I had another post on rogues and the relative strength of sneak attack which pretty quickly got off the rails and was locked; therefore, I would ask that we keep this one very closely tied to the actual question at hand so that we can get the full answer without the need for locking this too.
Here's the question, how does cover, concealment, et al effect sneak attack. Specifically, can a rogue sneak attack an enemy with cover relative to him? Can a rogue sneak attack an enemy with concealment relative to him (at 1st level with no special feats). If he can sneak attack the concealed enemy, I presume the enemy gets the normal % roll to negate the attack?
Again, my group's rogue is very adept at sneak attacks, and I want to try to fully understand it and how other things effect it, so please be sure to stay on topic so that the thread remains open long enough to fully explore the answer.
Thank you
"The rogue must be able to see the target well enough to pick out a vital spot and must be able to reach such a spot. A rogue cannot sneak attack while striking a creature with concealment (Without the shadow strike feat)"
It does not say anything about cover, so sneak attack work just fine in that case.
Pathfinder Maps Subscriber
The very last sentence in the Core Rulebook definition of the Rogue Class Ability "Sneak Attack" says Quote: A rogue cannot sneak attack while striking a creature with concealment.
So, if I've got this right, the rogue attacks an enemy with concealment, he makes his attack roll and, presuming a hit, the enemy makes his concealment % roll to negate the attack. If the enemy fails to negate the attack, then the rogue rolls his damage, but without sneak attack (unless he also has the shadow strike feat). Is that correct?
Also, regarding cover, I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that cover effected sneak attack, but can't find it. Are you sure that it has no bearing on sneak attack?
Finally, are their other conditions that affect sneak attack? I know fog or mist and such can, in their cases because they cause various degrees of concealment, but is there anything else that would prevent or hinder sneak attack aside from concealment granting effects?
Thanks
Sneak Attack works just fine against Cover, but is negated by Concealment (barring any special abilities or magic items).
Many creatures are immune to Sneak Attack as well, such as Oozes, Elementals, Swarms, Incorporeal Creatures, and many other outliers.
Nefreet wrote: Sneak Attack works just fine against Cover, but is negated by Concealment (barring any special abilities or magic items).
Many creatures are immune to Sneak Attack as well, such as Oozes, Elementals, Swarms, Incorporeal Creatures, and many other outliers.
This...
Craig1234 wrote: ...but is there anything else that would prevent or hinder sneak attack aside from concealment granting effects? Uncanny Dodge prevents one from being denied Dex bonus in most instances.
Improved Uncanny Dodge prevents the rogue from being able to flank the target.
Outside of that, not much really interferes with it anymore.
It's a nice ability, but situational to pull off most times.
Regarding (Improved) Uncanny Dodge - I know rogues get it (and are fond of it naturally), but to be sure I'm clear, you're referring to the enemy having it - in which case the PC rogue would be unable to sneak attack an enemy with uncanny dodge, yes?
Craig1234 wrote: Regarding (Improved) Uncanny Dodge - I know rogues get it (and are fond of it naturally), but to be sure I'm clear, you're referring to the enemy having it - in which case the PC rogue would be unable to sneak attack an enemy with uncanny dodge, yes? Correct...barbarians get it even earlier than rogues do, and are tough fights for rogues because the rogue can't flank them (along with the fact the barbarian can hit for a ton a lot of times).
EDIT:Or a higher level rogue with it...and a flank buddy.
You know, I think that might be part of the problem I've been having with sneak attack in general, I don't think I've been disallowing it against enemies with uncanny dodge. Probably wouldn't have been much different, considering who the party has met, but a bit.
Craig1234 wrote: So, if I've got this right, the rogue attacks an enemy with concealment, he makes his attack roll and, presuming a hit, the enemy makes his concealment % roll to negate the attack. If the enemy fails to negate the attack, then the rogue rolls his damage, but without sneak attack (unless he also has the shadow strike feat). Is that correct?
Yes. Note that this is very cripplin for human rogues in a place with dim light.
Craig1234 wrote: You know, I think that might be part of the problem I've been having with sneak attack in general, I don't think I've been disallowing it against enemies with uncanny dodge. Probably wouldn't have been much different, considering who the party has met, but a bit. Well, they have to have improved uncanny to negate flank. Regular uncanny stops sneak attacks from being fiat footed though
Also note, if the PC Rogue is 4 levels above the opponent who has Improved Uncanny Dodge, he can still sneak attack.
Recent threads in Rules Questions
|
