D&D 5E Rogue Warrior with an axe

[sithramir]

I have an idea for a character that uses a Rogue as the fighter type. Maybe even somewhat barbarian-isk like Conan using strength instead of dexterity. I really like some of the powers the Rogue gets to use like Uncanny Dodge and Cunning Action and eventually Evasion. Some of those powers are mostly associated with dexterity but I don't feel that's necessary.

To the point: I wanted to use an Axe that was versatile so he could fight with one or two hands in melee as a fighter but I still wanted to use sneak attack. My thought was if there was a battle axe that had the tip extended with a piercing damage (picture on upper right of PHB 147 with the tip extended). Mearls stated they were basically ok with sneak attack as long as it's generally 1d6 weapon damage or less. My thoughts was this tip did 1d4 like a dagger and gave the option of using sneak attack with that or using 1-hand or 2-hand with other attacks or instead.

Is this too powerful? I know most of the action economy of pulling out weapons can be part of movement now so it seems ok but it was more for the flair of using that weapon than having him always stab with a dagger in other hand or some such. I know it's "Up to the DM" for play style but if i'm DMing an NPC for instance I wanted to hear everyone's thoughts?

 

[Paraxis]

I believe one of the major reasons there are no finesse two-handed or versatile weapons is the possible combination of sneak attack and the great weapon fighting style. Being able to reroll all 1's and 2's on sneak attack dice is pretty powerful.

I would refluff a scimitar as a light axe or elven axe, what the item looks like doesn't matter just the game stats.

I can even see making a finesse two-handed weapon but then limiting the great weapon fighting style to not work with sneak attack dice.

 

[trentonjoe]

Its a super versatile weapon! D4 D8 or D10!
I don't see the big deal, it's no different than drawing a dagger ( which is free now right?).

 

[Mistwell]

Sure, seems fine to me.

 

[GreenTengu]

If I were the DM, I would allow it.
I mean, by using Strength for your melee attacks instead of Dexterity, you are already giving up something big due to Dexterity being a shameless god stat.

As for the point Paraxis brings up, I would just rule that Great Weapon Fighting rerolls the damage for the axe itself, not the sneak attack die. Just to make sure that is clarified in case it ever comes up as an issue.

Sneak Attack damage being tied to D6 weapons was already violated when they put the Rapier on the list. If a D8 versatile weapon exists, then all bets are off.
Besides, Sneak Attack is extra damage for catching someone off guard, right? I can certainly imagine someone being caught off-guard and taking more damage from taking a club or axe to the head from behind.

There might have been an issue if Rogues were required to keep one hand empty, but they aren't-- Rogues are expected to dual-wield. And if they can dual-wield, then I don't see anything wrong with using a 2-handed weapon instead.

Really, the way things are right now... the remaining restrictions really don't serve any purpose. The Rogue is basically "restricted" to its most efficient, power-gamey equipment set up anyway. You want to break some restrictions to give it less efficient, less power-gamey equipment? By all means, knock yourself out!

 

[Thank Dog]

I wouldn't allow it. It bypasses some of the essential restrictions between classes and allows for numerous broken combinations. Those saying they'd allow it aren't seeing the forest for the trees.

 

[GreenTengu]

I wouldn't allow it. It bypasses some of the essential restrictions between classes and allows for numerous broken combinations. Those saying they'd allow it aren't seeing the forest for the trees.

Please enlighten us with the broken combinations.

Because I have trouble imagining a combination more broken than being able to wield a d8 weapon in one hand, a d6 weapon in another and being able to use for both attack rolls and damage the exact same attribute you are also using for armor class, initiative, 40% of the saving throws in the game, and a good half of your typically utilized skills.

And since that is the default, please detail what combination is worse.

 

[The Crimson Binome]

Please enlighten us with the broken combinations.

As mentioned, using sneak attack with a versatile weapon would allow you to re-roll all 1s and 2s if you have the great-weapon fighting style. That's the big one, and the major reason why they will never (or should never) make a versatile or two-handed finesse weapon.

You can't sneak attack with an axe, because an axe isn't subtle.

 

[mips42]

The weapon you're describing sounds a lot like a short-handled bardiche or lochaber axe. I think it would be okay as long as you could one-handed OR two handed OR stab and not a combo of all 3 (regardless of how many attacks you have). A better solution might be to work with your GM to come up with a feat or two to get you the features you want.

 

[trentonjoe]

As mentioned, using sneak attack with a versatile weapon would allow you to re-roll all 1s and 2s if you have the great-weapon fighting style. That's the big one, and the major reason why they will never (or should never) make a versatile or two-handed finesse weapon.

You can't sneak attack with an axe, because an axe isn't subtle.

The OP isn't trying to reroll damage he just wants to use his axe as d4 weapon so he can sneak attack.