Flanking and sneak attack questions

[Palskane]

Hey everyone!

Let's jump right in shall we?

In the MM it states that Elementals have no discernable front or back and are thus not subject to flanking. However, at the beginning of the round, or with Flick of the Wrist, are they subject to sneak attack damage?

What about Undead? They're immune to crits and massive damage, but can be flanked.

Nowhere can I find that it says they cannot be sneak attacked. Any thoughts? If anyone can give me a page number, or an example that says they are not subject to sneak attacks, I'd be grateful. Thanks in adavance!

 

[Uller]

PHB p. 47 near the bottom.

Only living creatures that have discernable vitals
can be sneak attacked. Undead, oozes, constructs and incorporeal are specifically excluded.

I would say elementals are also not sneak attackable since their description specifically states they have no discernable front and back(where would the vital point be on...say...an air elemental?)

 

[Hypersmurf]

"Any creature that is immune to critical hits is also not vulnerable to sneak attacks."

PHB p47, Rogue description of Sneak Attack.

Elementals and Undead are immune to criticals, and therefore to Sneak Attack damage.

-Hyp.

 

[SpikeyFreak]

Don't forget aberrations and plants.

--Rogue-ish Spikey

 

[Hypersmurf]

Don't forget aberrations and plants.

Huh? Aberrations are crittable, aren't they?

"Bizarre anatomy" isn't the same as "no discernable anatomy"...

-Hyp.

 

[Mal Malenkirk]

Unless you are dealing with a truly bizarre aberration (designed by the DM as I can't find an example in the MM), they can be sneak attacked. It's not too hard to figure out how to slit the throat of a mind flayer.

 

[CRGreathouse]

Check out the descriptions of each type on pages 5-6 in the MM - constructs, elementals, oozes, plants, and undead can't be critted (or sneak attacked). Aberations and vermin are fine - though Monte's article suggests changing the latter.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Unless you are dealing with a truly bizarre aberration (designed by the DM as I can't find an example in the MM), they can be sneak attacked. It's not too hard to figure out how to slit the throat of a mind flayer.

The three I picked from the MM's list of Aberrations are Gibbering Mouther, Mimic, and Will-o'-wisp.

Gibbering Mouther is specifically described as being immune to crits due to no discernible anatomy.

I would tend to give similar benefit to Mimic and Will-o'-wisp as well - how do you sneak attack a globe of semi-solid vapour?

-Hyp.

 

[Mal Malenkirk]

Good point. It is certainly hard to sneak attack a Will'o'Wisp.

But I disagree about the Mimic. You can reach his vitals by hitting him in the chest.

 

[Hypersmurf]

But I disagree about the Mimic. You can reach his vitals by hitting him in the chest.

Ugh.

That was simply dire.



-Hyp.