Complete Scoundrel

Complete Scoundrel is a supplemental rulebook for Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 edition focused on expanding options for trickster-type characters. Released in 2007, the book was written by Mike McArtor and F. Wesley Schneider with cover art by William O'Connor. The book introduces new game mechanics including Skill Tricks, which are special moves that cost skill points and can be used once per encounter. It contains thirteen new Prestige Classes such as the Avenging Executioner and Master of Masks, plus specialized feats for Sneak Attack, Luck abilities, and Bardic Music. Despite its roguish theme, the content is designed to work with all character classes, not just traditional trickster types. The book includes extensive artwork from multiple artists and provides players with tools to incorporate cunning and deception into any character concept. This supplement explores themes of ingenuity and adaptability in gameplay, expanding the traditional scope of what constitutes a "scoundrel" in the D&D universe. The mechanics support both combat trickery and social manipulation, reflecting the versatile nature of clever characters.

Readers report this D&D 3.5 supplement offers useful mechanics for roguish and charismatic characters, particularly the Skill Tricks system and prestige classes. Players appreciate the new feats and abilities that expand non-combat options. Liked: - Skill Tricks add tactical depth without overpowering characters - Fortune's Friend prestige class mechanics - Rules for complex social interactions - Character concepts and roleplaying suggestions Disliked: - Some prestige classes feel underpowered - Price high for page count - Several mechanical errors and unclear rules - Luck feats seen as imbalanced From Amazon reviews (4.5/5 from 29 reviews): "The Skill Tricks system alone is worth the price" - Reviewer Mark H. "Great ideas but needed more editing" - Reviewer ThrownDice From RPG forums and fan sites: "Gives rogues and bards much-needed options" - RPGnet user "Fortune's Friend is fun but Magical Trickster falls flat" - GitP forums The book remains in demand with used copies selling above original retail price.

Player's Handbook 2 (3.5) by David Noonan This sourcebook expands character options with new classes focused on roguish and unconventional play styles.

Book of Roguish Luck by Wolfgang Baur The book presents mechanics and rules for characters who rely on fortune, cunning, and opportunistic tactics.

Heroes of Shadow by Mike Mearls and Robert J. Schwalb This rulebook introduces character options for those who walk the line between light and darkness.

Cityscape by Ari Marmell and C.A. Suleiman The guide provides rules and systems for urban adventures where scoundrels and rogues operate.

Complete Adventurer by Jesse Decker This sourcebook focuses on skill-based characters and provides options for those who prefer wit over brute force.

🎲 The concept of Skill Tricks introduced in Complete Scoundrel later influenced similar mechanics in Pathfinder and other tabletop RPGs, showing its lasting impact on game design. 🎭 F. Wesley Schneider went on to become Editor-in-Chief of Paizo Publishing and was instrumental in creating the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. 📚 The book's "Fortune's Friend" prestige class was one of the first D&D classes to formally incorporate luck manipulation as a core mechanic. 🗡️ Complete Scoundrel was part of the "Complete" series of D&D 3.5 supplements, which included nine books total and revolutionized class customization in tabletop gaming. 🎨 The cover art by Wayne Reynolds depicts the iconic rogue Lidda, who appeared across multiple D&D products and helped establish the visual identity of the sneaky character archetype.