Rogues and why Crippling Strike is not a bigger focus

[wraithstrike]

Crippling Strike* (Ex): A rogue with this ability can sneak attack opponents with such precision that her blows weaken and hamper them. An opponent damaged by one of her sneak attacks also takes 2 points of Strength damage.

Not that I disagree with the arguments that the rogue could be improved, but I never see this ability mentioned as a reason to go rogue. Is it because the ability only works once per round?

PS:This might be a rules issue.

[Mergy]

Where does it say it only works once per round?

[Jarl]

Becoming available only after level 10....

[Black_Lantern]

That's actually one of the only reasons to go rogue. However like Jarl said it's available pretty late into most peoples games.

[wraithstrike]

Mergy wrote:

Where does it say it only works once per round?

It doesn't, but it says "one of her sneak attacks".

[omgabear]

wraithstrike wrote:

Mergy wrote:

Where does it say it only works once per round?

It doesn't, but it says "one of her sneak attacks".

If you were going by that to mean once per round, wouldn't it be more accurate to say it could only effect them once ever.

I by no way mean that is what it says. Just don't see how once per round comes from that.

I am sure rogue is played a lot more than you would think by reading these boards. Just like plenty of people played fighter in 3.5 back when it was "the terrible class that only terrible people played."

[Mort the Cleverly Named]

It is really good, no doubt. I think the big problem is you have to wait until level 10 for it. By then, the Rogue's lower BaB and lack of class-based attack bonuses have gotten to the point you are having trouble hitting consistently (especially with two weapons and/or iteratives). It also is less effective against high level monsters, with their huge Strength scores. Plus, ability damage is way less annoying for monsters, who presumably aren't going to have to heal it due to being dead.

[Mergy]

If it could only happen once a round I'm sure it would say that. It just says 'one of her' to signify that you have to hit the opponent with a sneak attack.

Sniper Archetype + Crippling Strike at level 10 = quite a few offensively ham-stringed opponents. With haste, rapid shot and manyshot, we're looking at 5 -2 strength arrows flying at an enemy. That's enough to paralyze a wizard, or turn a raging barbarian INTO a wizard.

[Purple Dragon Knight]

it is indeed awesome... i will look into this for my carrion crown rogue... undead can be sneak attacked and therefore can lose strength that way right? :)

[Mergy]

Unfortunately, I seem to recall undead being immune to physical attribute damage.

[Nicos]

Mergy wrote:

Sniper Archetype + Crippling Strike at level 10 = quite a few offensively ham-stringed opponents. With haste, rapid shot and manyshot, we're looking at 5 -2 strength arrows flying at an enemy. That's enough to paralyze a wizard, or turn a raging barbarian INTO a wizard.

Manyshot do not add sneak damage.

[Mergy]

Nicos wrote:

Mergy wrote:

Sniper Archetype + Crippling Strike at level 10 = quite a few offensively ham-stringed opponents. With haste, rapid shot and manyshot, we're looking at 5 -2 strength arrows flying at an enemy. That's enough to paralyze a wizard, or turn a raging barbarian INTO a wizard.

Manyshot do not add sneak damage.

True, my mistake.

[pipedreamsam]

Because opportunist also becomes available at level 10 making this available at level 11. Though more realistically its more like level 12.

[Purple Dragon Knight]

Mergy wrote:

Unfortunately, I seem to recall undead being immune to physical attribute damage.

really? oh man... :(

[Rathendar]

Purple Dragon Knight wrote:

Mergy wrote:

Unfortunately, I seem to recall undead being immune to physical attribute damage.

really? oh man... :(

that's correct..

Undead (type) are immune to stat damage and drain.