Some rogues prefer to eschew stealth and finesse, focusing instead on intimidation and brute force to get things done. This is my attempt to create an archetype that represents the common criminal one might find in an urban center. Some of the features will look familiar to fans of Pathfinder, but their effects are completely different.
Bonus Proficiencies
When you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you gain proficiency with medium armor and shields.
Brutal Beating
Starting at 3rd level, you leverage your full strength when attacking. You can perform a sneak attack with any weapon that deals bludgeoning damage and does not have the heavy property.
Extortionist
Starting at 9th level, you have advantage on ability checks made to threaten or coerce others.
Dirty Fighting
Starting at 13th level, any hit that you score against a creature that is blinded, frightened, incapacitated, prone, or stunned is a critical hit.
Frightening Presence
Starting at 17th level, your very presence unnerves your enemies. As long as you have taken no damage in combat, all hostile creatures that can see or hear you have disadvantage on ability checks and attack rolls made against you.
Sample Build
The following build is designed to show how one might create a basic thug, focusing on maximizing the features presented above. By taking expertise in Athletics, one can make a very effective thug that utilizes grapples to disable foes.
Half-Orc Thug (10)
Race: Half-Orc (Hill Dwarf would be even more effective!)
Background: Sailor
Skills: Athletics (STR), Insight (WIS), Intimidation (CHA), Perception (WIS), Stealth (DEX), Sleight of Hand (DEX)
Tools: Thieves’ tools, navigator’s tools, vehicles (water)
Point Buy Array: 14, 14, 14, 8, 10, 12
Armor: Leather, then chain shirt, finishing with breastplate or half plate
Weapons: Dagger, greatclub or mace, light crossbow
Take a shield if you don’t want to use a greatclub.
Attribute and Feat Progression:
Lvl. 1: STR 16, DEX 14, CON 15, INT 8, WIS 10, CHA 12
Lvl. 4: STR 16, DEX 14, CON 16, INT 8, WIS 10, CHA 12, Tavern Brawler
Lvl. 8: STR 18, DEX 14, CON 16, INT 8, WIS 10, CHA 12, Tavern Brawler
Lvl. 10: STR 20, DEX 14, CON 16, INT 8, WIS 10, CHA 12, Tavern Brawler
Expertise:
Lvl. 1: Athletics, Stealth
Lvl. 6: Your choice of skill, thieves’ tools
Number Three, Never Forget 