Backstab

The code below was found in Dragon Age scripts combat_h_nns, in relation to backstabbing with a bow/arrow. Combat_CheckBackstab is *only* called here:

if ( nAttackType == ATTACK_TYPE_MELEE) { // - // If we are backstabbing, we change the result here if it // was a crit. Abilities never bs (anim priority) // - if ( nAbility == 0 && Combat_CheckBackstab(oAttacker, oTarget, oWeapon,fFlanking)) { nRet = COMBAT_RESULT_BACKSTAB; } }

I have read through more of the code and to summarize this is how it works:

- The attacker uses a melee weapon - The attacker is a rogue - The attacker is humanoid - Target is not immune to critical hits - Double strike mode is not enabled - The attack is flanking the enemy or the target is stunned or paralyzed
 * The damage effect of critical hits and backstabs are the same
 * If you hit then there is a percentage change of critical hit (which is 100% if you are in stealth and make a flanking attack). This can happen with both melee and ranged weapons, but the chance is reduced beyond the ranged weapon's effective range.
 * If you hit the the target and all of the following is true then a backstab will occur:

So to summarize: you can critical hit with a bow, but you cannot backstab with a bow. Also, worth noting is that rapid fire with a bow prevents critical hits.

Backstabbing with melee weapons other than swords, daggers, or other stabby-type weapons (e.g mace, hammer, etc.) has not been confirmed yet.

This was found in the Dragon Age Forums at http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/9/index/87104/1.