Skulking slayer: Bold strike

[Splitlip]

How is this useful? Bold strike- you have to charge (full round) and Sneak attack (Flank or act before opponent) I can see where it pays off at 9th level with unexpected charge- Bluff to feint as swift action, however it still has problems in the surprise round (move or standard).

[mplindustries]

I'm not sure what you're confused about. It insignificantly raises the damage of your sneak attack when you charge. It's not that great. What's the issue?

[Splitlip]

I hoped the idea had merit ala Prisoner of the Horned Helmet. (DeathDealer)

I've never played a rogue. Does it work in play? Big Half Orc Charge-Power Attack -Two Handed weapon SA, Next round go into you cleaving-surprise follow through- cleaving finish chain (improved also). Combine with Lunge and Fauchard= bodies lying all over the room. Sounds sexy, but does it work? Does it work if equipped properly? Slippers of feather step, Rhino hide, Impact weapon, belt of thunderous charging.

Scenario 1: I get surprise on opponent. I can't charge Its a full round action, yes I get my normal SA.
Scenario 2: First round: If I get to act before my opponent, great, it works, if he goes first, nope, no SA.
Scenario 3: any other round of combat: SA if flanking; bonus if I can charge. Can I even get into position to charge? Acrobatics through threaten squares, not with medium armor.

Finally, Level 9 I can bluff as a swift to feint, can now charge, and pray I make it to the second round for the mayhem to be unleashed.

[Splitlip]

Posting again for advice with a rogue/barbarian build.

[Seranov]

Really, the Scout archetype does this concept better. Scout/Thug with a two level dip in Barbarian for weapon proficiencies and a Rage Power is even better.

In the Guide to the Builds thread, there's an awesome Rogue/Barbarian build based on doing tons of nonlethal sneak attack damage with an Earthbreaker.

[Vystek]

I'll just toss in my two cents, in case anyone ever sees this thread again. The rulebook has the following to say regarding charge:

"If you are able to take only a standard action on your turn, you can still charge, but you are only allowed to move up to your speed (instead of up to double your speed) and you cannot draw a weapon unless you possess the Quick Draw feat. You can't use this option unless you are restricted to taking only a standard action on your turn."

During a surprise round, participants are limited to a standard action only. I've interpreted this intersection of rules to mean that you can, in fact, charge during the surprise round, but you are limited to moving up to your speed. This would mean that even before 9th level, our skulking slayer could use Stealth to lie in wait for an opponent to get within a distance of his or her speed, and charge, closing the gap and dealing sneak attack damage with d8s.

Additionally, I did some quick lazy averages, and these larger dice would result in a 5th level skulking slayer dealing about 4.5 more points of damage on a successful hit. It's certainly not incredible, but it's definitely not nothing, especially if the rogue finds lots of opportunities to use it.