Can you flank an invisible creature Pathfinder?

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Yes, you can flank an invisible creature in Pathfinder, as the rules for flanking do not require the creature to be visible, but rather that it is threatened by another enemy character or creature on its opposite border or opposite corner. The ability to flank is determined by the creature’s position and the positioning of its allies, not by its visibility, making it possible to gain a flanking bonus even when the creature is invisible.

Understanding Flanking and Invisibility

To fully comprehend the relationship between flanking and invisibility in Pathfinder, it’s essential to delve into the specifics of both concepts.

Flanking Basics

Flanking in Pathfinder occurs when a creature and at least one of its allies are adjacent to an enemy and on opposite sides or corners of the enemy’s space. This positioning grants a +2 flanking bonus to melee attack rolls against the enemy, providing a significant tactical advantage.

Invisibility Basics

Invisibility makes a creature undetectable by vision, including darkvision. However, it does not make the creature immune to critical hits or opportunity attacks by itself. Instead, it affects how creatures can interact with the invisible creature, particularly in terms of targeting it with attacks or spells.

FAQs about Flanking and Invisibility

1. Can you target an invisible creature with spells in Pathfinder? You cannot target a creature you cannot see with most spells, unless the spell specifically allows for it or you have a means of detecting the creature without relying on sight.

2. What are the rules for invisibility in Pathfinder? Invisibility makes a creature undetectable by vision. It does not make a creature immune to critical hits but does make it immune to extra damage from being a ranger’s favored enemy and from sneak attacks.

3. Can invisible creatures grant flanking? Yes, invisible creatures can grant flanking as long as they are in a position to threaten the enemy and are considered allies to the other attacker.

4. Does guiding bolt negate invisibility? Guiding bolt can target an invisible creature, but it does not negate the effects of invisibility for the creature’s next actions.

5. Does blindsight bypass invisibility? Yes, blindsight allows a creature to sense its surroundings without relying on vision, effectively bypassing the effects of invisibility.

6. How to deal with invisibility in Pathfinder? To deal with invisibility, use abilities that do not require sight, such as blindsight or truesight, or use spells and abilities that can reveal invisible creatures.

7. Can you hit an invisible creature? Attacks against invisible creatures are at disadvantage unless the attacker can sense the creature through means other than sight.

8. Can familiars flank in Pathfinder? Yes, a small familiar can flank if it is in the right position and is considered armed, allowing it to make melee attacks.

9. Does grease break invisibility in Pathfinder? Grease does not break invisibility if used on the ground, but it can break invisibility if used on an attended weapon, as this is considered a direct attack.

10. Can dispel magic remove invisibility? Yes, dispel magic can remove the effects of invisibility spells, potentially revealing the invisible creature.

11. Does grapple break invisibility in Pathfinder? Yes, attempting to grapple an invisible creature breaks its invisibility, as grapple is considered an attack action.

12. What actions break invisibility in Pathfinder? Invisibility breaks if the subject attacks any creature or casts a spell that includes a foe, but not if the subject performs non-hostile actions.

13. Does summoning break invisibility in Pathfinder? No, summoning a creature does not break invisibility, as it is not considered a hostile action against a foe.

14. Can you flank with a bow in Pathfinder? Yes, archers can flank and receive the flanking bonus, as flanking is determined by position, not by the type of attack being made.

15. Can you flank with someone who is grappled? Yes, a grappled creature can threaten and thus contribute to flanking if it has a means to make melee attacks, such as wielding a one-handed weapon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, flanking an invisible creature in Pathfinder is indeed possible and can provide significant tactical advantages. Understanding the nuances of both flanking and invisibility rules is crucial for effective strategy and gameplay. By leveraging the flanking bonus and utilizing abilities that counter or reveal invisibility, players can effectively counter invisible enemies and gain the upper hand in combat scenarios.