Backstab command

Backstab
Activates the Thief-only Blindside ability, making a high-damage melee attack from hiding. BACKSTAB is an alias for BLINDSIDE.
BACKSTAB (successful attempt) You see: You slip out of concealment and thrust at <target>! You see: You slip out of concealment and slice at <target>! You see: You slip out of concealment and blindside <target>! BACKSTAB (not concealed) You see: You must be hidden to blindside. BACKSTAB (not standing) You see: You'll need to stand up first. BACKSTAB (not at melee range) You see: It would help if you were closer to <target>. BACKSTAB (no weapon held) You see: With your bare hands? BACKSTAB (wrong weapon type) You see: Blindsiding is much more effective when you use a melee weapon. You see: This type of weapon is entirely unsuitable for blindsiding. BACKSTAB (not a Thief) You see: The best you could do is political backbiting.

Syntax

• BACKSTAB

Attack the enemy already engaged at melee range, or default to a new enemy.

• BACKSTAB <target>

Attack the indicated enemy.

• BACKSTAB HELP

Display basic help.

• BACKSTAB HELP FULL

Display expanded help.

Game Helpfile

BACKSTAB launches an attack against an enemy.
BACKSTAB                         Attack enemy already engaged, or default to new.
BACKSTAB <enemy>          Attack indicated enemy.
BACKSTAB HELP               Basic HELP
BACKSTAB HELP FULL     Expanded HELP

Requirements

BACKSTAB is restricted to Thief characters. It invokes the Blindside ability and has the same requirements: the attacker must be standing, concealed, and at melee range with the target, with a suitable melee weapon in the right hand. Light and medium edged and blunt weapons are supported; an unsuitable weapon is refused. The attack breaks concealment.

Notes

• In 2018, Blindside replaced the former Backstab ability. The BACKSTAB command remains as an alias and performs a Blindside attack.
• A medium weapon may produce the warning Your <weapon> is a little awkward, but usable. before the attack continues.
• Expanded help states that the maneuver temporarily penalizes all defenses and is equally suited to evasion, parry, and shield defenses.

See Also

• Blindside
• Backstab skill
• HIDE

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