Greenish
2011-02-05, 10:39 PM
The Handbook for making enemies flat-footed or causing them to lose Dexterity to AC.
Yes, I'm aware that the title is less than inspiring.
Why would you want that? Well, aside from the obvious (reducing high-dex opponent's armour), there are several class features and the like that require either Flat-footed (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#flatFooted) specifically (Iaijutsu Focus - OA) or target being denied dex to AC (Sudden Strike, Sneak Attack*).
*Sneak Attack also works on flanked targets.
This compendium aims to list all the official means of rendering an opponent flat-footed, so that the lazy bastards such as me can just give a link for anyone asking for it.
All additions and help appreciated. My knowledge of 3.5 is nowhere near complete enough to undertake this alone, so I'm recruiting you all to help me. Type up a way to render an enemy flat-footed, and I'll include it here for all to see.
Conditions.
Balancing (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/balance.htm). Anyone without 5 ranks in balance (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/balance.htm) counts as flat-footed while making said checks. Most monsters do not have those ranks, so force balance checks.
Blinded (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#blinded). Blinded (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#blinded) characters lose their Dex to AC. See Darrin's post (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10324615&postcount=34) on page 2.
Stunned (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#stunned). A stunned (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#stunned) creature loses its Dex to AC.
Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible). Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible) denies Dex to AC from the enemies who can't see you.
Helpless (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#helpless). Helpless creatures are denied Dex to AC as per Rules Compendium.
Class Features.
Uncanny Feint (C.Warrior). When armed with a dagger, punching dagger or a kurki, a 3rd level Invisible Blade can feint (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialAttacks.htm#feint) as a move action, and a 5th level one as a free action. Errata makes this ability usable 1/round.
Dread Blade (C.Scoundrel). A 4th level class feature of the Avenging Executioner, allows treating shaken, frightened or panicked targets as flat-footed for the purposes of Sudden Strike.
Corsair's Feint (Stormwrack). Scarlet Corsair: Feint as a free action every 2d4 rounds at level 3, every 1d4 rounds at level 7.
Surprise Casting (PHBII). When a beguiler successfully uses feint (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialAttacks.htm#feint), the target is denied Dex to AC for the next attack or spell. At 6th level, feint in combat as a move action, or swift with Improved Feint (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/feats.htm#improvedFeint).
Unseen Weapon [Unexpected Strike] (ToM). 1/day/Shadowblade level a 3rd level Shadowblade can deny the target Dex to AC against one attack as a swift action. 10th level Shadowblade can do this a free action.
Invisible Fist (EoE). Monk ACF trades Evasion for invisibility 1/three rounds.
Maneuvers (ToB) Sapphire Nightmare Blade. A Diamond Mind strike that allows treating the target as flat-footed for the strike on succesfull concentration check.
Death from Above. A Tiger Claw strike that treats the target as flat-footed on successful DC 20 Jump check.
Cloak of Deception. A Shadow Hand boost that grants invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible) during your turn. Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible) denies Dex to AC from the enemies who can't see you. Doesn't break on attack.
Shadow Garrote. A Shadow Hand maneuver that forces fort save or flat-footed until target's next turn.
Ghost Blade. The target is flat-footed against the Shadow Hand Strike strike.
Strike of the Broken Shield. Setting Sun strike, ref save or flat-footed until target's next turn.
White Raven Hammer. If the strike hits, target is stunned (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#stunned) (and thus loses its Dex to AC). No save.
Feats.
Confound the Big Folk (RotW). Move into the square of an enemy two sizes larger than you, then treat that target as flat-footed.
Improved Feint (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/feats.htm#improvedFeint). Successful feint (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialAttacks.htm#feint) makes the target lose its Dex to AC against your next attack.
Surprising Riposte (DotU). If you deal damage to a target in the same round that you successfully feinted against it, it becomes flat-footed until its next turn or the end of the round.
Stunning Fist (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/feats.htm#stunningFist). Fort save or stunned. A stunned (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#stunned) creature loses its Dex to AC.
Neraph Charge (PlH). Deny one target Dex to AC against a charge 1/target/encounter.
Neraph Throw (PlH). Deny one target Dex to AC against a thrown weapon 1/target/encounter.
Flick of the Wrist (C.Warrior). When you draw a light weapon and attack with it on the same round, the target is considered flat-footed against the attack. 1/round and 1/target/encounter.
Spells.
Grease (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/grease.htm) (PHB). Anyone without 5 ranks in balance (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/balance.htm) counts as flat-footed while making said checks.
Armor Lock (C.Scoundrel). Denies an armoured opponent Dex to AC.
Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/invisibility.htm). Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible) denies Dex to AC from the enemies who can't see you. Invisiblity breaks after an attack.
Greater Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/invisibilityGreater.htm). invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible) denies Dex to AC from the enemies who can't see you. Called "greater" because attacking doesn't cancel the effect.
Glitterdust (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/glitterdust.htm). Will save or Blinded. Blinded (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#blinded) creatures lose their Dex to AC.
Sleet Storm (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/sleetstorm.htm). Forces DC 10 balance (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/balance.htm) checks on 20' radius. Anyone without 5 ranks in balance (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/balance.htm) counts as flat-footed while making said checks.
Shock and Awe (SC). Applies -10 penalty to enemies' initiative (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/initiative.htm) checks. Can only be cast on surprise round.
Distract Assailant (SC). Will save or flat-footed until your next turn. Cast as swift action.
Blink (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/blink.htm). You strike as invisible. Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible) denies Dex to AC from the enemies who can't see you.
Greater Blink (SC). You strike as invisible. Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible) denies Dex to AC from the enemies who can't see you. Called greater because your attacks don't get miss chance.
Blindness/Deafness (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/blindnessDeafness.htm). Blinded (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#blinded) creatures are denied Dex to AC.
Skill tricks (C.Scoundrel, thanks Elric VIII).
Acrobatic Strike. Tumble into an opponent's square to make him flat-footed for one attack.
Escape Attack. When escaping from a grapple you can make an attack with a light weapon that you were already holding, opponent is flat-footed against the attack.
Hidden Blade. If you use Sleight of Hand to conceal a weapon you may draw it as a move action and treat an opponent that was unaware of it as flat-footed.
Miscellaneous.
Initiative (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/initiative.htm). Win it.
Blurstrike weapon enhancement (MIC). Treat the target as flat-footed for the first attack of the round. 10/day uses, swift action.
Grapple (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialAttacks.htm#grapple). Anyone grappling has no Dex to AC against people (other than the one[s] he's grappling with).
Marbles (item, A&EG). Anyone without 5 ranks in balance (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/balance.htm) counts as flat-footed while making said checks.
Bluff (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/bluff.htm). Successful feint (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialAttacks.htm#feint) makes the target lose its Dex to AC against your next attack.
Neraph Camouflage (racial ability, PlH). Deny one target Dex to AC against a charge or a thrown weapon 1/target/encounter.
Sleight of Hand [Dagger Surprise] (skill, RC). Fight a target at least two rounds while having nothing in your other hand, then draw the dagger. The target will be flat-footed against your next attack with said dagger.
Yes, I'm aware that the title is less than inspiring.
Why would you want that? Well, aside from the obvious (reducing high-dex opponent's armour), there are several class features and the like that require either Flat-footed (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#flatFooted) specifically (Iaijutsu Focus - OA) or target being denied dex to AC (Sudden Strike, Sneak Attack*).
*Sneak Attack also works on flanked targets.
This compendium aims to list all the official means of rendering an opponent flat-footed, so that the lazy bastards such as me can just give a link for anyone asking for it.
All additions and help appreciated. My knowledge of 3.5 is nowhere near complete enough to undertake this alone, so I'm recruiting you all to help me. Type up a way to render an enemy flat-footed, and I'll include it here for all to see.
Conditions.
Balancing (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/balance.htm). Anyone without 5 ranks in balance (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/balance.htm) counts as flat-footed while making said checks. Most monsters do not have those ranks, so force balance checks.
Blinded (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#blinded). Blinded (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#blinded) characters lose their Dex to AC. See Darrin's post (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10324615&postcount=34) on page 2.
Stunned (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#stunned). A stunned (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#stunned) creature loses its Dex to AC.
Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible). Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible) denies Dex to AC from the enemies who can't see you.
Helpless (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#helpless). Helpless creatures are denied Dex to AC as per Rules Compendium.
Class Features.
Uncanny Feint (C.Warrior). When armed with a dagger, punching dagger or a kurki, a 3rd level Invisible Blade can feint (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialAttacks.htm#feint) as a move action, and a 5th level one as a free action. Errata makes this ability usable 1/round.
Dread Blade (C.Scoundrel). A 4th level class feature of the Avenging Executioner, allows treating shaken, frightened or panicked targets as flat-footed for the purposes of Sudden Strike.
Corsair's Feint (Stormwrack). Scarlet Corsair: Feint as a free action every 2d4 rounds at level 3, every 1d4 rounds at level 7.
Surprise Casting (PHBII). When a beguiler successfully uses feint (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialAttacks.htm#feint), the target is denied Dex to AC for the next attack or spell. At 6th level, feint in combat as a move action, or swift with Improved Feint (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/feats.htm#improvedFeint).
Unseen Weapon [Unexpected Strike] (ToM). 1/day/Shadowblade level a 3rd level Shadowblade can deny the target Dex to AC against one attack as a swift action. 10th level Shadowblade can do this a free action.
Invisible Fist (EoE). Monk ACF trades Evasion for invisibility 1/three rounds.
Maneuvers (ToB) Sapphire Nightmare Blade. A Diamond Mind strike that allows treating the target as flat-footed for the strike on succesfull concentration check.
Death from Above. A Tiger Claw strike that treats the target as flat-footed on successful DC 20 Jump check.
Cloak of Deception. A Shadow Hand boost that grants invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible) during your turn. Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible) denies Dex to AC from the enemies who can't see you. Doesn't break on attack.
Shadow Garrote. A Shadow Hand maneuver that forces fort save or flat-footed until target's next turn.
Ghost Blade. The target is flat-footed against the Shadow Hand Strike strike.
Strike of the Broken Shield. Setting Sun strike, ref save or flat-footed until target's next turn.
White Raven Hammer. If the strike hits, target is stunned (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#stunned) (and thus loses its Dex to AC). No save.
Feats.
Confound the Big Folk (RotW). Move into the square of an enemy two sizes larger than you, then treat that target as flat-footed.
Improved Feint (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/feats.htm#improvedFeint). Successful feint (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialAttacks.htm#feint) makes the target lose its Dex to AC against your next attack.
Surprising Riposte (DotU). If you deal damage to a target in the same round that you successfully feinted against it, it becomes flat-footed until its next turn or the end of the round.
Stunning Fist (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/feats.htm#stunningFist). Fort save or stunned. A stunned (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#stunned) creature loses its Dex to AC.
Neraph Charge (PlH). Deny one target Dex to AC against a charge 1/target/encounter.
Neraph Throw (PlH). Deny one target Dex to AC against a thrown weapon 1/target/encounter.
Flick of the Wrist (C.Warrior). When you draw a light weapon and attack with it on the same round, the target is considered flat-footed against the attack. 1/round and 1/target/encounter.
Spells.
Grease (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/grease.htm) (PHB). Anyone without 5 ranks in balance (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/balance.htm) counts as flat-footed while making said checks.
Armor Lock (C.Scoundrel). Denies an armoured opponent Dex to AC.
Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/invisibility.htm). Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible) denies Dex to AC from the enemies who can't see you. Invisiblity breaks after an attack.
Greater Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/invisibilityGreater.htm). invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible) denies Dex to AC from the enemies who can't see you. Called "greater" because attacking doesn't cancel the effect.
Glitterdust (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/glitterdust.htm). Will save or Blinded. Blinded (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#blinded) creatures lose their Dex to AC.
Sleet Storm (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/sleetstorm.htm). Forces DC 10 balance (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/balance.htm) checks on 20' radius. Anyone without 5 ranks in balance (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/balance.htm) counts as flat-footed while making said checks.
Shock and Awe (SC). Applies -10 penalty to enemies' initiative (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/initiative.htm) checks. Can only be cast on surprise round.
Distract Assailant (SC). Will save or flat-footed until your next turn. Cast as swift action.
Blink (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/blink.htm). You strike as invisible. Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible) denies Dex to AC from the enemies who can't see you.
Greater Blink (SC). You strike as invisible. Invisibility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#invisible) denies Dex to AC from the enemies who can't see you. Called greater because your attacks don't get miss chance.
Blindness/Deafness (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/blindnessDeafness.htm). Blinded (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#blinded) creatures are denied Dex to AC.
Skill tricks (C.Scoundrel, thanks Elric VIII).
Acrobatic Strike. Tumble into an opponent's square to make him flat-footed for one attack.
Escape Attack. When escaping from a grapple you can make an attack with a light weapon that you were already holding, opponent is flat-footed against the attack.
Hidden Blade. If you use Sleight of Hand to conceal a weapon you may draw it as a move action and treat an opponent that was unaware of it as flat-footed.
Miscellaneous.
Initiative (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/initiative.htm). Win it.
Blurstrike weapon enhancement (MIC). Treat the target as flat-footed for the first attack of the round. 10/day uses, swift action.
Grapple (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialAttacks.htm#grapple). Anyone grappling has no Dex to AC against people (other than the one[s] he's grappling with).
Marbles (item, A&EG). Anyone without 5 ranks in balance (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/balance.htm) counts as flat-footed while making said checks.
Bluff (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/bluff.htm). Successful feint (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialAttacks.htm#feint) makes the target lose its Dex to AC against your next attack.
Neraph Camouflage (racial ability, PlH). Deny one target Dex to AC against a charge or a thrown weapon 1/target/encounter.
Sleight of Hand [Dagger Surprise] (skill, RC). Fight a target at least two rounds while having nothing in your other hand, then draw the dagger. The target will be flat-footed against your next attack with said dagger.