Can you flank with an invisible creature?

Can You Flank with an Invisible Creature?

Flanking is a crucial tactic in combat, allowing players to gain advantage on attack rolls and increase their chances of success. But what happens when the creature you’re trying to flank is invisible? Can you still use flanking to your advantage? In this article, we’ll explore the rules surrounding invisible creatures and flanking in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th edition.

The Basic Rule

The core rulebook states that you can flank an enemy only if you and an ally can both threaten the same space as the enemy (Player’s Handbook, p. 189). But what happens when the enemy is invisible? Does the invisibility prevent you from flanking them?

Invisibility and Flanking

The answer is no. Invisibility does not prevent you from flanking an enemy. According to the Player’s Handbook (p. 189), you can flank an enemy regardless of whether they can see you or not. As long as you and an ally can both threaten the same space as the invisible enemy, you can use flanking to gain advantage on your attack roll.

But What About Concealment?

You might be thinking, "Wait, doesn’t the enemy’s invisibility also grant them concealment?" And you’re right. Invisibility does provide concealment, which makes it harder for enemies to attack you. But this concealment doesn’t prevent you from flanking them. You can still use your senses (such as hearing or smell) to locate the invisible enemy and threaten the same space as your ally.

Additional Factors to Consider

While invisibility doesn’t prevent you from flanking an enemy, there are some additional factors to consider:

• Invisibility duration: If the invisible creature’s invisibility is set to expire soon, it may be worth waiting for it to become visible before attempting to flank.
• Enemy movement: If the invisible enemy is moving, it may be harder to pinpoint their location and flank them.
• Your ally’s abilities: Your ally’s abilities and senses can affect their ability to flank the invisible enemy. For example, if your ally has darkvision or is using a magical means to see through the invisibility, they may be able to flank the enemy more effectively.

Invisible Creatures and Opportunity Attacks

Another important consideration is opportunity attacks. When an enemy becomes visible, you can make an opportunity attack against them. But what about when the enemy is invisible? Can you make an opportunity attack against them?

The answer is no. According to the Player’s Handbook (p. 195), you can’t make an opportunity attack against an enemy that you can’t see. However, as we discussed earlier, you can still flank the invisible enemy and gain advantage on your attack roll.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can flank with an invisible creature in D&D 5th edition. The invisibility doesn’t prevent you from using flanking to gain advantage on your attack roll. However, you should consider additional factors such as the duration of the invisibility, enemy movement, and your ally’s abilities when attempting to flank an invisible creature. Remember to always consult the core rulebook and other official sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the rules.

Additional Resources

For more information on flanking, invisibility, and other combat mechanics, be sure to check out the official D&D 5th edition core rulebook, as well as online resources such as the D&D Wiki and the official D&D forums.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use magic to see through the invisibility and flank the enemy?
A: Yes, if you have access to magic that allows you to see through the invisibility, you can use it to flank the enemy.

Q: Can I flank an invisible creature even if I can’t see them?
A: Yes, as long as you and an ally can both threaten the same space as the invisible enemy, you can use flanking to gain advantage on your attack roll.

Q: What if the invisible creature becomes visible during combat?
A: If the invisible creature becomes visible during combat, you can make an opportunity attack against them. However, if you were attempting to flank them before they became visible, you will no longer be able to flank them.

References

• Player’s Handbook (p. 189, 195)
• Monster Manual (p.???)
• Dungeon Master’s Guide (p.???)