Ranged sneak attack and flanking [Archive] - Wizards Community

Ranged sneak attack and flanking [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
echoota
07-21-06, 07:40 AM Before I go too far with a rouge/scout/barbarian/ranger build concept I just wanted to have clarified the issue of ranged sneak attacks...

From what I read in the PH with sneak attack it sounds like all you have to do is flank your opponent to get a sneak attack. Since the sneak attack entry stresses a 30 foot max range then I assume you don't have to be adjacent to your flanked enemy, but instead just line up correct in a line of sight manner so that you can hit your opponent in between yourself and an ally.

I'd hope to be stacking the sneak and skirmish damage bonuses at a pretty low level as much as I possibly can.
Kheldren
07-21-06, 08:31 AM Sorry, to be counted as flanking you have to be attempting to hit the target in MELEE (and your ally has to be capable of doing so).
The Ranged use of sneak attack applies when attacking flat-footed opponents.

Barring prestige classes there is no way to flank with a ranged weapon. (Even if you have armour spikes and threaten, using your bow to attack would not get flanking bonus against an adjacent opponent.)
trollbill
07-21-06, 11:01 AM To clearify further, you can only do Sneak Attack damage if you flank an opponent or if they are denied their dexterity bonus. In order to flank someone, you must threaten them. Since you cannot threaten with a ranged weapon, you cannot flank with one. Ergo, the only way to do Sneak Attack damage with a ranged weapon is to have your target denied their dexterity bonus. The easiest way to do this is to catch your opponent flat footed, which is why Improved Initiative is a great feat for Rogues. Stunned opponents are denied their Dex, as are blind ones and ones that cannot see you because you are Invisible or Hidden. Climbing opponents are also denied their Dex. As are Helpless ones. There are a variety of ways of denying your opponent their dexterity so that you can make ranged Sneak Attacks, but they usually require some effort to accomplish.

It is also important to remember that you cannot Sneak Attack an opponent who has Conceal. And you can neither Sneak Attack or use Skirmish against Undead, Oozes, Plants, Constructs, Elementals or any other creature you cannot Critical Hit.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
echoota 07-21-06, 07:40 AM	Before I go too far with a rouge/scout/barbarian/ranger build concept I just wanted to have clarified the issue of ranged sneak attacks... From what I read in the PH with sneak attack it sounds like all you have to do is flank your opponent to get a sneak attack. Since the sneak attack entry stresses a 30 foot max range then I assume you don't have to be adjacent to your flanked enemy, but instead just line up correct in a line of sight manner so that you can hit your opponent in between yourself and an ally. I'd hope to be stacking the sneak and skirmish damage bonuses at a pretty low level as much as I possibly can.
Kheldren 07-21-06, 08:31 AM	Sorry, to be counted as flanking you have to be attempting to hit the target in MELEE (and your ally has to be capable of doing so). The Ranged use of sneak attack applies when attacking flat-footed opponents. Barring prestige classes there is no way to flank with a ranged weapon. (Even if you have armour spikes and threaten, using your bow to attack would not get flanking bonus against an adjacent opponent.)
trollbill 07-21-06, 11:01 AM	To clearify further, you can only do Sneak Attack damage if you flank an opponent or if they are denied their dexterity bonus. In order to flank someone, you must threaten them. Since you cannot threaten with a ranged weapon, you cannot flank with one. Ergo, the only way to do Sneak Attack damage with a ranged weapon is to have your target denied their dexterity bonus. The easiest way to do this is to catch your opponent flat footed, which is why Improved Initiative is a great feat for Rogues. Stunned opponents are denied their Dex, as are blind ones and ones that cannot see you because you are Invisible or Hidden. Climbing opponents are also denied their Dex. As are Helpless ones. There are a variety of ways of denying your opponent their dexterity so that you can make ranged Sneak Attacks, but they usually require some effort to accomplish. It is also important to remember that you cannot Sneak Attack an opponent who has Conceal. And you can neither Sneak Attack or use Skirmish against Undead, Oozes, Plants, Constructs, Elementals or any other creature you cannot Critical Hit.