I've looked in the manual for more info. on this, but all it says is that he/she "does extra damage". Can anyone quantify this? I'm just running around with my 6 Rogues now.

A rogue gives you 2x damage with backstab as you develop him/her. Then 3x, 4x, 5x ... I don't know what the limit is but it amplifies your damage big time. The last time I played one it was 5x the maximum damage cited for the weapon. Considerable. That's why I consider a rogue about equal to a fighter, or at least a lord or valkyrie, in melee if developed right. And they have stealth and lockpicking.

I think they are better than fighters when considering damage alone (and not taking into account attribute point distribution - ie. senses instead of strength). Remember though that you need to use a weapon that will allow for backstab (shortsword or dagger).

I'll remember that about the weapons. I'm using swords with some of them now; I'll get rid of them. What factor influences the extra damage; speed, senses?

There is a good point here. I had backstab work with almost any weapon that a rogue could use. Of course, I went for swords and daggers. But staves and maces probably would not work. Any experience with this?

I believe that any weapon with a Thrust attack mode can be used for backstabbing. Most (or many all) swords have that attack mode. So even some of the uber swords can be used.

sorry 'bout stating "short sword", really all swords are short swords in the game - excepet for the giant sword which can't be utilized with a rouge anyway.

I only put that in there because I remember someone stating how they loved the staff of doom with their rouge. The staff of doom is my favorite weapon but its not a weapon to give your rouge - no backstab.

here is an oddity.....
correct me if i'm wrong, but rouges can't use polearms can they? Typically you'll see trynnie champions and patrols do backstab damage with polearms - if the former is correct then whats the deal?

Yeah, the Trynnie "backstab" with their spears all the time. Guess they get an "exemption" or something....