Swallowed Thief

[GodPhoenix]

Quick question (we're in the middle of this combat)

Our Rogue got swallowed by a purple worm. Can she sneak attack from inside the stomach? Ie..is the the worm denied it's dex bonus to the rogue since she's inside of it?

Thanks

 

[gfunk]

No specific rules, but I'd say no for three reasons:

1) The AC of the purple worm's stomach (20) is actually better than hitting it on the outside (19). So I don't see how it could be considered flat footed.

2) The rogue is effectively grappled and two opponents in a grapple are not considered flat-footed with respect to each other.

3) You're in a digestive tract for Pelor's sake! Not only are you being smacked around, but you are simultaneously being digested. I doubt you could possibly gain enough concentration to hit a vital spot.

 

[GodPhoenix]

Well the worm isn't considered to be grappling something it has swallowed...although the swallow-ee is.

I see your points though...but also consider that the rogue is now suddenly much closer to vital organs and has already gotten though (in a manner of speaking) the scales of the worm

 

[Hypersmurf]

Does the rogue have a light source?

If not, then she's blind.

a/ No sneak attack against a foe that has any concealment.
b/ 50% miss chance against an invisible opponent...

-Hyp.

 

[Tar-Edhel]

Quick question (we're in the middle of this combat)

Our Rogue got swallowed by a purple worm. Can she sneak attack from inside the stomach? Ie..is the the worm denied it's dex bonus to the rogue since she's inside of it?

Well, I'd have a hard time visualizing the stomach trying to avoid blows... hence, I would allow sneak attack. A punctured stomach is what I would call serious damage to vital organs...

All you need to do is to strike the same spot until you breach it. Then digestive fluids will start leaking in the abdominal cavity and attack some very sensitive organs not far away: heart, lungs, kidneys...

That's the danger with swallowing whole. Your prey might still be alive... and kicking

 

[Mahali]

No sneak attack when swalloed.

All of these reason would prevent it.

You're grappled, in the dark, and can't pin-point vital organs.

 

[kengar]

Funny you should mention this situation. THe EXACT same circumstances were covered in a WOTC article a while back. Here is the link.

And there answer was no, too.

 

[GodPhoenix]

Great! I knew I had read something about it but I just couldn't remember where. Thanks!

 

[Gaiden]

You're grappled, in the dark, and can't pin-point vital organs.

If you can't see the question is moot. So let's assume that the PC can see.

How on earth are you going to justify not being able to pinpoint vital organs?!?!? You are inside a vital organ! The entire area is a vital organ.

No where does it state that being grappled prevents you from sneak attacking. Rather, by exptrapolation, one who is in a grapple does not lose their dex bonus with respect to anyone else in the grapple and therefore usually does not get to SA their opponent.

But this is also irrelevant as the worm isn't even considered to be grappling so grappling is a nonissue.

Therefore, the only important part about being on the inside of the worm is that the rogue does not threaten an area, is surrounded by vital organs, and is invisible to the worm (as the worm certainly can't see inside its stomach). As the rogue's own space has vital organ areas he can target those vital organs and thereby get sneak attack (since he is considered invisible).

Again, assuming he can see, the entire area around the rogue is pretty darn vital to the worm. I don't see how you could justify not giving the rogue sneak attack?

 

[LuYangShih]

A Rogue has been swallowed whole, is being crushed by the beasts stomach muscles, and melted by it's stomach acids. The Rogue either has little to no space to move in, (thus losing his Dexterity bonus to AC and such, as he is considered grappled while in the stomach), and you think he can calmly and precisely place his attacks in order to get Sneak Attack damage?