Post/Author/DateTime	Post
dpmcalister 12-12-06, 11:18 AM	Can a raging barbarian/rogue sneak attack?
Orchomenos 12-12-06, 11:40 AM	While raging, a barbarian cannot use any Charisma-, Dexterity-, or Intelligence-based skills (except for Balance, Escape Artist, Intimidate, and Ride), the Concentration skill, or any abilities that require patience or concentration, nor can he cast spells or activate magic items that require a command word, a spell trigger (such as a wand), or spell completion (such as a scroll) to function. He can use any feat he has except Combat Expertise, item creation feats, and metamagic feats. A fit of rage lasts for a number of rounds equal to 3 + the character’s (newly improved) Constitution modifier. Well, two choices. If you think that sneak attacking absolutely needs some concentration from the rogue in order to hit precise weak points, then no, the barbarian can't sneak attack. If you think that sneak attack is the uncanny ability to automatically detect weak points and attack there (thus, needing no concentration at all), then yes, the barbarian can sneak attack while raging. Since a rogue can sneak attack with all his attacks during a full-round attack (as long as he CAN sneak attack, of course), I don't think it requires any patience to sneak attack. And since Sneak Attack is an Extraordianary special attack, it's more like the second definition I gave. I would say that yes, the barbarian can sneak attack while raging.
Treantmonklvl20 12-12-06, 11:42 AM	The rule regarding concentration and rage is a little vague. However, lots of spells or abilities in D&D specifically mention that concentration is required. SA is not one of them. Likely SA is not intended to be gimped by rage.
dpmcalister 12-12-06, 12:28 PM	That was my understanding, but I just wanted to check before taking that level of Rogue for my LG character ;)
Tony Vargas 12-12-06, 12:51 PM	LG often uses specific rulings that don't agree with official ones or board consensus, so definitely look for an answer from that community. I see no reason why Rage would be incompatible with SA, though. The requirements are primarily about the target (it must be unable to defend itself as effectively, lack any concealment, and be vulnerable to critical hits). The only thing where the rogue actually matters is determining if a flank counts vs Improved Uncanny Dodge. Aside from that, it seems that if a rogue can attack, he can take advantage of vulnerable foe. Also consider that Rogues can SA critters that they have never seen or heard of before - that implies it's more of an oportunist/instinctive sort of thing, than a calculated, precise one.
runestar 12-12-06, 12:59 PM	From the FAQ...:) I have a multiclass barbarian/rogue. I was wondering if he can sneak attack while raging? Yes, provided the character’s attack meets the requirements for a sneak attack—you must have the foe flanked or the foe must somehow be denied its Dexterity bonus (if any) to Armor Class against your attack. A sneak attack requires precision (see the two previous questions), but not much in the way of patience or concentration.
dpmcalister 12-12-06, 01:45 PM	Thanks runestar. That's pretty clear to me :) Tony Vargas has a very good point though, so I'm also e-mailing my Triad point of contact to get his ruling :D