sneak attack

[jayaint]

Is there an already established feat that would allow a non-rogue to gain sneak attack? I am doubting that there is just because that is the rogue's *thing*, but I figured I'd ask. (Technically that should be posted in DnD rules... however, based on the assumptiopn of a negative answer, and my forthcoming followup question, I've placed it here.)

Is there ANY possible way to gain +1d6 sneak attack, through a homebrew feat that wouldn't be munchkin-able and abusable? I've played around with it, and have a few ideas, but they seem easily "breakable". Basically some kind of one time, 1st level only feat (named like: "Don't Judge a Book By its Cover" or something) that would grant the 1d6 of damage, but would it be possible to limit it to a character at first level who is granted only a d6 or lower HD?? Or a on-full-BAB character class?? Just trying to keep it from being a no-brainer for any martial class to choose. (limit it based on weapon/armor profeciencies???)

I'm aware that this is a tall order, and very well might be un-possible... but any positive creative ideas are welcomed. Thanks.

 

[ValhallaGH]

As far as I am aware, no WotC feat grants dice of sneak attack. There are some feats in third party products that do grant such a benefit but I gathered that you're not accepting such material at this time.

1d6 of sneak attack isn't very powerful except for the first few (1 to 4) character levels.

Here's something along the lines of what you were asking for. You can say that it doesn't stack if you're worried about rogues abusing it.
Bravo [Genera]:
You were a criminal enforcer, a precision fighter, or some other specialist in inflicting pain early in your career.
Prerequisite: First level only.
Benefit: You gain +1d6 sneak attack. This stacks with any other sneak attack you may have and follows all the normal rules for sneak attack (see the Rogue class feature in the PHB).

Here's something along the lines of what I would write if I wanted to see Fighters with rapiers doing some sneak attack damage.
All in the Wrist [General, Fighter]:
You have mastered the art of inflicting crippling blows upon your foes.
Prerequisites: Weapon Finesse, BAB +6
Benefit: You gain +1d6 sneak attack when using a finessable weapon. This stacks with any other sneak attack you may have and follows all the normal rules for sneak attack (see the Rogue class feature in the PHB).
Wrist of Iron [General, Fighter]:
Your blows are even more crippling than usual.
Prerequisites: Weapon Finesse, BAB +10
Benefit: You gain +1d6 sneak attack when using a finessable weapon. This stacks with any other sneak attack you may have and follows all the normal rules for sneak attack (see the Rogue class feature in the PHB).
Wrist of Steel [General, Fighter]:
Your blows are even more crippling than usual.
Prerequisites: Weapon Finesse, BAB +14
Benefit: You gain +1d6 sneak attack when using a finessable weapon. This stacks with any other sneak attack you may have and follows all the normal rules for sneak attack (see the Rogue class feature in the PHB).
Wrist of the Master [General, Fighter]:
Your blows are even more crippling than usual.
Prerequisites: Weapon Finesse, BAB +18
Benefit: You gain +1d6 sneak attack when using a finessable weapon. This stacks with any other sneak attack you may have and follows all the normal rules for sneak attack (see the Rogue class feature in the PHB).

 

[Sir Brennen]

Well, Unearthed Arcana has the Fighter Variant which gains full blown Sneak Attack in place of his bonus feats. A kind DM might allow mixing the two (i.e., whenever a fighter gains a bonus feat, he can choose another die of Sneak Attack instead.)

 

[IcyCool]

Which prestige class is it that you are trying to qualify for?

 

[Paraxis]

Sneak Attack should be left in the hands of rogues. Same as skirmish and suddenstrike.
But if you want something in feat form, just make sure 1st level rogues can't pick it up and powerhouse fighter types make it harder for them, maybe....

Vital Strike: prereq= BAB+1, dex 15
You gain +1d6 sneak attack (as per rogue ability, this stacks with other things that give you sneak attack)
Special:This can be taken as a fighter bonus feat, you may only take this feat once.

It does sound like you want to get into a rogue type prestige class, just take a level of rogue,ninja, or scout.

 

[jayaint]

Which prestige class is it that you are trying to qualify for?

Man.... I'm transparent. LOL

Working on a whisper gnome Beguiler... and *not* trying to go "killer gnome", just like the concept and think it will be a fun class to play. However, I would like to get into Arcane Trickster (prereq: 2d6 of sneak attack, however... full casting progression, plus fun stuff) without suffering *3* full levels of Rogue out of my caster abilities. I would start Rogue 1, with "this homebrew +1d6" feat, and then go Beguiler.. qualifying at 7th level for Arcane Trickster.

Just whining and trying to color outside the lines a little, not trying to break anything

Would a restriction based on HD (d6 or lower), or weapon/armor proficencies, or which BAB progression the character has... work to solve my "bend, but don't break" idea? Or is that too "cheese"?

Valhalla... thanks for all the good ideas. I really like those and will show them to our DM for approval.

 

[Machiavelli]

Meh. I feel as though Sneak Attack is over-used in new PrCs.

It's getting to where if you allow any and all WotC material, the Rogue class has nothing unique to its name and is simply a collection of other classes' abilities in a base class package. Personally, I'm not comfortable with that, but I've always had a disdain for the Trapfinding and Trap Sense abilities, anyway, so there no love lost between rogues and me. I like to swap those abilities for the Dodge feat and Initiative +x, respectively, with the initiative bonus matching the usual Trap Sense progression. Then you've got a sort of non-dungeon-crawling rogue who maintains his usual sneak attack schtick.

Now, I rather like these sneak attack feats to boost the rogue's ability. Add +1d6 sneak attack as a prerequesite and bingo! You've got me sold. Of course that may not match your plans, as you don't particularly want any rogue levels at all.

 

[ValhallaGH]

Now, I rather like these sneak attack feats to boost the rogue's ability. Add +1d6 sneak attack as a prerequesite and bingo! You've got me sold. Of course that may not match your plans, as you don't particularly want any rogue levels at all.

I wrote those feats for Fighters who want to deal sneak attack damage without being rogues. Basically allow them to be a Deulist by using their class features to buy sneak attack.
If you want to change them because you want Rogues (and ninja and blackguards and everyone else with SA) running about doing an extra four dice of the stuff then go ahead.

Just don't ask me to play in your games.


To the OP, One level of Rogue, One level of Ninja. Two levels to get your 2d6 damage that counts as Sneak Attack for all prerequisisites.

 

[Paraxis]

That is a real cool concept for a charater, Whisper Gnome ninja/beguiler sounds cool too. Anyway your DM should customize the PrC's for his world anyway, I dropped the skill requirement on WindWright captian in my campain from Prof(Sailor)10 to 8 so that a PC could take it at level 7 instead of levle 9, only thing is party had Airship 2 levels earlier with I was ok with. Try talking to the DM and see if he will work with you.

Sidenote; about trapfinding and trapsense I made trapfinding auto search for rogues like an elf and secret doors(took away non-rogues being able to find DC 20 traps with a search roll anyone can do it if they take the time), makes play faster adds sixthsense aspect to the rogue, I left trapsense alone for rogues but made it a save bonus against spells and spellike abilities for the barbarian, I like the initiative idea though.

 

[jayaint]

To the OP, One level of Rogue, One level of Ninja. Two levels to get your 2d6 damage that counts as Sneak Attack for all prerequisisites.

Oh yeah... two base classes side by side would save a level. Would the Scout's "sneak-attack-ish" class ability count, as well?


I think I am going to submit this to the DM:

Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover [General]
(not available as a fighter option feat)
Prereq: 1st level only, no STR bonus
You might seem feeble, but you know how to make your attacks count.
Benefit: You gain +1d6 of sneak attack damage, per the Rogue's class skill. This is stackable with said class skill. You may only take this feat once.

What do you think?