While reading this question: Can a Barbarian/Rogue Sneak Attack during a Rage? it made me think, Is there a "mundane" way to avoid sneak attack?
Sneak Attack works when a rogue: "can catch an opponent when he is unable to defend himself effectively from her attack.." So my thinking is this..If I am flanked by say a fighter and a rogue, can I completely ignore the fighter behind me, effectively making me flatfooted against just the fighter to concentrate ONLY on the rogue..this would me me able to "defend effectively from her attack."
I know this has got to be one of the most ineffective ways to negate it but it should work..a less deadly option would be to replace the fighter with a wizard (as far as flatfooted AC next to an enemy goes).
Thoughts?
Best Answer
What you are talking about is combat facing variant, which indeed allows to turn your back to the fighter and not fear the sneak attack from the rogue. There is no such option in the standard rules.
Otherwise, seek cover (tower shield, preferrably animated), concealment (if Tome of Battle is mundane enough for you), uncanny dodge or any protection from critical hits (not that it can be obtained in mundane ways, though).