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[Pillow_Killer]

I've got a question. Basically, I don't have much access to 4e D and D materials, though I've tried 3.5 a couple times. I'm iffy on what the rogue's powers do. Could you give me a quick rundown of what they are and what they do exactly?

Okay, Ill explain: 4e was extremely cut.  It's extremely combat-focused, with pretty much mandratory map and miniature used combat. Rogue powers now only do, mostly damage, with small variations. There's shittons of flavour text now tho. Albeit, a few do stuff like um. Damage. And some do more damage. Oh, and one pushes an opponent.
-edit-
Huh, the game is actually at sensible times for me - evening-late evening. I'd be more intrested in playing, but seeing that there are so much players already, yeah.

[Cerej]

4E mechanics are extremely focused on the battle mat.  For non-combat challenges there's a list of mostly shitty rituals, some skills to form a foundation, and then a blank check that the DM has to cash.

So, to answer the specific question, a rogue's powers are about the following things.
1:  Gaining an advantage against your target.  Rogues can pick up single round or single target advantages against their opponent.
2:  Increasing your mobility.  Rogues have a handful of choices that allow them to reach their targets faster and unharmed.
3:  Temporarily incapacitate an enemy.  Rogues have a huge list of options that inflict effects ranging from annoying (slowed) to lethal (unconscious).  If there's a debuff state, there's good odds a rogue can inflict it.
Oh, and they all let a rogue use dexterity for their attack rolls.

Warning:  The following link leads to an optimization thread about rogues.  Do not follow this link if you're opposed to purely mechanical discussions on build advice.  You can click the link or not.  I will make no judgments on your play style either way.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

lordduskblade's Rogue Handbook

[Fortis]

Thanks for the link. For someone as inexperienced as I am, having some good data on the skills is a godsend.

EDIT: What books are you using? Do you just have access to the player's handbook, or can we use stuff from the other supplemental material? Just trying to get a feel for what powers I can select.

[Cerej]

I have an up to date version of the character builder, so material from all WotC publications is available.  We'll be using all the errata up until May 2010.  We will not be using any future errata.  Exceptions with a strong justification will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

[RandomNumberGenerator]

Really? Huh. The wiki said that the 4e version of Bahamut liked the War Pick.

Well, I guess I would drop Shield Proficiency then and lose 1 AC... not a huge loss.

Yeah.  Clerics can no longer get weapon proficiencies based on their domain choice.  Your character background looks good though.  It fits into the setting, and it has some nice hooks available for future adventure ideas.

Huh. Well that sucks. I guess I'll drop Shield Proficiency then... and as long as I have to spend a feat for it, might swap War Pick Proficiency out for a more versatile weapon like a Tratnyr or Urgrosh, or one a mercenary company would use, like a broadsword or greatspear.

[Cerej]

Yeah.  Although, digging around in the character builder revealed a feat called "Battle Cleric Armaments," which you may be interested in.  I'll PM you the details.

[RandomNumberGenerator]

Ohh... I like that one. I wonder why it doesn't show up in mine... must be because I only have the limited version. I was looking at the Bastard Sword, but that's a superior weapon... so I'll probably go longsword, then.

[Fortis]

Just curious, how much money do we start with?

[Cerej]

100 gp plus any class related freebies.  You have to pay for your weapons and armor, but some classes start with a handful of rituals for free.

[Fortis]

When you said no racial exotic weapon proficiencies, were you referring to the hand crossbow or the rapier?

[RandomNumberGenerator]

When you said no racial exotic weapon proficiencies, were you referring to the hand crossbow or the rapier?

Hand Crossbow is a Simple weapon, so probably Rapier(though I can't say for sure; I'm not Cerej)

Where did he say that though? I can't recall...

[Fortis]

Page three. Anyway, I should have a character sheet up soon. I'm going with the Drider Rogue.

[RandomNumberGenerator]

Awesome! I can't wait to see a character other than my own.

[Cerej]

I was referring to the rapier.  No other race gives a superior weapon proficiency simply for being that race.  I'm thinking about allowing a feat similar to Dwarven Weapon Training.  I'd like to see how the Drider race works in play before I decide on it, though.

[RandomNumberGenerator]

I was referring to the rapier.  No other race gives a superior weapon proficiency simply for being that race.  I'm thinking about allowing a feat similar to Dwarven Weapon Training.  I'd like to see how the Drider race works in play before I decide on it, though.

Racial weapon proficiencies might too powerful, but I do like the racial weapon feats. I did make a nice Swordmage(err... Spearmage) build using the Eladrin Weapon Training feat. +7 Hit, 1d12+7 elemental reach damage (with additional damage when a foe attacks or retreats) as a Lv1 Defender class is very nice. Too bad Dragonborn don't get a weapon training feat... but the Cleric one is still pretty good.