hawaiianbrian
First Post
I need some feedback on an optional rule I'm considering implementing. It would allow someone (of any class) to knock out a surprised enemy.
Knockout Blow: When you take the Knockout Blow action, you may bypass the hit points of your target by making a quick and unexpected attack. Select a target that has no reason to expect an attack from you (perhaps because they don't know you are there, trust you, believe you aren't a threat, etc.). If your first attack on that target hits, roll damage for your weapon. A critical hit does 2x damage as normal. The target then must make a Constitution saving throw with disadvantage, where the difficulty class is equal to your damage. Rogues may use their Sneak Attack ability with Knockout Blow only if their target is totally unaware of their presence and/or has no reasonable expectation of an attack from you. As usual, the DM is the final arbiter of when a target is subject to this action.
Thoughts? I know it's powerful, but the right circumstances for this action shouldn't come up too often. I picture it used against guards, thugs, or in cases of shocking betrayal (et tu, Bruté?). Perhaps a modification that the target must be lower level than you?
Knockout Blow: When you take the Knockout Blow action, you may bypass the hit points of your target by making a quick and unexpected attack. Select a target that has no reason to expect an attack from you (perhaps because they don't know you are there, trust you, believe you aren't a threat, etc.). If your first attack on that target hits, roll damage for your weapon. A critical hit does 2x damage as normal. The target then must make a Constitution saving throw with disadvantage, where the difficulty class is equal to your damage. Rogues may use their Sneak Attack ability with Knockout Blow only if their target is totally unaware of their presence and/or has no reasonable expectation of an attack from you. As usual, the DM is the final arbiter of when a target is subject to this action.
Thoughts? I know it's powerful, but the right circumstances for this action shouldn't come up too often. I picture it used against guards, thugs, or in cases of shocking betrayal (et tu, Bruté?). Perhaps a modification that the target must be lower level than you?