Building a Halfing Sorcerer/Rogue

[Jürgen Hubert]

I'm currently trying to build a Halfling Sorcerer3/Rogue3 (with the eventual goal of becoming an Arcane Trickster) for a game this Sunday. Here is what I've got so far:

Str 8
Dex 20
Con 12
Int 12
Wis 8
Cha 15

(built with the point-build system for 32 points)

Feats: Dodge, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot

1st level spells known: Expeditious Retreat, Mage Armor, Ray of Enfeeblement


His general combat strategy would be to first cast Mage Armor on himself, bringing up his AC to 20 - plus Dodge bonus! If there is a tough "boss monster" that other party members have problems with, he will cast Ray of Enfeeblement with it - possibly multiple times. He has a "to hit" roll of +10 for this, guranteeing almost automatic success against enemies without Spell Resistance (since this is a ranged touch attack).

If not, he will cast Expeditious Retreat and maneuver in a way that allows him to make a ranged sneak attack with a light crosbow (or possibly a sling). Here, he also has +10 to hit - though he needs to beat the full AC of the target in this case.

Future plans for this character (if he lives that long) are three additional levels of sorceror until he can become an Arcane Trickster at level 10. His next feats will likely be Mobility and Spring Attack to help him move into the best positions for his sneak attacks.


What I haven't figured out is what 0-level spells to pick (apart from Mage Hand, of course), and what spells to pick once he progresses in level (which should be soon). Additionally, the character can start with magic items with enchantments worth 1,000 gp. I'd probably pick a Cloak of Resistance, but I am open for suggestions.

What are your thoughs on this character? And do you have any additional suggestions for developing him?

 

[Jürgen Hubert]

Damn! I just read the rules on flanking again, and learned that you can only do that if you are in melee - for ranged sneak attacks, the target needs to be actually denied its Dex bonus, which is much harder to pull off.

This calls for some revision of the character concept... any suggestions?

 

[Thanee]

Some random suggestions...

Drop Dex down by 1 or 2 to be able to get a better Cha.
Cast Invisibility or Blink to be able to sneak attack at range, once you can do that.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Jürgen Hubert]

Now I am considering picking Weapon Finesse for short sword or rapier, but I am hesitant about going into melee with those - this guy is unlikely to have a lot of hit points...

 

[amethal]

Getting the practised spellcaster feat would be my choice.

 

[Jürgen Hubert]

Getting the practised spellcaster feat would be my choice.

Sorry, but this group sticks to the Core Rules only.

 

[Jürgen Hubert]

Hmmm...

I think I will skip the whole "sneak attack" plan and just switch a level of rogue for a level of sorceror. Then I will take "scorching ray" as my 2nd level spell, which gives me a decent amount of damage each day (4x4d6) - and with the same "to hit" rolls as for Ray of Enfeeblement.

Too bad I can't take "Improved Critical" for ray spells until I hit level 15...

 

[Wraith-Hunter]

You have 3 first level spell known you can only have 2 at least according to the chart on the SRD. The 15 cha doesn't increase your known spells just the number of spell slots.

I am hoping that somebody tells me I am wrong, as I'm playing a sorc in a game and would love another known spell.

 

[Jürgen Hubert]

You have 3 first level spell known you can only have 2 at least according to the chart on the SRD. The 15 cha doesn't increase your known spells just the number of spell slots.

I am hoping that somebody tells me I am wrong, as I'm playing a sorc in a game and would love another known spell.

A 1st level socerer has two known first-level spells. But a 3rd or 4th level sorcerer has three of them - see this table.

 

[scrubkai]

Having played many levels of arcane trickster let me give you some advice.

1) DO NOT TRY TO SNEAK ATTACK IN MELEE!!!! You don't have the HP to handle monsters at higher level.
2) I suggest Hiding/Binking/Greater Invisibility to give your range spells sneak attack.
3) Focus on Range Touch spells. (Scorching Ray and Disintegrate being my favorite core spells)
4) As a Rogue/Sorc/AT, you are going to find that in raw power you are quite a bit behind the power curve when compared to a standard sorcerer or wizard. You will also have a hard time beating SRs. So go for No SR spells if possible, and try to always maximize your Sneak Attack damage to make up for using lower level spells.
5) If you can get your hands on one, a rod of lesser Empower can really help you out. Empowered Sneak-attacked scorching Rays can do some serious damage.
6) Try taking Improved Init. Going first will leave people flat-footed and allow you to Sneak Attack anyone within 30'.
7) If you aren't stuck on Sorcerer, you may want to consider Wizard. Quicken Spell in the hand of an Arcane Trickster is NASTY. Opening combat with a Disintegrate followed by a Quickened Scorching Ray (Both with SA damage) while your opponent is still flat-footed is a good way to ruin your opponent’s day. Also the Int bonus to Skills works well to keep your Rogue skills up at max.

And a couple more thoughts:
8) Read the Sniping rules. They will come in useful more times then you can count.
9) Also remember, Ray of Enfeeblment can not be used for a Sneak Attack. (Most people make a mistake on this. But by Core rules, spells that deal ability penalty do not deal SA damage.)