 2, exemplifies the rogue 2024’s agility and quick thinking. On your turn, you can use a bonus action to Dash, Disengage, or Hide. This incredible versatility allows for swift movement, tactical retreats, and setting up advantageous positions in combat.

Level 3: Rogue Subclass

At level 3, the rogue 2024 chooses a subclass, defining their specialization and playstyle. The 2024 revisions include classic subclasses like Arcane Trickster, Assassin, and Thief, each offering a distinct path for your rogue. Subclasses provide unique features at various rogue levels, shaping your character’s abilities and role within the party. Let’s briefly explore these subclasses.

Level 3: Steady Aim

Steady Aim further enhances the rogue 2024’s combat prowess. As a bonus action, you can grant yourself advantage on your next attack roll in the current turn. However, this feature requires you to remain stationary; your speed becomes 0 for the rest of the turn after using Steady Aim. This ability is ideal for setting up powerful Sneak Attacks when positioning allows.

Level 4: Ability Score Improvement

Like many classes, the rogue 2024 gains Ability Score Improvements at levels 4, 8, 10, 12, and 16. You can choose to increase your ability scores or select a feat for which you qualify. This allows for customization, letting you focus on maximizing Dexterity, enhancing other abilities, or gaining specialized feats to further define your rogue 2024.

Level 5: Cunning Strike

Cunning Strike, unlocked at level 5, adds tactical depth to the rogue 2024’s Sneak Attack. When you deal Sneak Attack damage, you can forgo a number of Sneak Attack damage dice to add a Cunning Strike effect. These effects include Poisoning, Tripping, and Withdrawing, each offering battlefield control and utility. For example, the Trip effect can knock enemies prone, while Withdraw allows for a swift, safe retreat after attacking.

Level 5: Uncanny Dodge

Uncanny Dodge provides crucial defensive capability to the rogue 2024. When you are hit by an attack you can see, you can use your reaction to halve the damage. This significantly increases your survivability, especially against powerful single attacks, allowing you to remain in the fight longer than your hit points might suggest.

Level 7: Evasion

Evasion further enhances the rogue 2024’s defensive agility. When subjected to an effect that allows a Dexterity saving throw for half damage, you take no damage on a successful save and only half damage on a failure. This makes you incredibly resilient against area-of-effect spells and traps, reflecting your nimble nature.

Level 7: Reliable Talent

Reliable Talent, gained at level 7, is a powerful feature that emphasizes the rogue 2024’s consistent skill. Whenever you make an ability check using a skill or tool proficiency, you can treat any d20 roll of 9 or lower as a 10. This ensures a minimum level of success in your areas of expertise, making you exceptionally reliable in skill-based challenges.

Level 11: Improved Cunning Strike

At level 11, Improved Cunning Strike elevates the tactical options of the rogue 2024. You can now apply up to two Cunning Strike effects when you deal Sneak Attack damage, paying the die cost for each. This allows for devastating combinations, such as poisoning and tripping an enemy simultaneously.

Level 14: Devious Strikes

Devious Strikes, gained at level 14, expands your Cunning Strike options with even more potent effects. These include Daze, Knock Out, and Obscure. Daze can limit an enemy’s actions, Knock Out can render a foe unconscious, and Obscure can blind a target. These options provide powerful control and debilitating effects, further solidifying the rogue 2024 as a master of combat manipulation.

Level 15: Slippery Mind

Slippery Mind at level 15 enhances your mental defenses. You gain proficiency in Wisdom and Charisma saving throws, making you more resistant to mind-altering effects and social manipulation. This reflects the rogue 2024’s sharp wit and mental fortitude.

Level 18: Elusive

Elusive, gained at level 18, makes the rogue 2024 incredibly difficult to pin down. Attack rolls can no longer have advantage against you unless you are incapacitated. This exceptional evasiveness makes you a frustrating target for enemies, further enhancing your survivability at high levels.

Level 19: Epic Boon

At level 19, the rogue 2024 gains an Epic Boon, a powerful and customizable high-level feature. The Boon of the Night Spirit is a recommended option, aligning thematically with the rogue’s shadowy nature, but other Epic Boons can be chosen to further tailor your character.

Level 20: Stroke of Luck

Stroke of Luck, the capstone feature at level 20, epitomizes the rogue 2024’s uncanny ability to succeed against the odds. If you fail a d20 test, you can turn the roll into a 20. This single-use ability, rechargeable on a short or long rest, can be a game-changer in critical situations, ensuring success when it matters most.

Rogue Subclasses: Defining Your 2024 Rogue

Rogue subclasses in the 2024 D&D revisions offer distinct paths, each specializing in different aspects of roguish skills. The core subclasses – Arcane Trickster, Assassin, and Thief – provide diverse playstyles.

Arcane Trickster

The Arcane Trickster subclass blends roguish skills with arcane magic. These rogue 2024 characters supplement their stealth and agility with spells, using magical tricks to aid their endeavors. Arcane Tricksters might be pickpockets using illusions, pranksters weaving magical mischief, or adventurers enhancing their combat with spells.

Level 3: Spellcasting

Arcane Tricksters gain Spellcasting at level 3, drawing spells from the Wizard spell list. They learn cantrips, including the iconic Mage Hand, and gain spell slots to cast 1st-level spells and higher as they level. Intelligence becomes their spellcasting ability.

Level 3: Mage Hand Legerdemain

Mage Hand Legerdemain enhances the Arcane Trickster’s signature cantrip. It allows you to make the spectral hand invisible, control it as a bonus action, and use it to perform Sleight of Hand checks and manipulate Thieves’ Tools.

Level 9: Magical Ambush

Magical Ambush at level 9 grants a significant advantage in combat. If you are invisible when you cast a spell, enemies have disadvantage on saving throws against it.

Level 13: Versatile Trickster

Versatile Trickster expands the utility of Mage Hand. You can use your spectral hand to deliver Cunning Strike options like Disarm or Trip to targets within 5 feet of the hand.

Level 17: Spell Thief

Spell Thief is a potent high-level ability. As a reaction to being targeted by a spell, you can attempt to steal the spell knowledge, negating its effect on you and gaining the ability to cast it yourself for 8 hours.

Aracne Trickster Spellcasting
Rogue Level
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Assassin

The Assassin subclass embodies deadly efficiency, focusing on stealth, poison, and disguise to eliminate targets. While some Assassins are hired killers, their skills are equally valuable for adventurers facing dangerous foes. The rogue 2024 Assassin is a master of surprise and lethal strikes.

Level 3: Assassinate

Alt text: A menacing depiction of a D&D 2024 Assassin Rogue, emphasizing their deadly and stealthy nature.

Assassinate at level 3 provides crucial advantages in combat. You gain advantage on initiative rolls and advantage on attack rolls against creatures who haven’t taken a turn in the first round of combat. Furthermore, a Sneak Attack hit in the first round deals extra damage equal to your rogue level.

Level 3: Assassin’s Tools

Assassins gain proficiency with the Disguise Kit and Poisoner’s Kit, tools essential for their deadly tradecraft.

Level 9: Infiltration Expertise

Infiltration Expertise enhances disguise abilities. While disguised, you have advantage on Deception checks when pretending to be someone else. You also gain the ability to perfectly mimic speech and handwriting after studying them.

Level 13: Envenom Weapons

Envenom Weapons enhances the Poison Cunning Strike. When you use Poison Cunning Strike, the target takes additional poison damage even if they succeed on the saving throw.

Level 17: Death Strike

Death Strike is a devastating high-level ability. On the first round of combat, a Sneak Attack hit forces the target to make a Constitution saving throw or take double damage.

Thief

The Thief subclass represents the archetypal adventurer, blending burglary, treasure hunting, and exploration. Beyond agility and stealth, Thieves gain abilities focused on maximizing magic item use and navigating dangerous environments. The rogue 2024 Thief is resourceful and adaptable.

Level 3: Fast Hands

Fast Hands at level 3 grants incredible action economy. As a bonus action, you can make Sleight of Hand checks (including lockpicking and disarming traps) or use objects, including magic items that require an action to use.

Level 3: Second-Story Work

Second-Story Work enhances mobility and exploration. You gain a Climb Speed equal to your Speed and can use Dexterity instead of Strength to determine jump distance.

Level 9: Supreme Sneak

Supreme Sneak adds a new Cunning Strike option: Stealth Attack. This allows you to remain hidden after a Sneak Attack if you end your turn behind cover, maintaining the advantage of invisibility.

Level 13: Use Magic Device

Use Magic Device unlocks the potential of magic items. You can attune to four magic items instead of three. You also have a chance to use magic item charges without expending them. Crucially, you can use any Spell Scroll, using Intelligence as your spellcasting ability for scrolls.

Level 17: Thief’s Reflexes

Thief’s Reflexes is a powerful capstone ability, granting you two turns during the first round of combat. This allows for a flurry of actions, making the Thief rogue 2024 a formidable combatant right from the start of an encounter.

Conclusion: Mastering the Shadows with Rogue 2024

The rogue 2024 class in Dungeons & Dragons offers a rich and rewarding playstyle centered around skill, cunning, and tactical combat. Whether you choose to be a stealthy Assassin, a magical Arcane Trickster, or a resourceful Thief, the rogue 2024 provides unparalleled versatility and the ability to overcome challenges through wit and finesse. Embrace the shadows, hone your skills, and become a master of intrigue and subterfuge with the rogue 2024.

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