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Lappy9001
2011-12-16, 07:05 PM
In many fantasy games, both RPG and video game, there are (generally) three roles of Warrior, Mage, and Thief/Sneaky Guy/Rogue.

Rogue is a good bit better than Thief, but I wonder if there's a better name to represent a set of abilities focused in dabbling in many skills.

Savant, or Expert maybe? Any further ideas?

legomaster00156
2011-12-16, 07:07 PM
Savant and Expert are their own classes in 3.5.

Lappy9001
2011-12-16, 07:18 PM
Savant and Expert are their own classes in 3.5.They are indeed, but I'm talking about the "Skillmonkey" role in general, not a specific character class.

...Factotum also fits the bill, I suppose.

Calmar
2011-12-16, 07:36 PM
They are indeed, but I'm talking about the "Skillmonkey" role in general, not a specific character class.

...Factotum also fits the bill, I suppose.

'Factotum' denotes someone who has a big array of skills, but it also implies a subservient position. How about Artisan, Allrounder, Specialist, Professional, or Master?

Pronounceable
2011-12-16, 07:57 PM
Scoundrel is one of the bestest of words ever.

But if you want a word that focuses on skillfullness, it's specialist. Go-getter/troubleshooter for focusing on problem solving, professional for invoking all around competence, swashbuckler for the associated combat style of the archetype and handyman is the word you're looking for to represent a set of abilities focused in dabbling in many skills.

Eldan
2011-12-16, 08:12 PM
Agent? Trickster?

TheCountAlucard
2011-12-16, 08:24 PM
I like "rogue," though I would appreciate not having to slog through a half-thousand posts mistaking it for a certain makeup. :smallannoyed:

"Scoundrel" seems an interesting choice... :smallsmile:

starwoof
2011-12-16, 08:42 PM
If it were up to me I would probably call it a professional. But really... I just like calling them rogues.

Maximus:Ranger
2011-12-16, 09:12 PM
Thief? I prefer the term Expert treasure finder.

valadil
2011-12-16, 09:24 PM
Scoundrel is one of the bestest of words ever.


Came in here for scoundrel. I could also see scout, assuming we're not playing 3.5 and scout isn't already taken.

Lappy9001
2011-12-16, 09:29 PM
Ooh, I like Specialist.

And I like Rogue too, I just think it's more of a specialization within the skillmonkey role. That way there is more of an opening for classes like scouts, bards, and rouges so you can finally have a cosmetic based skill class without being confused with thief-like scoundrels!

Ravens_cry
2011-12-16, 09:29 PM
Expert Treasure-Hunter?:smallbiggrin:
But in all seriousness, I don't see why the name matters, it doesn't really matter in-game.
I had a plan to use the rogue chassis to make a mundane healer, sneak attack been an expert knowledge of anatomy, as well as some poison/drug use.
Again, knowing how to heal means also knowing what harms.
Never anger a doctor.

Dr.Epic
2011-12-16, 09:33 PM
Trickster?
Prankster?
Negotiator?

Rorrik
2011-12-16, 09:40 PM
While expert treasure finder is by far preferable, I think the skill monkey could be Renaissance man or Di Vinci,depending on the setting, I guess. Mischief-Maker, Rascal, Man of Fortune, Sticky Fingers.

There's something on my finger tips and I can't get it out.

Dr.Epic
2011-12-16, 09:43 PM
While expert treasure finder is by far preferable

In the same sense Indiana Jones is an archeologist?:smallwink:

Kish
2011-12-16, 10:50 PM
Class name for skillmonkey, no concerns about "already taken in D&D"?

Expert would be my choice. It conveys the concept "skillmonkey" without also dragging in the concepts of "dishonest" or "subservient" or "noncombatant" or "greedy."

valadil
2011-12-16, 11:21 PM
Jack of all trades might also work, if it weren't associated with bards.

RedWarlock
2011-12-16, 11:27 PM
I've actually been struggling for a name for a class in the scratch-built system I'm developing. It's one of four non-magical core-level classes.

The names I had for the other three were Brute (high attack, high-damage, high-health, gets a Power Attack-like ability), Expert (mid attack, skill-focused with skill-based shenanigans), and Leader (good attack, warlord-like ally buffs and grant-action abilities).

The fourth was a high-attack, high speed class with my system's TWF and a fast-but-weak attack ability. Initially I called it the Sneak, but there wasn't much sneaky about it. It's almost Monk-like, but not with the intent of copying the D&D monk, just by coincidence. (doesn't help that I call the attack ability Flurry of Strikes, but that's what it is!) For the longest time, I called it the Swift, but that's a bit out of theme compared to Brute, Leader, and Expert. It's intended as a skirmisher, but that's too long too. (Scoundrel is cool, but like Sneak, not much related to my content.)

Then I saw this thread. I thought about it, debated the definition in my head, and went to tweak the description to be a little more independent. I'm naming my 4th class Rogue.

Thanks, guys! :D

Rorrik
2011-12-16, 11:57 PM
The fourth was a high-attack, high speed class with my system's TWF and a fast-but-weak attack ability. Initially I called it the Sneak, but there wasn't much sneaky about it. It's almost Monk-like, but not with the intent of copying the D&D monk, just by coincidence. (doesn't help that I call the attack ability Flurry of Strikes, but that's what it is!) For the longest time, I called it the Swift, but that's a bit out of theme compared to Brute, Leader, and Expert. It's intended as a skirmisher, but that's too long too. (Scoundrel is cool, but like Sneak, not much related to my content.)

I have a skirmishing class not unlike your swift in my homebrew that is a sort of peak class for rogues, berserkers, and rangers. I also had trouble finding a good name and called it an Intrepid. In the end it's a high impact, low engagement hit an run fighter with a little affinity for magic and balls the size of churchbells. I have a player who's going to give it a try for the first time over the holidays and I hope to see it perform to expectations.

NikitaDarkstar
2011-12-17, 12:33 AM
I don't really see the issue with using rogue myself, but other names would really depend on what you're going for.

Scoundrel is more about personality and using mind over matter/thinking outside the box in my opinion.

Swashbuckler is a fighting style, most likely with nautical themes. Also has an expected personality with it. (Yarr...)

Jack-of-all trades suggests adeptness in many different fields. (A few spells here, some traps there, some smooth-talking there and so on.)

Expert.. Expert what? Expert marksman? Expert tactician? Expert warrior? Expert tracker? It seems pointless without saying what the character is actually considered an expert in.


So really just figure out what aspect of the rogue you're focusing on and go from there.

grassy
2011-12-17, 01:31 AM
rapscallion is probably the best name.

deuxhero
2011-12-17, 01:58 AM
How about Knave?

Calmar
2011-12-17, 09:53 AM
Rouge. :smalltongue:

LibraryOgre
2011-12-17, 11:55 AM
You'll note that in the "generic classes" version of 3.5, they called it "Expert", compared to "Warrior" and "Spellcaster".

jackattack
2011-12-17, 12:32 PM
In one game, my chaotic-good rogue consistently referred to himself (and others like him) as a "skilled gentleman of adventure".

You might try "technical adventurer" or "practical adventurer".

"Jack of all trades" refers to someone with many skills, but you will frequently get hit with the rejoinder "and master of none".

Something along the lines of "professional" might also work.

The Glyphstone
2011-12-17, 12:43 PM
Heavily Armed Violence-Prone Hobo.

Mono Vertigo
2011-12-17, 12:49 PM
Heavily Armed Violence-Prone Hobo.
We're looking for a synonym of "rogue", not "PC". :smallbiggrin:

The Glyphstone
2011-12-17, 01:20 PM
We're looking for a synonym of "rogue", not "PC". :smallbiggrin:

Right, my bad.:smallcool:

the_other_gm
2011-12-17, 05:17 PM
Shenaniganeer

Dr.Epic
2011-12-17, 05:54 PM
We're looking for a synonym of "rogue", not "PC". :smallbiggrin:

No. Not all casters are heavily armed.:smallwink:

The Glyphstone
2011-12-17, 05:56 PM
No. Not all casters are heavily armed.:smallwink:

No, but the ones that aren't carrying arms have Silent Spell anyways.:smallbiggrin:

playswithfire
2011-12-19, 06:24 PM
Mercenary? Again, it applies to most PCs, but rogues are usually described as being more about the money/loot than anyone else.

Rankar
2011-12-19, 06:47 PM
I'd say Professional. "Don't worry. I'm a professional."

Draz74
2011-12-20, 12:58 AM
In one game, my chaotic-good rogue consistently referred to himself (and others like him) as a "skilled gentleman of adventure".

You might try "technical adventurer" or "practical adventurer".

Yeah, I was going to suggest that just "adventurer" might work well, if it didn't already get used as an umbrella term for all PC-types.

Along those same lines, perhaps "daredevil"? Or "journeyman" or "improviser" or "fortune's friend" ...

QuidEst
2011-12-20, 01:25 AM
I would rather enjoy "burglar" myself, to borrow the alternate definition from The Hobbit.

Knaight
2011-12-20, 01:35 AM
There is always "generalist", which directly contradicts "specialist" and avoids subservience. If you are willing to include subservience, "assistant" and "adjunct" are both decent options.

Arian Dynas
2011-12-20, 06:22 AM
Well there is the classical root of "Thief"
The Victorian English "Rake" referring to a man who was decidedly NOT a gentlman
The Tolkein outlook (and likely inspiration) of Burglar (or if you prefer, expert Treasure Hunter, Mr. Baggins)
the "Expert", "Troubleshooter" (I'm a Macgyver fan so I personally love that one) "Locksmith" "Procurer" and any number of other synonyms

Cespenar
2011-12-20, 06:34 AM
Bob could be a better name.

Alge'n
2011-12-20, 08:14 AM
Freelance Wealth Redistribution Specialist.

I kinda like Scoundrel too.

Rorrik
2011-12-20, 08:52 AM
Freelance Wealth Redistribution Specialist.

I'm putting that on my business card.

I'm on the boat with burglar because of the Hobbit. But Journeyman is a good one.

Marillion
2011-12-20, 08:12 PM
Shenaniganeer

All of my THIS.

theMycon
2011-12-20, 08:37 PM
I'm a fan of "Fixer". It says "utility", "dangerous", and "broad array of skills" all at once.

Hiro Protagonest
2011-12-20, 08:39 PM
For D&D rogue...

_______________ (enter name here)

Psyren
2011-12-21, 01:03 PM
Expert and Specialist get my votes.

Tyndmyr
2011-12-21, 01:46 PM
In many fantasy games, both RPG and video game, there are (generally) three roles of Warrior, Mage, and Thief/Sneaky Guy/Rogue.

Rogue is a good bit better than Thief, but I wonder if there's a better name to represent a set of abilities focused in dabbling in many skills.

Savant, or Expert maybe? Any further ideas?

I suggest Rouge.

Figgin of Chaos
2011-12-21, 04:59 PM
How about Spy?

EccentricCircle
2011-12-21, 06:19 PM
I've always seen the issue being that D&D puts the Highly skilled archetype and the nefarious archetype together to make the rogue.

most sci fi systems have the ability to play an engineer of some sort. a highly skilled indevidual who actually has many of the abilities of a D&D rogue. but without the "criminal" or "Scoundrel" Label.

I'd probably go with expert as the name, and would sugest actually expanding the Expert NPC class into a full PC class to cover the gap in the party taken by the perfectly legitimate, but highly skilled indevidual.

olthar
2011-12-21, 08:02 PM
Names are cosmetic anyway. I always makeup names for my thiefy classes based on how I'm choosing skills since there are so many options. If you're looking for something generic that covers all of them though...

dexterity-based class, adventurer also specifically refers to rogues in a way it doesn't for others.

Melayl
2011-12-21, 09:08 PM
Expert Treasure-Hunter?:smallbiggrin:
But in all seriousness, I don't see why the name matters, it doesn't really matter in-game.
I had a plan to use the rogue chassis to make a mundane healer, sneak attack been an expert knowledge of anatomy, as well as some poison/drug use.
Again, knowing how to heal means also knowing what harms.
Never anger a doctor.

Indeed. Or a nurse. I plan to use the "I know how you're put together, so I know how to take you apart" line on all of the boys that come to date my daughters.

On-topic, troubleshooter is a fine name. I'm rather old-school, though, so I prefer thief.