Hidden Characters in Combat

[Shawn Kehoe]

Hi all,

I was just curious what rules you use when a character who was hidden before a combat begins decides to enter the battle. (Ex. She fires a missle from her hiding spot.)

Logically, I would think that the modifiers for an invisible attacker would apply (+2 to hit, no dex bonus for attacker, sneak attack enabled). I cannot find a rule in the PHB or DMG confirming my suspiscions, however.

Thanks,

-Shawn

 

[DarkMaster]

yes, but I think the bonus to hit is +4

 

[Kershek]

Yes, it's hidden attacker at +2, no dex, sneak attack within 30ft.

 

[Thanee]

And once she attacks she is no longer hidden, unless using the sniping rule.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Darklone]

Sniping rule means hiding again after attacking... So theoretically you could ready an attack against a sniper, right?

 

[Misirlou]

I would imagine.
Even otherwise, sniping is pretty hard. -20 to re-hide after attacking.

Sniping rule means hiding again after attacking... So theoretically you could ready an attack against a sniper, right?

 

[Marimmar]

Not a problem when attacking with a composite longbow, the spotter takes a -1 penalty per 10' between him and the sniper, so at ranges of over 200' you're already hiding quite good again and that for just a meager -2 on your attack roll (probably -3 when taking precise shot into account.)

~Marimmar

 

[Thanee]

Yep, at large distances that works fairly well.

I wouldn't let someone use ready against sniping without beating the hide check at -20 first, since it is the point, that you do not make your position known. The text seems to suggest, that you are first being noticed as usual, but then can hide again, but I'd rather use it as staying hidden, since this makes more sense, also with the rule, that you cannot hide, once you are under observation.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Aaron2]

Sniping rule means hiding again after attacking... So theoretically you could ready an attack against a sniper, right?

No. The whole point of sniping is that you never lose your Hidden status. Otherwise, your opponent would know where you were. If you lose your Hidden status while sniping then sniping is useless. Without Sniping, you can take a standard action to attack and then a move action to Hide again with no penalty; the -20 to the roll is what allows you to remain Hidden.


Aaron