Sneak attack unarmed?

[buchw001]

The PHB (page 47) says that a rogue can make a sneak attack unarmed (or with a sap) that deals subdual damage instead of normal damage.

My question is under what circumstances?

Does the foe have to be denied DEX?

If the attack is successful, how much damage?

Is it 1d3 normal, or multiple d6's depending on the level of the rogue, or both?

Thanks in advance for any help?

 

[Hypersmurf]

Any attack a rogue makes is a sneak attack if a/ his opponent is denied his Dex bonus to AC, or b/ he flanks his opponent.

There are other conditions that will prevent it, but if one of those two isn't true, it's not a sneak attack.

The punch will deal 1d3 +Xd6 subdual damage.

Bear in mind that - like with your other question - an unarmed strike will provoke an AoO from an armed opponent.

-Hyp.

 

[buchw001]

O.K. that works for me

Thanks

 

[L0rd_Dark0n]

Unarmed sneak attack? Can you say "Vulcan neck pinch"? Sorry, I saw this thread and couldn't resist

 

[Norfleet]

Well, that's one possible description of an unarmed sneak attack. The exact physical manifestation of a sneak attack is undescribed, and largely up to the DM and players. Vulcan neck pinch is certainly a possible manifestation, as is the two-handed slug to the back of the neck, although this has no real game effects either way.

 

[Hypersmurf]

... as is the two-handed slug to the back of the neck, although this has no real game effects either way.

It does if you're a dwarf with the Hammerfist Feat!

... like Captain Kirk!

-Hyp.

 

[Kemrain]

I'm gonna get kicked for this... but..

"Captain Kirk was a Dwarf!?!"

- Kemrain the Running and Hiding

 

[Bauglir]

The catch is that without a feat you do not threaten with an unarmed attack and therefore cannot flank with it.

 

[Hypersmurf]

The catch is that without a feat you do not threaten with an unarmed attack and therefore cannot flank with it.

Not the case.

If you are making a melee attack and you're directly opposite an ally who threatens the opponent, you're flanking.

As long as your ally is armed, you're fine.

-Hyp.

 

[Bauglir]

Blimey, so you are.

That's what I love about these boards, you learn something new every day