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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lanfyr Sabermoon" data-source="post: 687012" data-attributes="member: 10250">That's what I thought initiallyIf we only had the Bluff rules as printed in the PHB, I would agree with you, but as the FAQ is intended to further expand and clarify all the rules, we (or at least I) have to take the FAQ into account as well, and that's where I'm running into my problem. The <a href="http://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/SongandSilenceFAQ10152002.zip" target="_blank">FAQ</a> states that the Bluffed character loses his Dex bonus to AC (thus allowing the rogue to make sneak attacks*). The FAQ also states the reason for the loss of Dex due to a successful bluff. {Bold emphasis in quote}Note the logic both times: Opponent does not SEE, therefore is denied Dex.Also, the Expert Tactician doesn't kick in until your opponent is denied his Dex bonus for whatever reason (Climbing, Running, Helpless, etc) , so I was wrong to even include Expert Tactician in my example, thus confusing the issue. Whether or not the rogue has Expert Tactician is irrelevant, because if the Barbarian is denied his Dex bonus, ET will work, no question. The question remains solely :When is a 2nd Level Barbarian denied his Dex bonus*?After that clarification from the FAQ, how can we say that a Bluff check works, considering not once, but TWICE, in the FAQ, WotC quite clearly states that the reason why you are denied your Dex bonus due to a successful Bluff check (Standard action w/out QttE, w/QttE move equivalent) is that the victim does not SEE the remainder of your action, thus meeting the normal conditions required for sneak attack*.*Contrary to popular belief, being Flat Footed has absolutely no direct correlation to being able to sneak attack. Being denied your Dex bonus is why rogues are allowed to sneak attack ( that and flanking). Indirectly, when Flat Footed and/or not being able to see their attacker, most characters are denied their Dex bonus, but not 2nd level Barbarians, Rogues, and a handful of Prestige classes)I welcome any and all comments or rebuttals about this. It still seems to me, that if a 5th level Barbarian A)doesn't do "unusual" actions in combat (Running, Climbing, etc),B)avoids being flanked by rogues 4 levels higher than he, and C)can somehow make any saves vs. Stun/Paralysis/Hold spells, he cannot be sneak attacked.</blockquote>

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