Contender

Contenders are rogues who sacrifice some of their versatility to focus on their passion: ultimate competition, with their lives at stake. Contenders maintain their stealth — indeed, it is most important to them — but disregard many of the standard rogue dungeoneering abilities. They are not particularly good at finding secret doors, opening locks, or disarming traps. Instead, a contender's preferred tactic is to confront an opponent and relieve him of his weapon. A contender is supremely confident in his fighting abilities; sneaking around is beneath him. After surprising his mark, the contender hands him a blade and challenges him to a duel to the death. This duel is the height of adrenaline for a contender. The challenge gives the contender the opportunity to test his abilities against a worthy opponent. Since losing means death, the contender knows he will not hold anything back; he can see his true mettle. Simply knifing someone in the back is beneath this supremely confident, professional killer. The contender's focus is competition. The possibility of failure drives him. By facing an opponent who might best him, he faces the fears within himself — and overcomes them. Contenders target anyone they consider worthy opponents, especially individuals from opposing factions.