Perhaps the defining feature of the Thief (Rogue/Ranger/Whip-Wielding Archaeologist) is not a particular skill set, but the sheer amount of luck these characters seem to have on tap. I present the Luck-Based Thief:
HD: d6
Armor: Light Armor (+3 AC) only
Weapons: Any Light One-Handed Melee, any Light Ranged
Starting Saving Throw: 13
XP per Level: Same as Cleric
Prime Attribute: Dexterity
Luck: A Thief gains a number of luck rerolls per day equal to ½ his level plus his DEX modifier. Any die roll may be rolled twice, taking the best result. The use of this ability may be declared shortly after the initial die roll.
I originally envisioned this class as a Divine Thief, who would pray to the gods for an hour every day to receive his luck. It is easy to see how it could be modified to fit any number of archetypes.
I like this approach because it encourages the character to take risks, to rely on his luck and his wits, which is for me a much more satisfying play style for the Thief. Also, it means there is a possibility that his luck could run out in a tight spot, and one can see the sweat beading on a player’s forehead after the first four re-rolls have failed him in a life-or-death situation…
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ReplyDeleteThis sounds like fun. I wonder how it would play in the mid to high levels. Like, would the luck roll be awesome enough to stand next to things like fireballs.
ReplyDeleteYou could always bolt on things like Read Magic and Use Magic Item for the Indiana Jones feel (and for more 'balance'). And if you wanted to be really crazy, you could give them luck rolls equal to their level!
DeleteThis is an angle with potential. It would be perfect for one of my past players who preferred the thief class. He had no aversions to risk-taking, though, so I think he would need little persuasion to play this version to the hilt. All in all, I like it.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it! If any of your players wind up using it, just let me know how it goes!
DeleteExcellent stuff Anathemata, I reckon this would be a great class to add as an option next to other variations of the thief class. It would be interesting to see if it would tempt my players.
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