RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32
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I've looked for this and can't find any definitive answer, in the rules or otherwise, so I figured that I would ask. If I am stealthed, and attack a target, do they lose their dex bonus to AC? Where can I find this rule? Also, if I am hidden, and then combat starts, is my target still denied their dex bonus to AC for my first attack?
If the target is not aware of your location (i.e. you are "stealthed") then they lose their DEX bonus to AC when you strike. If you attack during a surprise round before the target has acted, they are flat-footed and also lose their DEX bonus to AC. If you are hidden when combat starts, you are still hidden until an enemy makes the necessary Perception check to locate you or you make an attack, at which point they are denied their DEX bonus to AC since they were not aware of your location (as above).
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However, the OP makes a good point in that I can't find what Fatespinner wrote in respect of attacking from stealth (surprise is there, in Combat) written in the reference document (I don't have my books at work). What Fatey wrote is correct - just wonder if the PFRPG book somehow forgot to mention it.
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RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32
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However, the OP makes a good point in that I can't find what Fatespinner wrote in respect of attacking from stealth (surprise is there, in Combat) written in the reference document (I don't have my books at work). What Fatey wrote is correct - just wonder if the PFRPG book somehow forgot to mention it.
Hmmmm. You may need to engage in a little creative interpretation, but I found a couple notations:
In the "Getting Started" section, under the description of Dexterity:
You apply your character's Dexterity modifier to:
- Ranged attack rolls, including those for attacks made with bows, crossbows, throwing axes, and many ranged spell attacks like scorching ray or searing light.
- Armor Class (AC), provided that the character can react to the attack.
- Reflex saving throws, for avoiding fireballs and other attacks that you can escape by moving quickly.
- Acrobatics, Disable Device, Escape Artist, Fly, Ride, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth checks.
And again in the "Combat" section under Armor Class:
Sometimes you can't use your Dexterity bonus (if you have one). If you can't react to a blow, you can't use your Dexterity bonus to AC. If you don't have a Dexterity bonus, your AC does not change.
So, if you can't see the attack coming, you can't react to it, and you can't apply your DEX modifier. Seems clear enough to me, but it is strangely obfuscated in the rules.