Performing sneak attacks

[Kale78]

So, I'm not exactly sure when a rogue can and can't perform a sneak attack.
If a rogue sneaks up on an opponent and the opponent fails to notice the rogue with a Spot or Listen check then the rogue can sneak attack him right? Okay, next round... can the rogue hide in shadows and move silently again... and if the opponent fails to make his check he gets sneak attacked again, or does it not work since the opponent KNOWS the rogue is behind him, does the rogue have to move away at a distance and sneak back?

 

[Baron Von StarBlade]

So, I'm not exactly sure when a rogue can and can't perform a sneak attack.
If a rogue sneaks up on an opponent and the opponent fails to notice the rogue with a Spot or Listen check then the rogue can sneak attack him right? Okay, next round... can the rogue hide in shadows and move silently again... and if the opponent fails to make his check he gets sneak attacked again, or does it not work since the opponent KNOWS the rogue is behind him, does the rogue have to move away at a distance and sneak back?

The problem is that a Rogue can't hide if he is being observed, even casually [pg. 69 PHB]. Therefore the Rogue would have to duck around a corner, Bluff the target then hide, etc.

 

[Kale78]

Ah, I see. That makes sense.

 

[Femerus the Gnecro]

Re: Re: Performing sneak attacks

The problem is that a Rogue can't hide if he is being observed, even casually [pg. 69 PHB]. Therefore the Rogue would have to duck around a corner, Bluff the target then hide, etc.

Actually, IIRC, all you need to do is succeed with a bluff attempt vs your opponent during around and you can get a sneak attack in the next round.

-F

 

[Ranger REG]

Basically, if the rogue's opponent is denied his Dex bonus (if any) during that round, the rogue can Sneak Attack. It usually happens on the surprise round, and if the rogue is lucky the first round of combat.

Also, if the rogue and his ally is flanking an opponent, the rogue can also Sneak Attack, regardless if the opponent keep his Dex bonus (if any).

 

[Elder-Basilisk]

Re: Re: Re: Performing sneak attacks

Actually, IIRC, all you need to do is succeed with a bluff attempt vs your opponent during around and you can get a sneak attack in the next round.
-F

This is true although the ability is somewhat limited. A successful bluff denies your opponent his/her dex modifier against your next [single] attack.

 

[waytoomuchcoffee]

You can hide in plain sight with the aptly-named "Hide in plain site" ability.

 

[Mark Chance]

or does it not work since the opponent KNOWS the rogue is behind him, does the rogue have to move away at a distance and sneak back?

Also, along with everyone's points so far, the rogue's position in relation to in front of or in back of the target is irrelevant. A rogue can be standing right in front of her target in plain view to that target with weapon in hand ready to attack and, if the target is either flanked by the rogue or is denied its Dex bonus, the rogue gets to sneak attack.

 

[Zarthon]

You can hide in plain sight with the aptly-named "Hide in plain site" ability.

Yes, just take a level of the "Shadow Dancer" PrC.

 

[BlindKobold]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Performing sneak attacks

This is true although the ability is somewhat limited. A successful bluff denies your opponent his/her dex modifier against your next [single] attack.

You refer to the FEINT ability of the Bluff skill. There is an additional use of the bluff skill to allow a rogue to hide even while observed.