Rogues

[ZFR]

Originally posted by Mercc: I am using I believe +1 leather armor but what concerns me is that the button for special abilities is not highlighted meaning I have no special abilities and as far as I can tell, that is a special ability.

Sneak attack is a special ability but not all special abilities can be accessed through the special abilities button, some are applied automatically, like magic resistance (which is a "special ability" for drow).

Tell you what, test it on one of your own party members. Strip him of all armor and protection, stand behind him and attack, see if it works (save beforehand of course).
And you really don't have to be hidden in shadows.