Strength Based Rogue Viable?

[TheCrowing1432]

Its no secret that most Rogue/Sneak types prefer Dex based builds.

Dex ties well into Hide and Move Silently, among other key skills for rogues. It also helps with their weapons as many of their profiencies are light weapons, thus lending Weapon Finesse a lot of use in their hands, add in the fact that Dex based races often make spectacular rogues (Elf, Halfling, Whisper Gnome) there generally isnt very much reason to make a non dex based rogue.

Unless you like to go against the grain.

So Strength based rogues, You have your orcs, your goliaths, your dwarves, all these rough and tumble races known for their great strength. Typically warriors, but theres nothing stopping them from partaking in the sneaky side of combat.

How does one optimize these concepts?

[Zaq]

Defense is kind of an issue. With only light armor (and probably not the most AC-centric light armor, because you want to minimize ACP for skills) and d6 HD, Rogues are pretty squishy. Having a lower AC stat isn't always a great idea.

That said, if you've got a party who can help take care of you (which is pretty much something a DEX Rogue needs as well), it can work. You're a little limited in what weapons you can use—Rogues aren't proficient with a ton of two-handed weapons, which you probably want to use to get a better return from your STR. You're basically looking at the spear, longspear, and quarterstaff—functional, but it can sting a bit if you're used to a greatsword.

The level you're starting at makes a pretty big difference. If you're something like level 1-3, where your stats make up almost half of your total mods to your skills (less so at level 3, but still), having low DEX can make doing a lot of traditional Rogue-y things hard to do. Once the bulk of your skill mods come from ranks, synergy bonuses, items, and so on, your stats matter a lot less, and having low DEX isn't really as much of an issue.

Of course, if you're just looking to swing a big weapon and throw a pile of SA dice on the table (and you're not so concerned with skills), there's always the Sneak Attack Fighter.

[Deox]

Absolutely viable.

Wood Elf Ranger / Sneak Attack Fighter / Barbarian / Revenant Blade

Added in Rogue after the Revenant Blade. Easily able to keep the "rogue" feel.