First Strike vs. Alertness

[pallen]

What happens when a rogue (with the class ability first strike) surprises and attacks an enemy with the Alertness feat?

 

[Mouseferatu]

He deals sneak attack damage.

Alertness is very specific; you don't grant CA for surprise. First Strike is a different situation.

 

[hong]

He deals sneak attack damage.

Alertness is very specific; you don't grant CA for surprise. First Strike is a different situation.

So, situation is:

(rogue gets surprise)
surprise round: rogue attacks, doesn't get CA
(roll init, rogue goes first)
round 1: rogue attacks again, gets CA

That seems correct RAW, but it's also pretty counterintuitive.

 

[pallen]

[edited] Wow, thanks for all of the quick replies!

 

[Sojorn]

The rogue gets combat advantage due to First Strike.

Alertness only negates CA from surprise, not all CA during surprise rounds. Not sure if this was an intent change or just a clarification.

Check out this page for the update that makes this clear: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/updates

 

[Mouseferatu]

Nope, the rogue would get CA in the surprise round because the target hasn't acted. Surprise or not has nothing to do with First Strike.

 

[Andur]

Given First Strike,wouldn't he get Sneak Attack in both the Surprise Round and the First Round if he wins initiative? (Don't have books on me atm)

 

[Mouseferatu]

Given First Strike,wouldn't he get Sneak Attack in both the Surprise Round and the First Round if he wins initiative? (Don't have books on me atm)

I believe he would, yes.

 

[Stalker0]

First strike says nothing about surprise, it says if you haven't acted yet.

So alertness would not negate that advantage, unless the bonus to perception allowed you to act in surprise round, and your initiative allowed you to go before the rogue!

 

[Sitara]

Everything else aside just remember Power > Feats. The ranger gets a utility at level 5 or 6 I think that allows him basically the same benefit as the alertness feat but it affects the entire party.