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Message: <blockquote data-quote="FireLance" data-source="post: 1842078" data-attributes="member: 3424">Hi Shadow-DM, welcome to the boards.I'm in a bit of a rush, so I'll just make a few quick comments.1) The rogue in question is an Epic character. Epic characters are expected to be able to pull off mind-boggling stunts. At least, the current Epic rules allow them to do so.2) It is not entirely a spiked chain problem. Any other reach weapon would have allowed the rogue to pull off the same tactic. Admittedly, she may have been less accurate as the spiked chain is the only reach weapon that allows you to use Weapon Finesse.3) The character is specially tuned to take advantage of situations like this, with Combat Reflexes, Sneak Attack of Opportunity and Lingering Damage. This is about as bad as this character will get.4) The tactic itself is highly situation-specific. It relies for its effectiveness on enemies provoking attacks of opportunity and being vulnerable to sneak attacks. This tactic is easily countered by cautious enemies who do not provoke AOOs, and enemies that are immune to sneak attacks, e.g. constructs, elementals, oozes, undead, and anybody wearing Fortification armor.5) Opportunist requires someone else to hit the enemy. A rogue cannot use the ability when fighting alone. Plus, it can only be used once per round, even if you have Combat Reflexes.6) One final point: the real issue (as you have pointed out) seems to be the epic feat Sneak Attack of Opportunity rather than the spiked chain. Without that, the rogue will be down to regular damage on an AOO.All in all, this is not a bad thing. You can put the rogue in a situation where she can really shine (and give her bragging rights about the time she cut down nine elite guards in a single round), and still challenge her in other areas.</blockquote>

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