Following the question Do Rage and Uncanny Dodge stack?, what are some of the balance issues that can arise from this combination? And if you do not houserule it away, how — and should you — adjust around this, if you know your player is going to take both of them?
Concerns:
- It could trivialize boss encounters, or put them in a place where they're safe in boss fights
- Compared to the rest of the party, this character would have the best defense, even naked
- You can get more defense by taking Bear Totem Barbarian (resistance to all but psychic), and Evasion (at most half damage to all saving throw damage spells), which makes the difference in "naked" defense capability worse
Is this something to be concerned about, or should the game not be worked around around this combination at all?
Best Answer
I don't see it as a concern. It requires Rogue 5/Barbarian 1, so is unlikely to be used except as a splash for a Rogue. The Rogue gets nothing else from that level (Rage damage is only to Str attacks, unarmored defense won't help unless they have a very high Con), and is required to have a Strength of 13 (which is of no use to a Rogue).
Ways to deal with this, if you find it a problem:
1) Make sure you're having multiple battles a day. If there is only one fight, then using Rage (a consumable ability) is automatic. If there are 8 fights (as suggested) then you have to use it sparingly.
2) Target them with something that's not just hitting them: magic, venom, etc.
3) Knock them unconscious
4) Remove their reaction or get them to spend it on an Opportunity Attack (no Uncanny Dodge)
5) Attack them more than once a round