I might be crazy, but would Sneak Attack be better if it worked like the investigator's Studied Combat and Studied Strike?
In fact, if I were really out there, I would go so far as to say that Sneak Attack should be a better version - gaining more power over levels.
It just seems like a good way to make the Rogue's signature ability more self-reliant. Something which I understand is, in the opinion of many, where the class is seriously lacking.
Now, I'm just brainstorming here, but they would get both Studied Combat and Studied Strike at 1st level - wrapped up in an ability called Sneak Attack. You would have to add a rule that says the Studied Combat gave a minimum bonus of +1.
I would say that, unlike the Investigator, this ability's duration would be based on the Rogue's Dexterity modifier.
I would also say that at some higher level (maybe 10? maybe earlier) they would be able to choose their target as a swift action.
Actually, you could add a few features if you wanted - either baked in or as options through rogue talents. The ability to choose a target as a free action on a surprise round, or the ability to have more than one target at one time, stuff like that.
There is the issue that Studied Strike only works against a given target once every 24 hrs unless you spend inspiration - which a rogue doesn't have. Also, flanking and flat-footed would no longer matter to a rogue any more..
but some might see that as a feature, not a bug.
Give me some feedback here please, am I crazy or could this work?
I think that's a good idea generally and fitting thematically.
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