Hide and Sneak Attack [Archive] - Wizards Community

Hide and Sneak Attack [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
ShadowIT
05-07-07, 07:51 PM Only a question.
Is it possible to hide after the beginning of a combat and then to make a sneak attack towards an enemy?
Where, exactly, can I find in the rules of the game that hiding permits to make sneak attack or that it negates the dexterity bonus to the CA?
temparus2000
05-07-07, 10:48 PM If you are successfully hidden then you are effectively invisible, so you can make a sneak attack. You could hide on the first round of combat if it were a surprise round and the enemy didn't know you were there.
AtmaWeapon
05-07-07, 10:52 PM Only a question.
Is it possible to hide after the beginning of a combat and then to make a sneak attack towards an enemy?

You can only hide during combat if

1) You have an ability that allows you to hide while under active observation, such as Shadowdancer or 17th Level Ranger Hide in Plain Sight,
or
2) You have adequate concealment available, and pass a successful Bluff check (Opposed Bluff vs. Opponent's Sense Motive with either a +5 (Best Case) or +10 (More Realistic) Bonus), Followed by an immediate Hide (Opposed Hide at -10 vs. Opponent's Spot).

The Short Version:

Unless you're unbelievably good at lying and hiding, AND your opponent is blind as a bat, AND the terrain permits it, you can't hide after a combat begins.

Where, exactly, can I find in the rules of the game that hiding permits to make sneak attack or that it negates the dexterity bonus to the CA?

Being attacked by an opponent whom you are unaware of would constitute being Surprised, and thus would render you flat-footed against them, opening you up for sneak attacks and negating your dex vs. that foe.
Tsuul
05-08-07, 01:05 AM AtmaWeapon has covered hiding while in combat pretty well.

Where, exactly, can I find in the rules of the game that hiding permits to make sneak attack or that it negates the dexterity bonus to the CA?
Invisible opponents negate the dex bonus of their targets (PHB pg 309). No dex bonus to AC = sneak attacks.

I invoke the -20 to hide to attack while hidden to gain the 'invisible' effect, while most simply let any attack from a hidden position qualify. Remember the surprise round and the effects of being flat-footed; flat-footed = no dex bonus to AC which = sneak attack target, regardless of [in]visibility.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
ShadowIT 05-07-07, 07:51 PM	Only a question. Is it possible to hide after the beginning of a combat and then to make a sneak attack towards an enemy? Where, exactly, can I find in the rules of the game that hiding permits to make sneak attack or that it negates the dexterity bonus to the CA?
temparus2000 05-07-07, 10:48 PM	If you are successfully hidden then you are effectively invisible, so you can make a sneak attack. You could hide on the first round of combat if it were a surprise round and the enemy didn't know you were there.
AtmaWeapon 05-07-07, 10:52 PM	Only a question. Is it possible to hide after the beginning of a combat and then to make a sneak attack towards an enemy? You can only hide during combat if 1) You have an ability that allows you to hide while under active observation, such as Shadowdancer or 17th Level Ranger Hide in Plain Sight, or 2) You have adequate concealment available, and pass a successful Bluff check (Opposed Bluff vs. Opponent's Sense Motive with either a +5 (Best Case) or +10 (More Realistic) Bonus), Followed by an immediate Hide (Opposed Hide at -10 vs. Opponent's Spot). The Short Version: Unless you're unbelievably good at lying and hiding, AND your opponent is blind as a bat, AND the terrain permits it, you can't hide after a combat begins. Where, exactly, can I find in the rules of the game that hiding permits to make sneak attack or that it negates the dexterity bonus to the CA? Being attacked by an opponent whom you are unaware of would constitute being Surprised, and thus would render you flat-footed against them, opening you up for sneak attacks and negating your dex vs. that foe.
Tsuul 05-08-07, 01:05 AM	AtmaWeapon has covered hiding while in combat pretty well. Where, exactly, can I find in the rules of the game that hiding permits to make sneak attack or that it negates the dexterity bonus to the CA? Invisible opponents negate the dex bonus of their targets (PHB pg 309). No dex bonus to AC = sneak attacks. I invoke the -20 to hide to attack while hidden to gain the 'invisible' effect, while most simply let any attack from a hidden position qualify. Remember the surprise round and the effects of being flat-footed; flat-footed = no dex bonus to AC which = sneak attack target, regardless of [in]visibility.