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Reading Topic: Power of called shots
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dekrass
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Location: middle of nowhere, KY
Joined Date: September 18 2004, 08:52
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Power of called shots
I have been using Torn Asunder for a couple months now, and it's a great book.
The only problem I have is that called shots seem a little too good. Since the effects of a critical increase on another critical, two called shots to the torso means death. I've been considering houseruling it by not allowing the affects to increase, but I'm not sure.
Any thoughts or advice on this would be appreciated.
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01-25-05 01:54:32 |
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Rookspire
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Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Joined Date: April 24 2002, 21:57
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Critical Inquiry
If you are referring to the fact that two separate successful called shots (moderate critical effects) to the torso stack up to create a serious critical effect, then you are correct. If the target is struck by two attacks that are that deadly accurate, then they should be pushing up daisies.
The question that comes to my mind is “Why are there so many successful Called Shots in my campaign?” There are enough restrictions to making a called shot that only in ideal circumstances can they be attempted. If your PCs can take the time to make a called shot in two consecutive rounds (i.e. target not moving more than 5ft., making their Concentration checks AND avoiding Attacks of Opportunity), then I would think that they are not being challenged enough. Called Shots, or any other combat rules for that matter, can only be abused by the players if the DM allows it.
Of course, that’s just my humble opinion. I hope you agree.
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Kevin Ruesch
PC/DM/freelancer (not nessessarily in that order)
"I've read dozens of books
about heroes and crooks
and I've learned much from both of their styles."
- Jimmy Buffett
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01-26-05 11:50:02 |
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dekrass
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Posts: 7
Location: middle of nowhere, KY
Joined Date: September 18 2004, 08:52
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Getting the enemy to stay still isn't too hard once you're in melee, because you get cut down by attacks of opportunity. The main trouble I have is with humanoid opponents, because they generally have worse AC than monsters. Most NPC's don't have magic to enhance their AC, so a -3 isn't that bad.
I 'm also running a campaign right now with more rare magic than normal, so the PC's AC is a little low. If I use tactics to be lethal, an encounter with thugs in a town would be a TPK.
If you have weapon focus you don't need concentrate.
If you're not threatened by other enemies there are no attacks of opportunity.
If you outnumber your opponent he has a hard time moving.
These situations really come up in favor of NPC's more often than for the PC's.
Whenever you bring the combat down to one-on-one it makes since to go for a called shot to the torso. It's just a -3.
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01-26-05 16:45:13 |
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Rookspire
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Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Joined Date: April 24 2002, 21:57
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My eyes are opened.
I think I see where this is going. First off, chainmail shirts and breastplates can help with the AC problem. But the real problem is the improper use of the Called Shot.
Although not specifically stated in Torn Asunder, Called Shots are supposed to be reserved for inflicting a specific effect (not to be confused with a critical effect). Aim for the ear to deafen, the eye to blind, the hamstring to slow the target down, that sort of thing. The Called Shot rule was never intended as just another way to inflict damage.
So I my opinion, the only reason to target the torso for a Called Shot would be to pierce the heart of a vampire with a wood arrow, something along those lines. Since that is not the case, as DM, I would rule that Called Shots cannot be used in such a way. In essence, Called Shots are just as much a role playing tool as they are a combat tool, to enhance the realism of the battle. If not used sparingly, they lose their luster.
Good Luck!
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_________________________
_________________________________________
Kevin Ruesch
PC/DM/freelancer (not nessessarily in that order)
"I've read dozens of books
about heroes and crooks
and I've learned much from both of their styles."
- Jimmy Buffett
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01-27-05 09:19:41 |
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dekrass
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Posts: 7
Location: middle of nowhere, KY
Joined Date: September 18 2004, 08:52
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Quote:Originally posted by Rookspire
Although not specifically stated in Torn Asunder, Called Shots are supposed to be reserved for inflicting a specific effect (not to be confused with a critical effect). Aim for the ear to deafen, the eye to blind, the hamstring to slow the target down, that sort of thing. The Called Shot rule was never intended as just another way to inflict damage.
So I my opinion, the only reason to target the torso for a Called Shot would be to pierce the heart of a vampire with a wood arrow, something along those lines. Since that is not the case, as DM, I would rule that Called Shots cannot be used in such a way. In essence, Called Shots are just as much a role playing tool as they are a combat tool, to enhance the realism of the battle. If not used sparingly, they lose their luster.
Good Luck!
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That is exactly my problem. I was looking into altering the way some of the rules work instead of telling my players they can't do it. I'm probably going to take out the critical damage and get just the effects.
Thanks for the input.
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01-27-05 17:35:56 |
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