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Vision, light and ambush
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<blockquote data-quote="Charlaquin" data-source="post: 8047148" data-attributes="member: 6779196"><p>By my reading, the rule about being able to approach a distracted creature is there to make it possible to sneak up on an unsuspecting opponent <em>before</em> combat starts. In combat, creatures are assumed to be alert to threats from all directions (unless you’re using the optional facing rules from the DMG). If this applied outside of combat, melee sneak attacks would be impossible against conscious creatures, unless they’re blinded or something.</p><p></p><p>It could be argued that since the party in your example is not searching for danger, they are distracted enough for the kobold to remain hidden while approaching. That’s your call to make as the DM, though it’s probably not a ruling I would make personally. I would only rule that the kobold can remain hidden while approaching a character that is engaged in some activity other than looking out for danger. For example, if they’re searching for secret doors, examining some runes on the wall, attempting to pick a lock, casting a ritual spell, etc. Of course, smart players will likely have some party members keep watch while others do these kinds of distracting activities, which would make it much more difficult for the would-be ambusher to pull this stunt off.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Charlaquin, post: 8047148, member: 6779196"] By my reading, the rule about being able to approach a distracted creature is there to make it possible to sneak up on an unsuspecting opponent [I]before[/I] combat starts. In combat, creatures are assumed to be alert to threats from all directions (unless you’re using the optional facing rules from the DMG). If this applied outside of combat, melee sneak attacks would be impossible against conscious creatures, unless they’re blinded or something. It could be argued that since the party in your example is not searching for danger, they are distracted enough for the kobold to remain hidden while approaching. That’s your call to make as the DM, though it’s probably not a ruling I would make personally. I would only rule that the kobold can remain hidden while approaching a character that is engaged in some activity other than looking out for danger. For example, if they’re searching for secret doors, examining some runes on the wall, attempting to pick a lock, casting a ritual spell, etc. Of course, smart players will likely have some party members keep watch while others do these kinds of distracting activities, which would make it much more difficult for the would-be ambusher to pull this stunt off. [/QUOTE]
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