Sneak attack - how much? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Sneak attack - how much? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
FrozenSoul80
05-27-07, 09:09 AM Yes, I am sure it has been asked many, many times. I require confirmation on how many sneak attacks I can get per round. I've read the rules on sneak attacks several times, and it does not mention if you get a sneak attack for every attack that hits (assuming situations where sneak attack is valid).

My DM insists I can only make one sneak attack per round, claiming a rogue would be dealing out more damage than three fireballs by about 10th level. I, however, see nowhere where it mentions you only get one per round - therefore allowing you to do sneak attack damage on every successfull hit.

Basically, who is right?
Witch
05-27-07, 09:10 AM There is no limit.
VrecknidjX
05-27-07, 09:13 AM This is brought up in the archives.

http://boards1.wizards.com/wotc_archive/index.php/t-634373.html

http://boards1.wizards.com/wotc_archive/index.php/t-448912.html

Dave
Neutronium_Dragon
05-27-07, 09:21 AM The DM is also waxing hyperbolic.

By 10th level you'd make two sneak attacks per round for +5d6 each or +10d6 total. Assuming you hit, which isn't guaranteed, especially with the second attack. The fireball deals 10d6. The Fireball is also low on its power curve by that point.

True, you could dual-wield by spending two feats to get two more attacks, but at that point your chances of hitting have plummeted and you're two feats down. You might cause +20d6, but more likely it'll be +15d6 or still +10d6 because of how often you'll miss. Meanwhile, the wizard could spend only one feat and do 15d6.

So they're comparable in damage - but did we mention that the fireball affects many targets rather than one, doesn't require the wizard to be put into a position where he'll likely be pulped by the enemy (as any rogue in melee range by that point is asking for), and generally has other options when something is fire immune (whereas there are a huge number of ways by which things become immune to sneak attack by that level and the rogue has no other recourse)?

In short, the rogue was balanced on the assumption that he'd be able to sneak attack with every attack in the right circumstances - but those circumstances aren't always easy to come by.
FrozenSoul80
05-27-07, 09:23 AM And those were just the answers I was looking for. Thanks all :D

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
FrozenSoul80 05-27-07, 09:09 AM	Yes, I am sure it has been asked many, many times. I require confirmation on how many sneak attacks I can get per round. I've read the rules on sneak attacks several times, and it does not mention if you get a sneak attack for every attack that hits (assuming situations where sneak attack is valid). My DM insists I can only make one sneak attack per round, claiming a rogue would be dealing out more damage than three fireballs by about 10th level. I, however, see nowhere where it mentions you only get one per round - therefore allowing you to do sneak attack damage on every successfull hit. Basically, who is right?
Witch 05-27-07, 09:10 AM	There is no limit.
VrecknidjX 05-27-07, 09:13 AM	This is brought up in the archives. http://boards1.wizards.com/wotc_archive/index.php/t-634373.html http://boards1.wizards.com/wotc_archive/index.php/t-448912.html Dave
Neutronium_Dragon 05-27-07, 09:21 AM	The DM is also waxing hyperbolic. By 10th level you'd make two sneak attacks per round for +5d6 each or +10d6 total. Assuming you hit, which isn't guaranteed, especially with the second attack. The fireball deals 10d6. The Fireball is also low on its power curve by that point. True, you could dual-wield by spending two feats to get two more attacks, but at that point your chances of hitting have plummeted and you're two feats down. You might cause +20d6, but more likely it'll be +15d6 or still +10d6 because of how often you'll miss. Meanwhile, the wizard could spend only one feat and do 15d6. So they're comparable in damage - but did we mention that the fireball affects many targets rather than one, doesn't require the wizard to be put into a position where he'll likely be pulped by the enemy (as any rogue in melee range by that point is asking for), and generally has other options when something is fire immune (whereas there are a huge number of ways by which things become immune to sneak attack by that level and the rogue has no other recourse)? In short, the rogue was balanced on the assumption that he'd be able to sneak attack with every attack in the right circumstances - but those circumstances aren't always easy to come by.
FrozenSoul80 05-27-07, 09:23 AM	And those were just the answers I was looking for. Thanks all :D