Editing Rogue (section)

==The Rogue/Thief Divide==
Back in [[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]], the term "Rogue" was used as an overarching category into which several classes slotted - equivalent to the terms "Warrior" ([[Fighter]], [[Paladin]], [[Ranger]]), "Wizard" ([[Mage]], [[Abjurer]], [[Conjurer]], [[Diviner]], [[Enchanter]], [[Evoker]], [[Illusionist]], [[Necromancer]], [[Transmuter]]), and "Priest" ([[Cleric]], [[Druid]]). In those days, "Rogue" was a blanket to cover the Thief (the class we now call the Rogue) and the [[Bard]], as both of these classes shared the ability to pick locks and detect traps - it also picked up some setting-based variants, such as the Handler (a [[kender]] take on the rogue), and the [[Gypsy]]. Oh right - and [[Unearthed Arcana]]'s [[Acrobat]]. However, the bard was so much less effective at that job that the category of Rogue and the class of Thief were pretty much synonymous with each other in the fandom.

Thus, when Wizards of the Coast took over and made D&D 3rd edition, the dropped the idea of class categories and just renamed the Thief into the Rogue, in part to give it a wider definition... But, you just can't keep something old-school down; the Thief returned as an Essentials style "simplified" version of the Rogue in 4th edition, and as a [[Skill Monkey]] subclass for the rogue in 5th edition.

Also, unique amongst RPGs, their backstab ability only worked on creatures that actually have a back, so things like slimes and skeletons were immune.