Can an Echo Knight Use Sneak Attack? A Deep Dive
The short answer, and perhaps surprisingly for some, is yes, an Echo Knight can utilize Sneak Attack. While the Echo Knight is not a Rogue, and Sneak Attack is primarily a Rogue ability, the mechanics of the Echo Knight’s Manifest Echo ability, combined with the core rules of Sneak Attack, create a scenario where the two can interact to deliver devastating results. This article will explore how this interaction works, and address many related questions about the Echo Knight and Sneak Attack.
Understanding the Core Mechanics
To fully grasp the interplay between an Echo Knight and Sneak Attack, it’s essential to understand each ability separately.
Echo Knight’s Manifest Echo
The Echo Knight, a Fighter subclass, gains the ability to manifest an echo of themselves as a bonus action. This echo is not a creature but rather an extension of the Echo Knight’s will. This is a key distinction. The echo can move independently and, crucially, “any attack you make with that action can originate from your space or the echo’s space.” This means that the fighter is not physically moving when using their echo’s position, the attack is still originating from them. This allows for some tricky positioning for combat advantage.
Rogue’s Sneak Attack
Sneak Attack is the Rogue’s signature ability, allowing them to deal extra damage once per turn. To trigger Sneak Attack, a rogue needs advantage on the attack roll, or if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it. The target must be a living creature that has vital organs. The attack must also use a finesse or ranged weapon.
How the Echo Knight Enables Sneak Attack
The magic happens when we combine these rules. An Echo Knight, perhaps multiclassed into Rogue or through the use of a feat or item that allows the use of sneak attack, can use their Echo’s position to satisfy a Sneak Attack condition even if the character is not physically flanking themselves.
Here’s the scenario:
- The Echo Knight places their echo in a position that satisfies the Sneak Attack requirements. This could mean positioning the echo so that the target is engaged in melee with another enemy, or if they can gain advantage some other way.
- The Echo Knight takes the Attack action.
- The Echo Knight makes an attack, using a finesse or ranged weapon, choosing to originate it from their echo’s space.
- Because the Echo Knight fulfills the criteria, their attack qualifies for Sneak Attack damage as the target is engaged with another enemy.
It’s important to note that even though the echo can be seen by the target, it does not count as an “ally” for the purposes of flanking rules or triggering Sneak Attack in place of a true ally. The Echo Knight is simply using the echo as a conduit to deliver their attack from a different space, benefiting from the positioning this creates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the mechanics of the Echo Knight and Sneak Attack interaction, and other related topics.
1. Can a non-Rogue use Sneak Attack?
Generally, no. Sneak Attack is exclusive to the Rogue class. However, multiclassing into Rogue or a feat or an item that allows it may allow characters of other classes to use it. The core damage scaling and primary requirement are tied to the Rogue class level.
2. Does the Echo Count as an Ally for Flanking?
No. The echo is a feature, not a creature or an ally. Therefore, it does not contribute to flanking mechanics that require the presence of an ally.
3. Does the Echo Knight benefit from Extra Attack?
Yes. At 5th level the Fighter gains the Extra Attack feature. An Echo Knight can use this to make two attacks per action, and can also use their Unleash Incarnation feature to make an additional attack.
4. How many attacks can an Echo Knight make?
An Echo Knight can make multiple attacks in a round. A level 5 fighter with the Echo Knight subclass, would be able to make two attacks from the Extra Attack class feature, with the option for a third through their Unleash Incarnation feature. This is in addition to additional attacks by means of other features such as Action Surge.
5. Does the Echo Knight’s echo take damage from spells like Fireball?
No. The Echo is not a creature or object, therefore, it cannot be harmed by a spell or effect that specifies “creatures” or “objects”.
6. Can I use Sneak Attack every turn?
Yes, if you fulfill the conditions for Sneak Attack each turn. However, you can only apply Sneak Attack damage once per turn, regardless of the number of qualifying attacks you make.
7. Does Sneak Attack apply to all attacks in a turn?
No. You can apply Sneak Attack damage to only one attack each turn, not all of them. This can be any attack that lands that turn and fits the Sneak Attack conditions.
8. Can the Echo Knight attack using a ranged weapon from their echo’s position?
Yes. The Echo Knight can attack with any weapon they are proficient with from the echo’s position. This includes ranged weapons.
9. Can the Echo Knight use Sentinel on their echo?
Yes. The Sentinel feat allows you to make opportunity attacks against a creature moving away from your echo. This allows you to control enemies near both you and your echo.
10. What weapons qualify for Sneak Attack?
Sneak Attack damage applies to attacks made with finesse weapons or ranged weapons. These weapons leverage dexterity for attack rolls.
11. Does the Monk’s unarmed strike count as a finesse weapon for Sneak Attack?
No. The Monk’s unarmed strike does not qualify as a finesse weapon, even though they can apply Dexterity to the attack and damage rolls. Therefore it can’t be used to trigger sneak attack by a class that does not have the monk’s unarmed strike feature.
12. What is a finesse weapon?
A finesse weapon is one that you can use your Dexterity modifier instead of your Strength modifier for the attack and damage rolls. Examples include daggers, rapiers, and shortswords.
13. Can an Echo Knight use spells from their echo’s space?
In general, no, using the Echo Knight feature to attack from the Echo’s position will not allow you to cast a spell from that position, unless you have the feature to attack and cast a cantrip at the same time. A Bladesinger/Echo Knight multiclass character, for example, can cast one cantrip from the echo’s position via the Bladesinger’s Extra Attack feature.
14. What race is a good choice for an Echo Knight?
Races that grant bonuses to Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution are good choices for Echo Knights. This makes Humans, Half-Orcs, Elves, and Dragonborn all viable options.
15. What creatures are immune to Sneak Attack?
Creatures that are not living, that lack vital organs, are immune to Sneak Attack. This includes undead, constructs, oozes, plants, and incorporeal creatures. Any creature that is immune to critical hits is also immune to Sneak Attacks.
Conclusion
The interaction between the Echo Knight and Sneak Attack is an interesting example of how the rules as written can combine to create surprising results. While not explicitly intended, the ability to attack from the echo’s position, combined with the mechanics of Sneak Attack, allows for a cunning and powerful character build. Understanding these interactions is crucial for maximizing the potential of these classes in your D&D campaigns. By using this information, you are now well equipped to make use of the Echo Knight’s powerful potential.