With at most 2 level of multiclasing is there is a way to make a decent heavy shielded rogue?
Yeah, I know, I know.
It would not be fun to build it using the obvious plain better option.
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Why would it not be fun?
You do everything you want to do, and more.
You do know that the name of your class does not define you?
Far as everyone else knows, you are still a "Rogue".
You can still act "Roguish", and do all the "Roguish" things.
Is the most important class feature writing "Rogue" on your character sheet?
I am at a loss of what the issue is.
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I've been curious about this myself-- it seems the biggest obstacle besetting the rogue is a need to be in melee but a lack of ability once there. A decent shield would shore up the rogue's AC letting him focus on Strength and more to-hit/damage without feat-taxing him for Weapon Finesse.
I'd say your first level should be Fighter, for proficiency and a bonus feat. Then go Rogue and focus on feats and talents that improve your combat capability-- Power Attack, Weapon Focus, and a few good sneak attack talents. Maybe a second fighter level if you really feel like you need it.
Alternatively, you could try TWF with a spiked shield as your off-hand weapon, but that comes with all the drawbacks that traditional TWF rogues have faced, just with a few extra points of AC. I'm not an expert on building rogues, but I'd definitely be interested in seeing if this can work.
Dump Rogue levels.
Go Trapper/Guide Ranger.
Do everything a Rogue does, but better.
Also, get Shield Master, the epitome of shield feats, earlier than any class, and not need to meet any prerequisites.
But Acrobat Rogues get to ignore ACP while wearing Light Armor: this should include shield ones.
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But Acrobat Rogues get to ignore ACP while wearing Light Armor: this should include shield ones.Dump Rogue levels.
Go Trapper/Guide Ranger.
Do everything a Rogue does, but better.
Also, get Shield Master, the epitome of shield feats, earlier than any class, and not need to meet any prerequisites.
Darkwood and Mithral Shields. No ACP.
Shield Master at 6th, instead of 15th level.
Why would it not be fun?
You do everything you want to do, and more.
You do know that the name of your class does not define you?
Far as everyone else knows, you are still a "Rogue".
You can still act "Roguish", and do all the "Roguish" things.
Is the most important class feature writing "Rogue" on your character sheet?
I am at a loss of what the issue is.
Fun to build. Besides, If I play in low optimization group then I can play a rogue to make it hard mode.
Okay.
Besides fighting with a shield, what do you want to do?
Non negligible DPR.
Probably fighting in mithral breastplate for the AC.
Not sure if TWF or focus in feint.
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EDIT: And AC as high as posible, so probably dex based fineese rogue.
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Fun to build. Besides, If I play in low optimization group then I can play a rogue to make it hard mode.Why would it not be fun?
You do everything you want to do, and more.
You do know that the name of your class does not define you?
Far as everyone else knows, you are still a "Rogue".
You can still act "Roguish", and do all the "Roguish" things.
Is the most important class feature writing "Rogue" on your character sheet?
I am at a loss of what the issue is.
Ah. Challenge your system mastery.
Play will not be improved, and even in low optimization groups, you may end up as the Load.
With the Trapper/Guide Ranger, you can wane optimization, and still be viable, unlike with the Rogue.
There is a difference between creating an optimized build, and simply creating a viable build.
Well, I have to say that the idea of rogues with shield have always intrigued me so I want to give it a chance.
Two handing a Heavy Shield is a better option.
For pure DPR, but I would like a really high AC from high dex.
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Avoid Weapon Finesse. Or, at least, have no Armor Check Penalty.
Benefit: With a light weapon, rapier, whip, or spiked chain made for a creature of your size category, you may use your Dexterity modifier instead of your Strength modifier on attack rolls. If you carry a shield, its armor check penalty applies to your attack rolls.
Special: Natural weapons are considered light weapons.
Avoid Weapon Finesse. Or, at least, have no Armor Check Penalty.Benefit: With a light weapon, rapier, whip, or spiked chain made for a creature of your size category, you may use your Dexterity modifier instead of your Strength modifier on attack rolls. If you carry a shield, its armor check penalty applies to your attack rolls.
Special: Natural weapons are considered light weapons.
I suppose darkwood shield and armor expert trait are a must then.
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Remember to take Offensive Defense as your first talent to help you tank. Also, if you are okay using a sap, Sap Adept and Sap Master are both pretty nice ways to up damage, and since Sap Master increases the dice you roll, it also would increase the benefits from Offensive Defense. Scout archetype is a nice way to get Sap Master to apply often. You don't need to use a sap necessarily, but it costs another feat [bludgeoner] to use anything else.