discussion about sneak attacks

[lorgin2003]

there's something that i've been thinking over for the past few months. shouldn't all classes get some sort of sneak attack damage? i mean, if two people are in combat, and someone else comes up behind one of them, that third man has a clear view of all the vital points and has ample time to pick his shot.

granted, a rogue's sneak attack should be much much better, but a 10th level fighter should have enough skill to emulate it to an extent. even a mage type should be able to pick a soft spot on an opponent who isn't paying attention.

i could understand them not getting the 1st and 2nd edition's equivalent, the backstab, but that was really just an opening strike. after the initial backstab, the rogue was pretty much forced into normal combat. since 3rd edition allowed many more ways to use the sneak attack, i don't think it really only applies to rogues anymore.

obviously, a 1st level non-rogue wouldn't have the skill to make use of that opening, but once they were able to make a second attack per round, they should have the necessary control over their weapon to be able to make those strikes.

now, i'm not suggesting anything actually be changed. this is more of a theoretical discussion type of thing. i'm curious as to if i'm the only one who thinks this.

[eldur(retired)]

Dec 22, 2008 16:51:47 GMT -5 lorgin2003 said:

there's something that i've been thinking over for the past few months. shouldn't all classes get some sort of sneak attack damage? i mean, if two people are in combat, and someone else comes up behind one of them, that third man has a clear view of all the vital points and has ample time to pick his shot.

granted, a rogue's sneak attack should be much much better, but a 10th level fighter should have enough skill to emulate it to an extent. even a mage type should be able to pick a soft spot on an opponent who isn't paying attention.

i could understand them not getting the 1st and 2nd edition's equivalent, the backstab, but that was really just an opening strike. after the initial backstab, the rogue was pretty much forced into normal combat. since 3rd edition allowed many more ways to use the sneak attack, i don't think it really only applies to rogues anymore.

obviously, a 1st level non-rogue wouldn't have the skill to make use of that opening, but once they were able to make a second attack per round, they should have the necessary control over their weapon to be able to make those strikes.

now, i'm not suggesting anything actually be changed. this is more of a theoretical discussion type of thing. i'm curious as to if i'm the only one who thinks this.

If you are flanking the opponent, you receive a +2 to attack (essentially a +10% better chance to hit unless they have super high AC) and you deny them dodge bonuses.

It may not be the same as sneak attack damage, but it can add up to quite a boost.

[broham2]

Lol, well firstly, as a mainly rogue-using player - boooo on yoooouu. If I can get a couple first level spells at 10th level as a rogue, and perhaps weapons specialization (after all I watch that damn fighter swing the sword all the time, I should be able to emulate it) than I am all for it...ha ha ha

But on a serious tip.. I can see your point. but I think maybe attacks of opportunity should perhaps be given to enemies that you aren't 'facing' (basically the same way the game determines sneak eligibility), not actual sneak damage.

I tend to consider rogues especially trained in landing a meaningful blow (sneak damage). Just as fighters are especialy trained in wielding their weapons more efficiently (specialization). I dont think it would be far-fetched to give non-faced enemies on extra attack her round, theoretically speaking anyway, but I dont think id want to see it in game.

It sure would make the kobolds a bit more of a pain though!

ON EDIT: I wasnt aware of the mechanics that Eldur explained, that seems like enough for me!

[caveman282]

Think of it this way. If you give players AoO or sneak dmg for being flanked then you will have to give the mobs the same thing for the same reasoning no? And how nice would that be because well I solo a lot as do a lot of people. And how often do you face more than one mob at a time. If you think grinding is tough now just try it that way haha!