Sorry if there's a rogue optimization guide out there that I missed, but I really did try looking.
I'm playing a half-orc rogue in a game that just started last week. The strength and dexterity modifiers are both +3. I would like to take advantage of the automatic falchion proficiency that half-orcs gain and use that as my preferred weapon. I've already taken Toughness at level 1, but I admit to being at a loss as to what to take for feats for later levels.
Is Power Attack worth it for a class that does not have the best base attack bonus? Is Vital Strike worth it when the rogue hits +6 BAB? Would Quick Draw and Combat Reflexes pay off in the long run? I keep having these questions and more when analyzing this character, and it would be nice if I could use the feats to improve combat rather than take multiple Skill Foci. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
For what it's worth, I'm kind of playing a rogue that's not a typical rogue, so it doesn't have points in Stealth or Bluff. It's a clockmaker that happens to be pretty tough as well. I've had trouble being creative on explaining the proficiency in Disable Device. I plan on eventually having an adamantine falchion for normal melee combat, a mithral dagger for melee backup or quick throws, and a +3 Strength composite shortbow for ranged stuff.
Thanks in advance!
Improved Critical and the critical feats are great with 18-20x2 weapons (well 15-20x2 when you get Improved Critical). Even though you don't multiply your sneak attack damage into the critical it's still great. Power Attack is actually pretty nice too (especially with the critical stuff) but you can put it off a little while if you want since, as you said, your BAB is lower. Vital Strike is fun especially if you can use it with Spring Attack (I know some DMs don't let you) but if not it gets kind of situational. That's all I can think of for right now, I'll post again if I think of anything else.
With the Cheliax supplement, there is a very interesting feat which rogues can utilize, Cornugon Smash which when combined with Shatter Defenses and a solid Intimidate skill, allows you to sneak attack people by making enemies flat footed as you hit them, no flank needed. This naturally lends itself Half-orcs (intimidate) and falchions (must be power attacking, need good to-hit). The best way to do this is to take a few fighter levels, to gain BAB, armour training (you will be in heavier armour) and quicker access to needed feats. My current preferred build is to start level 1 as fighter with power attack and weapon focus, but I've adapted it here for your situation. Try this.
Rogue-Toughness
Rogue- (Rogue Talent-Trap Spotter)
Fighter-Power Attack, Weapon Focus-Falchion
Rogue-
Fighter-Dazzling Display, Skill Focus-Intimidate
Fighter-
Fighter-Cornugon Smash, Shatter Defenses
Note, you could save a feat on Weapon Focus, by using your level 2 Rogue talent on Weapon training, but I feel Trap Spotter is almost a neccessity if you are a party rogue, and it would be a shame to not have it until level 8.
The fighter levels will allow you to quickly learn Cornugon smash by level 7, move normally in breastplate (and later Mithral Full Plate), hit often and keep your AC up. After that you can pretty much do as you please, go full rogue from then on, or keeping a 50/50 split between fighter and rogue. Either way, the Iron Will chain, Improved Critical/Bleeding critical/Staggering Critical feats and Sunder feats will serve you well.
What Big Stupid Fighter just suggested is a great idea and if you don't want Fighter levels it's still doable, it would just take a little longer.
You should also, of course, boost your strength as much as is possible.
If you have to switch between melee and ranged quick draw is awesome. My half-orc ranger would plink away with arrows, and when enemies closed he would quickdraw his greataxe and rage.
I suggest grabbing spring attack unless you plan on getting your AC high enough to stay in melee.
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You got my hopes up so badly when I saw you had posted here. =P Oh well. You say you might make a rogue guide once you feel like writing up another optimization guide, so I can be patient.
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I'm very intrigued by Big Stupid Fighter's suggestion, although I admit to hesitation. It seems like a big fat shame to waste a feat on Dazzling Display to reach Shatter Defenses. Also, I interpreted Cornugon Smash to allow for the intimidate and the resulting sneak attack damage for the attack AFTER the Power Attack, not at the same time, since it states "When you damage...", suggesting that damage dice have been rolled before the intimidate. Alternating Power Attack and sneak attack, however, doesn't seem too bad. The results of the whole thing are quite interesting, though. You get props, sir. And I agree with you about Trap Spotter. If I decide to go this path, though, I'll take the longer route with straight Rogue because the skills matter to me.
Madcap Storm King, I will be taking Quick Draw if I see a good opening not taken up by a bit string of connected feats. Felgoroth, I spoke to my GM about Vital Strike and Spring Attack and gave it a go, so I'll be thoughtful about that.
Thanks!