Sneak Attack - Exactly when does it Apply?

[Herremann the Wise]

I was just wondering if anyone had a quick but complete summary of exactly when and where a Rogue may use their Sneak Attack ability? This is particularly in relation to hiding and catching an opponent flat-footed. One of my players is looking to focus on either a Crossbow or Rapier but would like to know the full ramifications of going one way or the other.

Any help would be appreciated.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

 

[Thanee]

Sneak attacks are definitely best used with melee weapons.

You can use them in one of two possible conditions:

a) opponent's Dex bonus to AC is denied
b) rogue is flanking the opponent

The second option (flanking) is impossible with ranged weapons, as it only counts for melee attacks.

The first option usually applies at the start of combat (flat-footed), which is one of the reasons, why Improved Initiative is so popular among rogues. It also applies in situations with hiding or invisibility and some others (opponent is grappling with a third combatant, or a feint (Bluff skill) is used on opponent, and the likes).

All things considered, however, flanking is the most common method to deliver a sneak attack, which makes melee clearly superior in this context.

Hope this helps.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Trainz]

So basically Thanee, Sneak attack isn't really useful against hordes of lowly critters, but rocks against single huge baddies.

 

[Ukyo the undead]

Sneak attacks are definitely best used with melee weapons.

You can use them in one of two possible conditions:

a) opponent's Dex bonus to AC is denied
b) rogue is flanking the opponent

The second option (flanking) is impossible with ranged weapons, as it only counts for melee attacks.
(...)
Bye
Thanee

If a rogue have multiple attacks while flanking an enemy, let´s say 3 attacks, will s/he have three sneak attacks against him/her?


I think yes, but im not sure...

 

[Altamont Ravenard]

If a rogue have multiple attacks while flanking an enemy, let´s say 3 attacks, will s/he have three sneak attacks against him/her?


I think yes, but im not sure...

Yes he will.

That's why you should never let a rogue flank you

AR

 

[Jhamin]

Yes he will.

That's why you should never let a rogue flank you

AR

Rogues are incredibly scary when they get multiple sneaks off. Now that Two Weapon fighting is only one feat I've seen alot more dual weilding rouges for just this reason.

On the other hand, don't get too scared. While a multi-sneak attacking rogue is deadly, intelligent opponents won't let them get into position and their low HP and mediocre BAB don't let them mix it up with the big boys like a Fighter, Paladin, or Barbarian can.

 

[frankthedm]

I was just wondering if anyone had a quick but complete summary of exactly when and where a Rogue may use their Sneak Attack ability?

Sneak Attack: If a rogue can catch an opponent when he is unable to defend himself effectively from her attack, she can strike a vital spot for extra damage.
The rogue’s attack deals extra damage any time her target would be denied a Dexterity bonus to AC (whether the target actually has a Dexterity bonus or not), or when the rogue flanks her target. This extra damage is 1d6 at 1st level, and it increases by 1d6 every two rogue levels thereafter. Should the rogue score a critical hit with a sneak attack, this extra damage is not multiplied.
Ranged attacks can count as sneak attacks only if the target is within 30 feet.
With a sap (blackjack) or an unarmed strike, a rogue can make a sneak attack that deals nonlethal damage instead of lethal damage. She cannot use a weapon that deals lethal damage to deal nonlethal damage in a sneak attack, not even with the usual –4 penalty.
A rogue can sneak attack only living creatures with discernible anatomies—undead, constructs, oozes, plants, and incorporeal creatures lack vital areas to attack. Any creature that is immune to critical hits is not vulnerable to sneak attacks. The rogue must be able to see the target well enough to pick out a vital spot and must be able to reach such a spot. A rogue cannot sneak attack while striking a creature with concealment or striking the limbs of a creature whose vitals are beyond reach.

crossbow will be sub-optimal once mutiple attacks are avalable, a shortbow or picking up longbow profeciency may be a better choice. On the other hand you will NEED either a missle weapon or flight magic to sneak really big critters. BTW i think 3.5 the long spear is a simple weapon so that too can help you get to the vitals of your target.

 

[bensei]

So basically Thanee, Sneak attack isn't really useful against hordes of lowly critters, but rocks against single huge baddies.

Sneak attack also applies to any (Great) Cleave Attacks. An invisible Rogue (with Great Cleave) sneaking between 4 foes can easily bring all of them down with a single attack.

 

[Hecateus]

A rogue cannot sneak attack while striking a creature with concealment or striking the limbs of a creature whose vitals are beyond reach.[/i][/b]

Any idea if Improved Precise Shot negates this restriction?

crossbow will be sub-optimal once mutiple attacks are avalable,

Rapid Reload negates problem this for light crossbows...but it takes a feat.

Ranged weapons are all suboptimal for Rogues because of the 30 foot limit for sneak attack. I know of no feat which might extend that...even though some core book feats 'sound' like they aught to. Some items might: Sniper scope? Magic Sneak Attack Bolts/arrows? But I don't know of any official items which do.

Good Bluff skills, and Combat Expertise + Improved Feint makes for a nasty rogue; made more 3v!l with Weapon Finesse.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Any idea if Improved Precise Shot negates this restriction?

IPS (and True Strike) allow you to ignore the miss chance due to concealment, but they don't actually remove the concealment. So you are still, technically, striking "a foe with concealment".

-Hyp.