Rogue/ranger or rogue/warlock

[Rannan]

Im very new to D&D and have bought the basic books but am still struggling to understand it all. I want to roll a brutal scoundrel rogue and multiclass to get better stealth or damage, but I can't decide if a ranger would be better or a warlock. I've heard striker/striker combos aren't that good so maybe neither is the option. Eventually I plan on going Shadow Assassin as my rogues paragon path but other than that I haven't chosen an epic destiny or anything. I plan on focusing on melee more than ranged damage. I also plan on rolling human. I feel like an idiot not understanding it all but I'd rather ask for help than make a bunk character.

I'd really like to stealth in, do massive damage, and hopefully avoid damage and set enemies up for teammates. I'd also like my character to be useful to the team in addition to damage if it is possible, so knockbacks, stuns, etc. is something I'd like. Is it better for me to roll pure Shadow Assassin for my wanted play style or is a hybrid a better option?

I've read a few guides on assassins and rogues but none seem to mention multiclassing so I don't know what's up. This is also my first character if that matters. Like I said, I'm very new. My first game will actually be tomorrow so I'd like a character made before then. I've been trying to decide all of this for over a week. I like to plan ahead so I don't hold anyone up in a game.

Can anyone point me in the right direction about any of this or give me any tips/advice? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Kynn]

Multiclassing probably won't give you much extra damage. Strikers aren't built that way; at most you could eke out an extra die of damage once or twice a fight, but you'd probably be better off taking Weapon Focus or something else.

Just play a rogue (or a Thief from Essentials); multiclassing isn't worth it just for damage.

For concept or for making a non-striker have a little more damage, sure. But generally, strikers already do big damage anyway so multiclassing won't help you much.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Going straight rogue is probably most optimal...

However, there are aspects of the Rogue/Warlock multiclass or Hybrid that really do work well together. For instance, most rogue powers are melee ranged, while Warlocknpowers tend to be medium range, so you can still be attacking while closing. There are Warlock powers that actually reduce some of the NADs* that rogue powers target, meaning your rogue attacks will be more likely to hit. There are Warlock powers and class abilities that effectively grant you partial cover- useful for a rogue...especially if you have the Hidden Sniper feat.

Something else that might work for you is multiclassing with some kind of controller, like a Wizard or Psion- their powers could set up foes in AoEs or inflict conditions (like blindness) that work to your advantage.











* Non-Armor Defenses

 

[Rannan]

So should I multiclass into something else like a cleric or anything or just strictly rogue?

 

[Kynn]

So should I multiclass into something else like a cleric or anything or just strictly rogue?

Why do you want to multiclass into something?

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Yes, multiclassing should definitely be done for a reason! It's not an automatic power boost or inherent advantage, so you should have a plan for the benefits- and downsides- of going that path, either mechanically or for role-playing purposes. (Or both.)

 

[Rannan]

To me it seems like a good idea to just have a bit of diversity in your character, but I could be totally wrong. I'm very new.

 

[Kynn]

Diversity is somewhat useful, but properly taking advantage of multiclassing or hybrids requires a lot of system mastery; otherwise you just end up with a few options that don't work well together. (The advantage of staying within a class is that generally speaking, the class features, powers, and feats work well with each other.)

What level are you starting at? If you're level 1, I would advise not getting any multiclass feats unless you've got a specific character concept in mind that requires it.

 

[Rannan]

Yeah I'm starting at level one. I'm probably just going to stick to being only a rogue. Now I'm stuck on feats now though. I guess I'll have to talk to the DM tomorrow and see what he says.

 

[Kynn]

Yeah I'm starting at level one. I'm probably just going to stick to being only a rogue. Now I'm stuck on feats now though. I guess I'll have to talk to the DM tomorrow and see what he says.

Light Blade Expertise.

Are you human?

Backstabber.