Can a Rogue Hide after Attacking?
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, the Rogue is a sneaky and stealthy class that excels at hiding and striking from the shadows. But what happens when a Rogue attacks and then tries to hide? Can they still successfully hide, or do they have to wait until their next turn?
The Short Answer
According to the official D&D 5th Edition rules, a Rogue can make a bonus action to Dash, Disengage, or Hide (PHB 96). This means that if a Rogue attacks and then wants to hide, they must first Disengage from the combat before they can Hide.
The Long Answer
Let’s break down the relevant rules and mechanics to understand the situation better.
Hiding
Hiding is a special ability that allows a creature to blend into its surroundings and avoid being detected. To hide, a creature must make a Dexterity (Stealth) check, and the DM determines whether they succeed or not. Hiding ends if the creature is discovered, makes an attack, or comes out of hiding and approaches a creature.
Disengaging
Disengaging is a bonus action that allows a creature to end its turn and move up to its speed. When a creature disengages, it can move up to its speed and leave the combat area. Disengaging does not interrupt the creature’s turn, and it can still perform other actions on its turn.
Attacking
Attacking is a main action that allows a creature to deal damage to an enemy. When a creature attacks, it must spend its action to make the attack.
The Combination
Now, let’s put these actions together. If a Rogue attacks and then wants to hide, it must first Disengage from the combat before it can Hide. This means that the Rogue must end its turn and move up to its speed before it can attempt to hide.
Example Scenario
Here’s an example scenario to illustrate the situation:
A Rogue is in combat with an enemy and attacks with its short sword. On its next turn, the Rogue wants to hide behind a nearby pillar. However, before it can hide, it must Disengage from the combat by moving up to its speed. The Rogue moves 20 feet away from the enemy and ends its turn. On its next turn, the Rogue can then attempt to hide behind the pillar by making a Dexterity (Stealth) check.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Rogue can hide after attacking, but only if it first Disengages from the combat. This means that the Rogue must end its turn and move up to its speed before it can attempt to hide. Remember to follow the official D&D 5th Edition rules and mechanics to ensure a fun and balanced game.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure to communicate with your DM and fellow players to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
- Use your surroundings to your advantage when hiding. Look for objects or features that can help you blend in and avoid detection.
- Consider using your bonus action to Dash or Disengage before attempting to hide. This can help you gain more distance and make it harder for your enemies to detect you.
- Don’t forget to make your Dexterity (Stealth) check to see if you successfully hide. The DM will determine whether you succeed or not based on your roll and the circumstances.
References
- Player’s Handbook (PHB) 96
- Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Core Rulebook
I hope this article has helped clarify the rules and mechanics of hiding after attacking as a Rogue. Remember to always follow the official D&D 5th Edition rules and have fun playing the game!