Attacker on higher ground. How high?

[Shin Okada]

To get "Attacker on higher ground" bonus to melee attack, how much difference in ground level should be needed? All I know is that someone is on a horse he gets this bonus to someone on foot. 1 square (5-foot)? Or just standing on higher side of a stair is enough?

 

[The_lone_gunman]

I know of no reference in the offical rules for this, but I would recommend at least 5' to get the bonus. Enough so that the attacker can attack down on top of the person, and 5' should do that.

TLG

 

[Veldrane]

Related question: I have a Duelist, and I'll eventually take the Acrobatic attack ability (Jump check of at least 5 feet to gain +2 to attack/damage).. ..question is: what prevents any other player approching to an enemy to make a Jump check to gain the +2 to hit due to attack from higher ground? Not that this is an issue, but I was wondering why shouldn't they do that..

 

[Kae'Yoss]

I think you have problems with your footwork in mid-air. So the bonus for higher ground gets canceled by the penalty for being unable to change direction or speed of your movement.

 

[Berk]

Don't forget fighting from horseback is concidered highter ground. =o)

 

[LGodamus]

For your duelist you would do better to jump up on a table ....most DMs( I believe) would rule that as higher ground....I know I would....

 

[CCamfield]

I don't think 5' should be necessary. I's only a +1 bonus - not as much as flanking - so I'd be inclined to be lenient. I do think that fighting while above someone on a staircase should qualify.

 

[Dr_Rictus]

In fact, attacking someone from as much as 5' higher would be downright difficult with a lot of weapons (any weapons designed for swinging rather than stabbing). The target would also be likely to have significant cover in such a situation.

 

[Stalker0]

I think anything reasonable can be assumed. A table, chair, higher on a staircase, etc.

Its not rocket science

 

[Bob Mackenzie]

Just to stir the pot a little....

Wouldn't a human fighting - say - a gnome be counted as higher?

Cheers

Bob