Ambush
Ambushing an opponent can be done in several different ways. Many take advantage of the element of surprise by combining Ambush with Stalking and Hiding, which can take a foe unawares and limit its ability to defend against a quick blow. Others utilize the skill in the open as a means of targeting their attacks. More training in the Ambush skill will allow a combatant to focus with ease on where his or her blows ought to land. High Agility and/or Dexterity will increase the speed of the ambush. More Ambushing skill relative to the target's level will result in decreased Defensive Strength (DS) for that target.
Ambushing from hiding is the ability to make a very precise attack, employing the element of surprise. To use the Ambush skill, approach a target undetected and strike before the quarry can react to defend or strike back. First HIDE, and then, while hidden, make an attack using one of the options detailed below. Enhanced skill in Ambush then modifies the attack by increasing the amount of damage on a successful hit. Training in Ambushing will increase the stance pushdown and critical weighting or damage weighting of an attack made from hiding or invisibility, but an attack made from hiding with a ranged weapon only gains the stance pushdown effect and not the added weighting.
Training in this skill also aids in aiming from an unhidden position when using the AMBUSH and WAYLAY verbs, or when using Ranged Weapons or Thrown Weapons.
Ranks and Training Costs
| Type | Square | Semi | Pure | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profession | Rogue | Warrior | Monk | Bard | Paladin | Ranger | Cleric | Empath | Savant | Sorcerer | Wizard |
| Max Ranks Per Level | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | 1 |
| Training Point Cost | 2/1 | 3/4 | 3/2 | 4/4 | 4/5 | 3/3 | 12/12 | 15/15 | - | 15/14 | 15/10 |
Different Ways to Ambush
Entering stealth:
It is also possible to use Invisibility (916), but in practice most creatures will be able to detect invisible player characters.
Attacking from stealth:
- ATTACK - defaults to AMBUSH mechanics when character is hiding
- AMBUSH - can be used in the open, without the critical weighting bonus
- WAYLAY
- FIRE - can be used in the open
- Silent Strike
- Cutthroat
- Subdue
In addition, many combat maneuvers have a bonus when initiated from stealth.