Lets say an elf fighter/wizard is hidden and has cover. What actions reveal him?

[Dracuwulf]

If an elf fighter/wizard is at a corner and declared he was hidden before getting there, and there are some enemies ahead that he wants to attack *while staying hidden* what can he do? Does just about any attack form automatically "unhide" the character?

 

[Ottergame]

Since he must have line to site to SOMETHING to even cast a spell on, he's going to have to poke his head up to cast a spell. Doesn't hide give rules for attacking while remaining hidden? Even a silent and still spell will provoke a chance for the enemies to get a spot check.

Edit: It might be Complete Warrior that has rules on staying hidden while attacking, not sure.

 

[Chronosome]

It depends on what he's doing. Check out the sniping task under the Hide skill (3.5 PHB Page 76). It shouldn't hurt to apply that to certain spells, too.

Hope that helps.

 

[Dracuwulf]

Under sniping it says "If you've already successfully hidden at least 10 feet from your target, you can make 1 ranged attack, then immediately hide again. You take a -20 penalty on your Hide check to conceal yourself after the shot"

In the second paragraph though, it says:
"It's practically impossible (-20 penalty) to hide while attacking, running, or charging.

And why would I "snipe", which requires 2 checks, a distance limitation, and a -20 penalty, when I can just take a full attack with my archer and hide *at the same time* with the same -20 penalty, but without the requirement of being hidden previously and the distance limitation? What does "attack" mean? Did they mean melee attack? And if they did, then why is it hard to snipe and relatively easy to "hide while attacking.. or charging"??

 

[Chronosome]

Under sniping it says "If you've already successfully hidden at least 10 feet from your target, you can make 1 ranged attack, then immediately hide again. You take a -20 penalty on your Hide check to conceal yourself after the shot"

In the second paragraph though, it says:
"It's practically impossible (-20 penalty) to hide while attacking, running, or charging.

And why would I "snipe", which requires 2 checks, a distance limitation, and a -20 penalty, when I can just take a full attack with my archer and hide *at the same time* with the same -20 penalty, but without the requirement of being hidden previously and the distance limitation? What does "attack" mean? Did they mean melee attack? And if they did, then why is it hard to snipe and relatively easy to "hide while attacking.. or charging"??

Earlier in the skill description, it says "You need cover or concealment in order to attempt a Hide check". If you've got that while attacking melee (such as in a dim room, fog, or a field of wheat) then the Hide check makes sense. Also, think Spring Attack or something simliar, where you can keep moving after an attack. Those are the instances of melee attackage that come to mind for me. I'd keep Move Silently in mind, as well, if you're going to run up to an enemy hidden.

An attack, for the purposes of the Hide skill, could be a spell, I'm sure. A Silent spell, ideally, but I don't see any reason why a mage casting a fireball from a dark patch couldn't stay concealed while doing so.

I'm curious--what exactly are you trying to do with your Bladesinger?