I think the real question every one is missing is could a rogue use true-strike to sneak attack a flat-footed mind-blanked Lizard-man(ECL=4?) with a enchanted, gnomish, sorceress-made sword.
Perhaps this question is like Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy, when it is answered the entire D20 rule system will collapse and reform as something even more prone to frequent discussions...
[rogue-lover] Hell YES, it's balanced!
In fact, rogues should get sneak-attack AND double-backstab damage on every attack.
All they should have to do is wave their hand to distract their foe and then Kick 'em in the Junk!
It's dangerous enough as it is when rogues enter combat - they die so easy - and we all know they didn't get enough skill points to REALLY have enuff... [/rogue lover]
Yeah, I know they're just pickin'... but like you said, searching for the answer just wasn't feasable.
I've been a DM for ... almost 15 years now... <trails off> <returns> and I'm still running into unclear rules and such...
This response wasn't nearly as bad as the one I got about ECL on the Wizards board a few months ago.. I ended up getting a lecuture on how ECL's are a horrible thing and that I should be ashamed of myself for using the ECL rules in my campaign. I was asking what people think the ECL should be of a creature, NOT the pitch for someone else's system for doing it...
Humanity... Makes you want to partake in a mass genocide.. <grin>
To try to be a little helpful for your new (for you) 3e DMing situation, the rogue will also now get a sneak attack with all of his multiple attacks when an opponent is flanked, and when the rogue has improved invisibility. (normal invisibility goes away with the first attack and the victim then gets his dex back).