A question about rogues

[Calin]

Apologies if this has been answered before (I'm sure it has) but I couldn't find it.

In 3.5, does a rogue's backstab apply to every attack (hit) or just the first attack (or first successful hit)? Or, like if a rogue duel wields, does it apply to each attack made? (I'm familiar with "when" to apply backstab damage, flanking or flat-footed ect., just not if it can be applied more than once).

Thanks in advance.

[JaronK]

Every attack roll.

This is why rogues are one of the few classes where wielding two weapons is actually a good idea compared to wielding one big one.

JaronK

[cupkeyk]

That is assuming all attacks meet the requirements: you are flanking an opponent, they are denied their dex bonus to AC. Which is why it is easier to go melee rogue than ranged rogue.

[oriong]

Do keep in mind that it's possible to be in a situation where this isn't the case because the target is no longer treated as flat footed after the first attack. Invisibility for instance, or attacks from hiding (I believe)

[Calin]

Thanks guys. Solved a debate we'd been having for almost two days.

[MeklorIlavator]

Remember, if you make a touch / ranged touch attack with a spell, you may also apply sneak attack. Therefore, the best way to put it is that sneak attack may be applied once per attack roll where the target is flatfooted, flanked , or otherwise would lose their dex-bonus to this attack, sneak attack may be applied as long as the attack results in damage, ability damage, or energy drain.

Opps, I knew that, but forgot to write it in.

[Douglas]

An attack roll isn't quite enough for a spell to qualify for sneak attack, you also have to be dealing damage, ability damage, or energy drain.

[jt_caban]

Of course...as a rogue, you should have no problem bluffing them to flat-footed everytime. It is one of the bonuses of the bluff skill.
Giant Orges always zig when they should have zagged.

[Fireball.Man.Guy.]

If I have a spell that does 1d4 Con drain, and a 6d6 SA bonus, does it do 1d4+6d6 Con, of 1d4 Con and 6d6 hp?

[Rigeld2]

1d4 Con and 6d6 hp

[NullAshton]

Of course...as a rogue, you should have no problem bluffing them to flat-footed everytime. It is one of the bonuses of the bluff skill.
Giant Orges always zig when they should have zagged.

What a lot of people don't know is that the person that is the target of the feint gets to add their base attack bonus to their roll. Thus, it doesn't work as much as you think it does.


If I have a spell that does 1d4 Con drain, and a 6d6 SA bonus, does it do 1d4+6d6 Con, of 1d4 Con and 6d6 hp?

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20040309a

As according to that, if it deals ability damage, then the extra sneak attack damage is negative energy. Thus, it would do 1d4 of constitution drain, and 6d6 of negative energy damage.

[Rigeld2]

An Ogres BAB is only 3. Not going to make that much of a difference.

[Douglas]

Actually, by RAW ability drain is not on the list of things caused by weaponlike spells so you'd get 1d4 con drain and no sneak attack.

[jt_caban]

Just gotta work that bluff like crazy. Of course it doesn't hurt to flank or use other roguelike trickery to gain some advantage.