D&D: 5 Rogue Archetypes as Fictional Characters
They’re sneaky, they’re quick, and they’d probably rather problem-solve and avoid a head-on fight at all costs. Rogues are the perfect D&D class for somebody who likes to be neither seen nor heard. And these five characters fit that mold despite not being D&D characters.
Arcane Trickster
“Some rogues enhance their fine-honed skills of stealth and agility with magic, learning tricks of enchantment and illusion. These rogues include pickpockets and burglars, but also pranksters, mischief-makers, and a significant number of adventurers.”
Matilda Wormwood: My knee-jerk thought for Arcane Trickster was Loki, and I bet it may have been yours too. Of course, Loki is obviously an arcane trickster, there’s nothing to discuss there. But Matilda hits the mark as well and gives such a nice example of the archetype when used for good. Matilda uses her powers to play tricks on the adults who are unjust and cruel to her friends and herself and to get what she wants most in the world; a few good books to read.
Mastermind
“Your focus is on people and on the influence and secrets they have. Many spies, courtiers, and schemers follow this archetype, leading lives of intrigue. Words are your weapons as often as knives or poison, and secrets and favors are some of your favorite treasures.”
Scrooge McDuck: If you’ve watched the 2017 update of Ducktales you know that Scrooge made his fortune being “Smarter than the smarties.” Or, simply understanding how the dungeon’s puzzle was supposed to work out before he gets anywhere near it.
Swashbuckler
“You focus your training on the art of the blade, relying on speed, elegance, and charm in equal parts. While some warriors are brutes clad in heavy armor, your method of fighting looks almost like a performance. Duelists and pirates typically belong to this archetype.
A Swashbuckler excels in single combat, and can fight with two weapons while safely darting away from an opponent.”
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Dread Pirate Roberts: He’ll best your giant and win a left-handed duel against your Spaniard before stealing your girl and sailing off into the sunset.
Assassin
“You focus your training on the grim art of death. Those who adhere to this archetype are diverse: hired killers, spies, bounty hunters, and even specially anointed priests trained to exterminate the enemies of their deity. Stealth, poison, and disguise help you eliminate your foes with deadly efficiency.”
Arya Stark: Between her aptitude for hiding in plain sight and taking on the face of another to get close to her victim, Arya manages to exemplify many of the most classic roguish qualities. And that’s before even touching on her training as an assassin. Anyone unlucky enough to make her list knows first hand how perfectly she fits into this archetype.
Thief
“You hone your skills in the larcenous arts. Burglars, bandits, cutpurses, and other criminals typically follow this archetype, but so do rogues who prefer to think of themselves as professional treasure seekers, explorers, delvers, and investigators. In addition to improving your agility and stealth, you learn skills useful for delving into ancient ruins, reading unfamiliar languages, and using magic items you normally couldn’t employ.”
Carmen Sandiego: She can blend into any city, crawl through any dungeon, and figure out almost any new item thrown at her. Plus, Carmen has an entire lifetime of training as a thief under her belt. Anyone creating a character in this archetype should strive to make their character as competent as Carmen Sandiego.
Who are your favorite rogues? Are there any you would have picked that didn’t make my list? Who you would put for the “Inquisitive” and “Scout” archetypes? Let us know in the comments.
Happy Adventuring!
