User:Teh Storm/Superior Critical (3.5e Variant Rule)
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Superior Critical[edit]
As the rules are written, we all roll a second time to confirm a critical hit, but what does this add? As written, the chances of succeeding on a critical hit actually decrease. But in my games, there is potential. What if, as you rolled a second time, another 20 came up?
Vanilla Superior Critical[edit]
On a natural 20 on a critical confirmation roll, a weapon does its damage multiplier squared in damage. For example, a superior critical with a longsword deals damage x4, while a great axe deals damage x9. Really simple, but deadly.
Important Note: do NOT under any circumstances figure threat range beyond 20 in the confirmation roll. This is important, as then the rapier and its cousins will become the deadliest weapons in the game! I also recommend using Failtacular in addition to this variant, as by itself this rule can result in crying players weeping for their instantly slain players with no chance of karmic justice. This is what happened to my group.
Hit Location Based Superior Critical[edit]
This is the version I use for Large or smaller targets, because my group rolls for hit location anyway. (As a side note, Huge and larger monsters have been divided into sections in my campaigns, thus use the previous rule for being hit.)
Just roll a d12- 1 is a head shot, 2-3 are the arms, 4-5 are the hands, 6-7 are the legs, 8-9 are the feet, 10 is the chest, 11 is the stomach, 12 is a full body assault. Then I consult the table.
| Die Result |
Hit Location |
Normal | Critical | Superior Critical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Head | Dazed | Stunned | Coup De Grace |
| 2,3 | Arm | none | none | Severed, Critical Damage² |
| 4,5 | Hand | none | none | Severed, Critical Damage |
| 6,7 | Leg | none | none | Severed, Critical Damage² |
| 8,9 | Foot | none | none | Severed, Critical Damage |
| 10 | Chest | none | dazed | Critical Damage² |
| 11 | Stomach | none | dazed | Critical Damage² |
| 12 | Full Body | Dazed | Stunned | Coup De Grace |
Also under this variant, the Vorpal trait is changed.
- Vorpal- A weapon with this quality that succeeds on a critical hit determines the effects and damage as a superior critical. This quality can only be placed on a slashing weapon.
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