Ambush
A melee range combat maneuver used from hiding. Thief ambushes check the Stealth skill, the Backstab skill, the Debilitation skill, a weapon skill, and a SvS contest.
Originally the attack needed to be preceded by the AMBUSH command(e.g. AMBUSH SLICE), but now you just need to enter the desired attack and the game will default to Ambush if you're in hiding.
Thief Ambushes
Thieves have a number of special ambushes of their own. Most, however, don't work on flying targets. Ambush commands are listed with AMBUSH HELP.
AMBUSH STUN: Done from hiding, will attempt to give the opponent a nasty crack on the head that has the potential to knock them completely unconscious. Requires special equipment or a blunt instrument.
- Causes head damage and variable duration stun dependent on success. Can be performed with any melee weapon with at least fair impact damage and a strength check against the weight of the weapon, or with special brawling equipment sold in Thief shops. Uses the Power vs Fortitude stat contest and the skill of the weapon being used. Requires 25th circle, learned in Ratha.
AMBUSH SLASH: Done from hiding, will attempt to cut the back of the opponent's leg in order to keep them in place, and perhaps drop then to their knees. Requires a sharp instrument and possibly a great deal of strength.
- Prevents the target from retreating or moving for a short period along with dropping the target to their knees with a leg bleeder on top success. Uses the Finesse vs Reflex stat contest and the skill of the weapon being used. Requires at least top of the somewhat fair slice range on the weapon and a strength check against the weapon's weight, 39th circle, learned in Ratha.
AMBUSH CHOKE: Done from hiding, will attempt to throw dirt in at a target's nose and mouth, which can lessen their stamina if inhaled. If you're stealthy, you will vanish after the strike.
- Causes a hit to fatigue as well as a penalty to the target's stamina on top success. Uses the Finesse vs Fortitude stat contest and Light Thrown skill. Requires dirt, 2nd circle, learned in Crossings.
AMBUSH SCREEN: A technique to surround oneself with dirt, blinding and disorienting nearby foes, as well as revealing any who may be trying to lurk near you. If you're stealthy, you will vanish after the attack. Can be done in and out of hiding.
- Perception penalty and random roundtimes to all engaged targets on success. Can be used at pole range unlike other ambushes. Uses the Finesse vs Reflex stat contest and Light Thrown skill. Requires dirt, 30th circle, learned in Ratha.
AMBUSH CLOUT: An modified version of STUN, special training allows the skilled Thief to cause a loss of concentration without doing any physical damage to them. Requires an empty hand, and some skill at unarmed combat is advised.
- Causes loss of prepared spell and part of the targets concentration on success plus pulsing drain of concentration for a short period after. Uses the Finesse vs Will stat contest and Brawling skill. Requires 50th circle, all ambushes available before 50th, learned in Ain Ghazal.
AMBUSH IGNITE: Done from hiding, will attempt to douse and ignite naphtha on a target. Requires a sharp isntrument in your right hand, some naphtha in your left hand, and at least 1 coin on you to help with creating a spark.
- Lowers armor value by damaging armor, or causes physical damage to unarmored body parts. Target has to roll on the ground to extinguish flames. Uses the Finesse vs Reflex stat contest and Light Thrown skill. Requires 60th, learned in Shard.