Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Netjack 01-08-08, 02:32 PM	Can you sneak attack from an attack of opportunity? If they are still being flanked or flat footed, or does it have to be on your turn? My DM for a while has stated that someone could only sneak attack on thier first attack. After I showed him you could actually sneak attack multiple times he didn't believe me, so I showed him an article on this site. So asking him stop being a good idea. Now he think sneak attacks are broken, but can't really do anything because it is a base D&D skill. Recently though, I started playing one of the many D&D base rpg games, and as the person AOP, he added his sneak attack damage to it "if he could normally" this may be simply a glitch in the game, but are you allowed to sneak attack on an AOP?
Legdiwena 01-08-08, 02:55 PM	If he thinks SA is broken, why doesn't he use monsters that are immune to SA?
Vharuck 01-08-08, 02:56 PM	Any attack that meets the requirements for a Sneak Attack benefits from a Sneak Attack, so yes. Attacks of Opportunity can benefit from Sneak Attack. The balancing factor with Sneak Attack is that it doesn't work against all types of opponents, it only applies in certain situations (and flanking requires the light-armored d6 hit die rogue to be in melee, which is really dangerous), and rogues don't deal as much damage aside from Sneak Attack.
dman11235 01-08-08, 04:45 PM	Also, there are five types of the 13 or so that are immune, heavy fort armor is only a +5 bonus. If he thinks SA is broken, what does he think about a monk's unarmed damage? full spellcasters?!?!? A level 20 rogue without TWF will be dishing out a mere 33d6+ a possible 3 or 6 (str, enhancements not included). If they hit with all of their attacks. This averages out to be around 120. Now, a level 20 raging barbarian will be dealing an average of much more than that, with an extra attack and more chance to hit. And a wizard will be dealing straight death. Sure, it is a lot of damage, but it a lot of avoidable damage. You can't stop the barbarians insane strength, you can stop SA.
Slimgauge 01-08-08, 04:50 PM	My DM for a while has stated that someone could only sneak attack on thier first attack. After I showed him you could actually sneak attack multiple times he didn't believe me, so I showed him an article on this site. I have a DM that believes this as well. What article did you show him ?
CryoSilver 01-08-08, 04:54 PM	I seriously think most sneak attack questions wouldn't be asked if the ability was called "precise attack" or something similar.
dman11235 01-08-08, 05:07 PM	Very true. The 'article' I'd show him is the PHB entry on sneak attack. No where in it does it give any indication whatsoever that SA can only be used 1/round. In fact, it can be used when ever you qualify. So AoOs, off hand attacks, everything as long as they are flat-footed or flanked. It gives every indication that this is true. Check the FAQ though, they might have something.
Egres 01-08-08, 05:08 PM	I have a DM that believes this as well. What article did you show him ? Let him read the FAQ first: A rogue deals extra damage with a sneak attack anytime the target is denied Dexterity bonus to Armor Class or anytime the rogue flanks the target, no matter how many attacks the rogue makes. These conditions are not likely to occur during an attack of opportunity, but if they do (such as when the rogue is unseen), the rogue gets her sneak attack bonus damage. The same holds true for ranged weapons (but see the next question), provided that the rogue is within 30 feet of her target. Note that sneak attacks are never possible when the rogue cannot see her target. After that show him these articles: 1 (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20040217a), 2 (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20040224a), 3 (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20040302a), 4 (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20040309a). After that ask him: "where in the world did you read that sneak attack extra damage applies only on your first attack?"
tyrecian 01-08-08, 07:56 PM	My DM for a while has stated that someone could only sneak attack on thier first attack. After I showed him you could actually sneak attack multiple times he didn't believe me, so I showed him an article on this site. This is a common misconception that is based (IMO) upon the idea that if you are hiding from an opponent and attack then you get the SA on your first attack but not on subsequent attacks in the same round. This would also apply to attacks made the round after a feint were performed because it states the next attack. I have seen a DM make this mistake before. Sneak attack is no more broken than anything else. If it didnt exist noone would ever play a skill monkey because they would have no way to do lots and lots of damage, which almost every character has an option fo rin the game.
Cedric_the_Lucky 01-09-08, 12:23 AM	If you only got 1 sneak attack in per fight that would make the rogue extremely underpowered I think, sneak attacks are great until the nasty mob turns on ya then its time to rez a rogue.
runestar 01-09-08, 06:25 AM	Considering how scenario-specific sneak attack is, I certainly see no reason to deny the rogue his sneak attack in the few situations where sneak attack is applicable.:)
Tordak 01-09-08, 01:12 PM	I see one reason: when you're at the receiving end!! :P