Called Shots?

[Jeph]

Are you familiar with GnG (aka, Grim Grit [aka, Grim n Gritty HP System])?
It has a section on Called Shots in the back; they're designed for use with GnG, but they can be used with light modifications with VP/WP or HP. Also, GnG has plenty of merits, and it's own unique feel. (it's a .pdf)
I'll email it to anyone who wants it.

PS: Now that Sleeping Imperium is down, it's even MORE fun to pimp Ken's stuff!

 

[hong]

Are you familiar with GnG (aka, Grim Grit [aka, Grim n Gritty HP System])?
It has a section on Called Shots in the back; they're designed for use with GnG, but they can be used with light modifications with VP/WP or HP.

GnG is a whole different kettle of fish, so much so that I question whether anything designed for it can be used with anything else.

 

[Jolly Giant]

Called shots (melee or ranged) are VERY powerful stuff if brought to their logical conclusion! If a fighter has this option, he'd most likely aim for the neck every time which means a hit pretty much means instant kill. This might well add realism to your game, but I don't see it doing much for gameplay...

Personally, I don't allow called shots in my game, but if you're gonna allow it, at least give a -10 penalty to the attack roll and make Improved Critical a prerequisite!

 

[Geoff Watson]

These feats are much better than Power Attack. Power attack is fairly weak, but a -10 to hit for +20-40 damage (about average for a mid-level fighter - more if you min-max) is probably a bit too good, not to mention the impossible-save-DC crippling or amputating.

Geoff.

 

[the Jester]

Good lord!

WAY too much imho.

I have Called Shot as a feat in my game, with the effects being a -2 to use the body part that you hit...

CALLED SHOT (General, Fighter)
You can place your shot on your foe’s body.
Prerequisite: Sneak Attack +3d6
Benefit: When you successfully sneak attack someone you may choose to take a -2 circumstance penalty to your attack roll and to give up 3d6 sneak attack damage to inflict a penalty to use one chosen body part (one arm or leg, head, or body). If you inflict damage equal to the target’s constitution score you cause a -2 circumstance penalty to all actions taken with that body part. This penalty lasts until the damage is healed. (See the DMG for information on damaging specific body parts.)
Special: A rogue can take Called Shot as a high-level special ability.

I think an auto crit with the possibility off lopping off limbs is way too much, especially given the light prereqs you put on it. Compare it to power critical (auto crit on a hit, only once per day). Look at the relatively low ACs of lots of tougher-monsters...

A good rule of thumb on feats is, if everyone would take it (or even almost everyone) it's too good. If I played in a game with those feats every character I had would eventually take them. -10 to hit for an instant kill? (After all, if your foe can't walk he's as good as dead; if he can't use his weapon or cast spells he's as good as dead; if he's decapitated, he's prolly already dead.)

Just my opinion.