BACKSTAB

BACKSTAB

Level:     T1                            Cost:      none
Target:    one monster                   When:      non-combat
Delay:     three combat rounds           Duration:  n/a

Effect:    The backstab skill allows thieves to silently approach a target
from behind and inflict a single attack where it will do the
most possible damage.  A stabbing weapon, such as a dagger,
must be wielded to use this skill.

Damage from backstab works as a simple modifier based on level.

Level 1-2:      1x
Level 3-8:      2x
Level 9-13:     3x
Level 14-17:    4x
Level 18-23:    5x
Level 24-30:    6x

The chance of a successful backstab depends on the thief's level
of mastery in the skill.  Success for backstabbing sleeping
characters is automatic and carries an additional damage
bonus.  When the backstabber's dex is over 18, there is a
chance that backstab lag will be reduced; that chance increases
with each additional point of dex.

Usage:     backstab <victim>

See also:  Circle

For example, you have a 30 lev, 50 +DAM bonus Thief, wielding a 4D7 +4 (avg. 20 dam) stabber, you're dropping between 800-1000 (70 x 6 x ~2.5) raw damage on average per BACKSTAB. (Note: you get an additional damage bonus for attacking a sleeping mob.)