A Five Foot Vorpal Sword vs A Ten Foot Neck

[Olgar Shiverstone]

Since the mechanics are just a way of keeping the game simple, one attack roll doesn't have to equal one sword stroke. The successful vorpal strike might be the culmination of a series of blows that result in the decapitation of the opponent ... which we simulate in the game with a single die roll.

 

[TarionzCousin]

Absolutely. I'd even let them if they were a halfling armed with a vorpal sword fighting a 30' giant.

What if it were a normal person armed with a 30' vorpal halfling?

Is this a first ever on EN World where numerous, multiple respondents have all essentially agreed?

Not quite. It happens occasionally that every single respondent disagrees with the OP.

 

[Stormonu]

0E, 1E, 2E, BECMI; It's one minute of combat - plenty of time for multiple swings, feints and the like.

3E & 4E; It's 6 seconds, I don't see it unreasonable as getting a couple swings in.

Besides, one only need sever the portion containing the spinal cord to be effective. Or the jugular. Or the windpipe. Or... well, you get the idea.

 

[buddhafrog]

should I feel shame for not knowing what a vorpal sword is? I've heard the term (and "the vorpal network" of podcasts) and could easily look it up, but people need some mysteries in their lives.

 

[Umbran]

What if it were a normal person armed with a 30' vorpal halfling?

Dude, intelligent weapons are bad enough, but a halfling? One with (obviously) an especially sharp tongue, and no more self-esteem issues about height?

I'd not wish that on a demon prince!

should I feel shame for not knowing what a vorpal sword is?

No, just chagrin that you slept through your English class.

Jabberwocky, by Lewis Caroll

 

[DumbPaladin]

should I feel shame for not knowing what a vorpal sword is? I've heard the term (and "the vorpal network" of podcasts) and could easily look it up, but people need some mysteries in their lives.

I cannot address the shame/no shame issue, but vorpal is a +5 weapon enhancement for slashing weapons only that severs the opponent's head on a roll of natural 20 and a confirmation of the critical hit.

 

[Coldwyn]

Gnome: I stab the giant king in the ankle, because that's all I can reach.
Gnome:*rolls* Critical hit!
DM: The giant king's head pops off.
Gnome: Woot! QUOTE]

Gnome: I stab the giant king in the ankle, because that´s all I can reach.
Gnome:*rolls* Critical hit!
DM: The giant king bows to to rub his ankle and yell "WTF!" at you.
Gnome: Ah, my cunning strategy worked, I lob his head off.
DM: The now beheaded body of the giant king slowly kollapses on his knees, then very slowly topples over. The giant king seems to mumble "FML" bevor his eyes finally break.

 

[Aran Thule]

What if it were a normal person armed with a 30' vorpal halfling?

I see your vorpal halfling and i raise you!
One vorpal bunny with nasty big pointy teethies

 

[Man in the Funny Hat]

Does it matter? If the character cuts through 5 feet of neck out of a 10 foot diameter neck the dragon will be just as dead.

If you cut halway through a person's or an animal's neck death won't be far behind....

Tell that to The Kurgon...

 

[Orius]

Belated, but I have to agree with the "it's magic" camp.

Still, it takes skill to wield the fickle fairies so adeptly. Almost as much skill as to wield a vorpal sword.

Not if you know what you're doing!




And yes I did that all by hand.