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<blockquote data-quote="MerakSpielman" data-source="post: 1958669" data-attributes="member: 7464">Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there a rule that states that, in any combat, all combatants are considered flatfooted until their initiative is reached for the first time?&nbsp;&nbsp;Concerning enemies losing their Dex bonus versus hidden attackers, I think the primary criteria should be whether or not the opponent knows the rogue is present and has a reasonable expectation of which direction to expect an attack.&nbsp;For example, a rogue is hiding in the shadows in the corner of a room. The rest of his party is not hiding and engages an enemy in combat. The rogue spends a round or two drinking potions or something, but stays hidden. Even though it's no longer the first round of the combat, I'd allow him to make a SA against the enemy (assuming of course the enemy hasn't spotted him -- only me the DM knows that). However, once the sneak attack takes place, I won't let the rogue get another sneak attack, even if he successfully hides, because the opponent knows he is present and is watching for attacks from that area.&nbsp;However, to continue the example, if the rogue were to hide after the original SA and then use a wand of dimension door to move instantly to a shadowy alcove near the ceiling, I'd allow another SA because the opponent would not expect an attack from that direction. He might even assume it's not the same rogue.&nbsp;So I would not allow the &quot;ducking behind a tree&quot; situation because, in addition to the reasons others have stated, the opponent in question is well aware of the exact location of the rogue, full concealment or not.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="MerakSpielman, post: 1958669, member: 7464"] Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there a rule that states that, in any combat, all combatants are considered flatfooted until their initiative is reached for the first time? Concerning enemies losing their Dex bonus versus hidden attackers, I think the primary criteria should be whether or not the opponent knows the rogue is present and has a reasonable expectation of which direction to expect an attack. For example, a rogue is hiding in the shadows in the corner of a room. The rest of his party is not hiding and engages an enemy in combat. The rogue spends a round or two drinking potions or something, but stays hidden. Even though it's no longer the first round of the combat, I'd allow him to make a SA against the enemy (assuming of course the enemy hasn't spotted him -- only me the DM knows that). However, once the sneak attack takes place, I won't let the rogue get another sneak attack, even if he successfully hides, because the opponent knows he is present and is watching for attacks from that area. However, to continue the example, if the rogue were to hide after the original SA and then use a wand of dimension door to move instantly to a shadowy alcove near the ceiling, I'd allow another SA because the opponent would not expect an attack from that direction. He might even assume it's not the same rogue. So I would not allow the "ducking behind a tree" situation because, in addition to the reasons others have stated, the opponent in question is well aware of the exact location of the rogue, full concealment or not. [/QUOTE]

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