Sneak Attack

[Ruslanchik]

When making two attacks (using two daggers) on a target denied its Dex bonus to AC, do both attacks get sneak attack damage or just the first one?

The ability description does not specify that only one attack gets the bonus and it would make sense for both attacks to hit vital spots. But, when a rogue is getting 5 or more d6's of sneak attack damage, that seems a little overpowering.

Thanks for the help.

 

[MithrasRahl]

Any attacks made to a creature that is flat-footed and able to be Sneak Attacked get Sneak Attack dice.

So yes, both your attacks get the Sneak Attack dice.

 

[irdeggman]

Since sneak attack is a based on a "condition", anytime that condition is met it applies. which is why TWF is particularly attractive to a rogue.

The exception is with volley attacks.

 

[Ruslanchik]

Since sneak attack is a based on a "condition", anytime that condition is met it applies. which is why TWF is particularly attractive to a rogue.

See, this is what I thought. My DM said no, reasoning that sneak attack damage was like the strength bonus, which only applies to the attack with the main hand.

I guess this leads into the question: how do you correct a DM that you know is wrong according to the RAW without getting kicked out of the game?

Thanks for the help.

 

[shilsen]

I guess this leads into the question: how do you correct a DM that you know is wrong according to the RAW without getting kicked out of the game?

Politely

Though if this DM kicks people out of the game for correcting them about the rules, maybe that's a DM you shouldn't be playing with. I know I wouldn't.

 

[mvincent]

how do you correct a DM that you know is wrong according to the RAW without getting kicked out of the game?

1) Let him know about this thread.

2) Show him page 23 of the 3.5 FAQ (here), which says:
"If a rogue gets multiple attacks in a round (such as from
a high base attack bonus or the Rapid Shot feat), can she
make sneak attacks for all of them?
Yes, but only if each attack meets a requirement to be a
sneak attack. For instance, a rogue who flanks an enemy can
deliver a sneak attack with every melee attack she makes. A
rogue under the effect of a greater invisibility spell treats every
attack as a sneak attack, since she remains invisible despite
attacking. If later attacks in a round no longer meet any
requirement to be a sneak attack, they aren’t sneak attacks. For
example, a rogue under the effect of an invisibility spell would
deal sneak attack damage only with her first attack in a round,
because she turns visible as soon as she makes the attack."

3) Show him the Rules of the Game article (here) which says:
"Number of Sneak Attacks
Provided it is possible for you to make a sneak attack at all, you can make multiple sneak attacks when you use the full attack action. For example, if you have a higher initiative result at the beginning of an encounter, your foe is flat-footed and every attack you make is a sneak attack. The same is true if you flank your foe."

4) Make clear that you have no problem following his ruling if he wishes to house-rule otherwise.

 

[s-dub]

Dm

Also, you do get STR bonus for your offhand, just 1/2.

 

[Ruslanchik]

1) Let him know about this thread.

2) Show him page 23 of the 3.5 FAQ (here), which says:
"If a rogue gets multiple attacks in a round (such as from
a high base attack bonus or the Rapid Shot feat), can she
make sneak attacks for all of them?
Yes, but only if each attack meets a requirement to be a
sneak attack. For instance, a rogue who flanks an enemy can
deliver a sneak attack with every melee attack she makes. A
rogue under the effect of a greater invisibility spell treats every
attack as a sneak attack, since she remains invisible despite
attacking. If later attacks in a round no longer meet any
requirement to be a sneak attack, they aren’t sneak attacks. For
example, a rogue under the effect of an invisibility spell would
deal sneak attack damage only with her first attack in a round,
because she turns visible as soon as she makes the attack."

3) Show him the Rules of the Game article (here) which says:
"Number of Sneak Attacks
Provided it is possible for you to make a sneak attack at all, you can make multiple sneak attacks when you use the full attack action. For example, if you have a higher initiative result at the beginning of an encounter, your foe is flat-footed and every attack you make is a sneak attack. The same is true if you flank your foe."

4) Make clear that you have no problem following his ruling if he wishes to house-rule otherwise.

Thank you for the links.

I am happy to play the way the DM rules. I really don't want to be the guy who constantly challenges the DM in every little thing. We're a fairly inexperienced group so issues like this are bound to come up. I'll just tell him about these articles and let him make the decision.

Thanks again!

 

[MithrasRahl]

Just remind him that the classes are balanced (in theory) on the premise that all their abilities work as printed. A Rogue who can only Sneak Attack on his first attack in very limited, and you may want to move to a different class that isn't "house-ruled" if he doesn't change his mind.

 

[mvincent]

Just remind him that the classes are balanced (in theory) on the premise that all their abilities work as printed. A Rogue who can only Sneak Attack on his first attack in very limited, and you may want to move to a different class that isn't "house-ruled" if he doesn't change his mind.

So just become a fighter in his games, and spend your time hunting down rogues