Sneak Attack: A Little Too Powerful?

[ConcreteBuddha]

A lot of words in reply for me using the word "I", of which I already knew.

with great sneak skills, I often surprise my opponents for one sneak attack in the partial action surprise round. With Imroved init and a 20 Dex, I often win initiative, and use the full attack option with one of my many bow Feats (Rapid Shot) for two more sneak attacks (3 total). Luckily, I foreshadowed the events of combat to my party members who make sure they get to act in that surprise round. I love our fighter-type, a particularly strong and silent Half-orc Barbarian who likes to just simply move in at "charge" speed to kiss the closest foe, also insuring that I don't get "kissed" back from that foe I sneak attacked three times. Precise shot makes sure I don't stray a shot at Balinor. After our wizard or cleric "holds" someone, I will , at my leisure, Tumble through enemies to flank one that the barbarian is with for even more sneak attacks with my rapier.

Alot of words to explain how I might sneak attack, and HEY!, even switch weapons when I know I can't sneak attack with my bow from a flanking position. My DM would be prepared for all of this (If we were aware of our opponents ahead of time).

Now that you have explained all of that, shown how the rogue is powerful in certain situations, and not proven that the sneak attack is broken, what exactly is your point?

 

[Xarlen]

Y'know, considering how the wizard and cleric get their Hold on, you could always just sneak attack the people who are held.

Since they lose their dex bonus, you can just hit one with three shots and do your massive Sneak Attack Owie, or spread the love between the two.

Yes, they're held, but still, it's a good way to put 'em down.

 

[Malin Genie]

You still need to be within 30ft - and to carry out your tactic both you and the Barbarian need to win initiative. If you cut loose and the Barbarian doesn't win, you yourself could get charged down, surrounded, grappled (no AoO to protect yourself if using a bow!), have your bow sundered, etc.

So while if you succeed insneaking and win initiative and the Barbarian wins initiative and the opponents can't get round the Barbarian..... you can be truly devastating.

But that's the beauty of the system. Abilities are usually powerful in proportion to the difficulty of using them. Fighter attack bonus and damage are powerful because they can be used in any combat situation. Rogue Sneak Attack deals more damage than a fighter's blow, but is highly contingent.

 

[Darklone]

... grappled (no AoO to protect yourself if using a bow!), have your bow sundered, etc.

Huhm... That's why my archers like to use Improved Unarmed Strike or Spiked Gauntlets (if you allow to use a bow with them).

 

[Weeble]

Now that you have explained all of that, shown how the rogue is powerful in certain situations, and not proven that the sneak attack is broken, what exactly is your point?

short memory? look at my first point after yours.

 

[Weeble]

Y'know, considering how the wizard and cleric get their Hold on, you could always just sneak attack the people who are held.

Since they lose their dex bonus, you can just hit one with three shots and do your massive Sneak Attack Owie, or spread the love between the two.

Yes, they're held, but still, it's a good way to put 'em down.

I'd let the easy prey to someone else. Anyone can perform a coup de grace.

 

[Thanee]

Huhm... That's why my archers like to use Improved Unarmed Strike or Spiked Gauntlets (if you allow to use a bow with them).

If you don't allow unarmed AoO anyways (which is quite feasible under the rules), just wear bladed boots. *shrug*

Bye
Thanee

 

[Weeble]

You still need to be within 30ft - and to carry out your tactic both you and the Barbarian need to win initiative. If you cut loose and the Barbarian doesn't win, you yourself could get charged down, surrounded, grappled (no AoO to protect yourself if using a bow!), have your bow sundered, etc.

Actually, I would have been 29.999 ft away and the barbarian a 5' step closer than that (if we had surprise and all--i did use "if" before didn't I)?

 

[ConcreteBuddha]

short memory? look at my first point after yours.

Well, could you repeat yourself, considering I am an idiot?

What exactly are you trying to show by saying, "Look! A rogue archer is powerful!" Do you want us to agree with you? Sure, I'll go along with that.

But if you say, "Look! A rogue archer is overly-powerful compared to all other classes in ALL situations, therefore, sneak attack is broken!", I'll have to respectfully disagree.

Why? Because sneak attack is not overly-powerful IMX and that is a situation where your theory does not work.

 

[Weeble]

Well, could you repeat yourself, considering I am an idiot?

What exactly are you trying to show by saying, "Look! A rogue archer is powerful!" Do you want us to agree with you? Sure, I'll go along with that.

But if you say, "Look! A rogue archer is overly-powerful compared to all other classes in ALL situations, therefore, sneak attack is broken!", I'll have to respectfully disagree.

Why? Because sneak attack is not overly-powerful IMX and that is a situation where your theory does not work.

You wouldn't be disagreeing with me, because I never said the rogue archer was overly-powerful. I was refering to your comments about my bow sneak attacks.