Can a barbarian/rogue sneak attack while raging?


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Bagarest said:
The subject poses my question - can a multiclass barbarian/rogue still use the sneak attack ability while raging?

Here's the SRD quote:
srd said:
While raging, a barbarian cannot use any Charisma-, Dexterity-, or Intelligence-based skills (except for Balance, Escape Artist, Intimidate, and Ride), the Concentration skill, or any abilities that require patience or concentration, nor can he cast spells or activate magic items that require a command word, a spell trigger (such as a wand), or spell completion (such as a scroll) to function. He can use any feat he has except Combat Expertise, item creation feats, and metamagic feats.

Since sneak attack isn't named, the only argument in support of "sneak attack cannot be used while raging" is that sneak attack requires patience or concentration. I don't buy that argument because it's not supported by the rules.

The wording that sneak attack damage is "precision-based" damage might swing some over to the "no sneak attack" side. The fact that you can use feats like "Weapon finesse" might sway others to the "sneak attack" side.

If it was my game I'd allow it. There's no rule specifically against it, and it sounds fun.

-z
 
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I'd have to go with no he can't. Simply because sneak attack has been expressed as hitting vitals and aiming your attacks with precision, both of which are impossible while raging. The reason its called RAGE is because the character enters a mindless smashing state. He can't think striaght let alone aim for someone's pancreas.
 

I would say yes if you are flanking, or if opponent is flatfooted, etc.

I would not allow the 'sneaking up' type attack, or hiding before attacking. Those types of attacks require patience.

.
 

My ruling would be to let him use his backstab under any circumstance except one that required him to be hidden. IE. feint skill or while someone was held, etc.
 

Coredump said:
I would say yes if you are flanking, or if opponent is flatfooted, etc.

I would not allow the 'sneaking up' type attack, or hiding before attacking. Those types of attacks require patience.

What's more, Hide and other skills are Dex-based skills and therefore not allowed while raging.

-z
 

Thats one definition of Rage that is _only_ supported by the actual name Rage.

Do you get bonuses for saves against mind effecting spells since your mindless?
No
Are you in control of your Rage, i.e. can you chose enemies to attack, what weapons to use, whether to charge or wait for them to apporach?
Yes.

One thing you cannot do while in a Rage is concentrate. Does the Sneak Attack description say you must concentrate to do a Sneak Attack? Must you make a concentration check if your damaged while making a sneak attack?
No.

By the rules you can Rage and Sneak Attack.
 

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