Most important stat for a rogue

[WattsHumphrey]

Ok, I've always wondered, what is the most important stat for a Rogue? I know rogues have a (very) varied set of abilities, but what is the stat that you'll put the most into if you have your way? Why?

I know I personally prefer Int. Though it doesn't give a bonus to too many of the core-roguely skills, it lets you have more of them... and the more you can get the better off you are as later in the game items can upgrade your skills better than a measely point or two in another stat.

 

[Merlion]

I didnt actualy vote as, to me, this is to much dependant on what type of character you want to play.
Dex and Int would seem the most logical for typical rogue archtypes.

 

[Elder-Basilisk]

Dex for most rogue designs. Con is a close second though (if you don't have HP, don't try to hang with the fighters).

Charisma would probably be the alternate main stat for rogue construction.

 

[Apok]

Depends.

Some Rogues are going to covet Dexterity because that's their focus, others prefer Intelligence. I've found that combat-oriented Rogues favor Dex followed by Str, trapmasters favor Int followed by Dex, and social hounds Int followed by Cha.

 

[drdevoid]

Intelligence, I choose you! (Psst . . . Dexterity, call me- we'll talk)

Seriously, no matter what type of Rogue/Theif you play, your skills define you. And what keeps your choice skillset maxed at all times, outpacing the ability modifier quickly and letting you dip into secondary skills sooner (especially when adapting to a setting), why that would be how many skill points one gets a level. And the earlier the better since we all want to be more than just great tumblers and pick pockets.

Now the rebuttal to this is magic items which grant between +5 and +10 and spells which grant up to +20. All valid rebuttals. But inevitably one wants to have other items on one's person, and the party's mage gets tired of being your portable enhancement generator. Better to go with the slow and stead process of earning those ranks. After all it builds character ;-)

 

[FreeTheSlaves]

Clearly they need the wisdom to choose correctly.

 

[CRGreathouse]

I think that the main ability depends on the type of rogue played, of course, but put Dex as #1. Charisma seems like the next best choice -- Bluff, Intimidate, Diplomacy, and so forth can provide a great boost to a social rogue or a thief (sweet-talk your way past guards, Bluff that it wasn't you, Disguise yourself, etc.)

I've never seen Int as the most important, even though I know that many on these boards think so. Rogues already have many skill points, enough to take plenty of skills in a specialized area as well as the good 'ole standbys. (Of course, a player in a game I ran played a human rogue with Int 18, so what do I know...)

 

[Merlion]

Heheh thats why I didnt actualy vote

 

[Dinkeldog]

Dex always. After that, Int or Con.

Oh, and I can't figure out what this has to do about rules, so off we go to General...

 

[Merlion]

Hmm...well since I think he's asking whats the best stat for a rogue rules wise, in the rules, dont see why