Sneak attacking larger things

[Ragmon]

Hi all.

My question this time is:

- How do you handle a character sneak attacking a much larger creature then it self? How do you deal with the lack of logical weak points in a sneak attack situation?

Example: A gnome rogue on a Purple Worm's back stabs it with a dagger. Rule wise the rogue deals sneak attack dmg.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

I always assumed Sneak Attack fluff-wise applied to fidning vulnerabilities in the flesh as well as being able to hit an organ or somesuch. I'd just RP it that the Rogue found a gap in the segmented armor and slipped the blade right into the vulnerable spot.

Like when Bilbo foung Smaug's opening in his scales.

 

[Ragmon]

I always assumed Sneak Attack fluff-wise applied to fidning vulnerabilities in the flesh as well as being able to hit an organ or somesuch. I'd just RP it that the Rogue found a gap in the segmented armor and slipped the blade right into the vulnerable spot.

Like when Bilbo foung Smaug's opening in his scales.

Those are my initial thoughts too. But when you think about it, how can a dagger harm a beast with a hide thicker then the dagger is long? (and I mean this like stabbing a colossal dragon or lets just a say a colossal earth worm).

Another example:
Sneak attacking a colossal elephant while standing on it's back with a dagger.


Ok, so at this point I realized that this question is pointless... since if I realized that the answer would be to add additional rules. For example, sneak attack a creature X sizes larger then you have to target this-and-that point on the creature.

 

[Vegepygmy]

- How do you handle a character sneak attacking a much larger creature then it self? How do you deal with the lack of logical weak points in a sneak attack situation?

99.99% of the time, I completely ignore it.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

Those are my initial thoughts too. But when you think about it, how can a dagger harm a beast with a hide thicker then the dagger is long? (and I mean this like stabbing a colossal dragon or lets just a say a colossal earth worm).

Another example:
Sneak attacking a colossal elephant while standing on it's back with a dagger.


Ok, so at this point I realized that this question is pointless... since if I realized that the answer would be to add additional rules. For example, sneak attack a creature X sizes larger then you have to target this-and-that point on the creature.

Yup, Sneak Attack just means in certain situations, you can "stabbity extra good".

Somehow. End of story, otherwise reason will start to cause fantasy to not make sense.

 

[Sekhmet]

I played a very gritty campaign setting a while back, where the DM tried to do everything as if it were real life. Only natural healing, no casters, can only crit if you're close to a vulnerable area (and know it is a vulnerable area), etc.

The Rogue was very unhappy that he couldn't use SA 80% of the time.

 

[Dandu]

I am never playing a Rogue. Ever.

 

[Vegepygmy]

To each his own, I guess. I'm playing a single-classed rogue in a campaign right now, and I have no complaints.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

I am never playing a Rogue. Ever.

Especially since Factotum's made them obsolete, IMHO.

 

[Rath the Brown]

For what it's worth.

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.