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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Gargoyle" data-source="post: 104710" data-attributes="member: 529">I must admit that I didn't do a great job on the poll where sneak attacks are concerned.  I'm not sure how to interpret the data.  But it does seem there is a great deal of disagreement on whether a sneak attack is dishonorable behavior or not.  Some consider it to be like a thief's backstab, others look at it as a skillful combat tactic.  The official description is that "If a rogue can catch an opponent when he is unable to defend himself effectively form her attack, she can strike a vital spot for extra damage."  The target doesn't have to be unaware (like the 2E thief's backstab) or helpless.  They just have to be flanked or unable to use their Dex bonus to AC, because of being flat-footed, for instance.It seems to me that using a bow at 100 yds against a charging orc armed with a great axe could be "catching an opponent when he is unable to defend himself effectively" just as a sneak attack is in melee, and in fact, even moreso.  But most people consider using a bow in combat to be completely honorable,  at least against aware opponents (I do) and as the noble Alhandra pointed out, she begins play with one.My personal opinion is that using sneak attacks to attack an unaware opponent could be dishonorable, since that is very much like a backstab.  I'm not sure that I'd rule it as dishonorable for all paladins in my game, probably just the more strict orders.  Using sneak attacks to attack a flat-footed or flanked opponent is merely skillful, and I'm not sure how you can say that striking someone (who knows you're there!) in a vital spot during mortal combat is dishonorable.  Should paladins always aim for the limbs or use subdual damage?  I don't think so!</blockquote>

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