crit multipliers and ... more multipliers?

[Bobbystopholes]

I have the same question as NZ. Is there an actual text for this? The wording is so different to me, that I'm not sure if I agree that it does.

 

[Crothian]

I double the damage. It's usually easier then getting all those dice.

 

[Negative Zero]

well if you double the damage (and yes i do mean IF), then it's not the same as a crit multiplier at all, is it. thoughts, comments, wild acusations?

 

[Negative Zero]

nothing to see here, *bump* along now...

 

[Dr. Zoom]

Double damage in D&D 3e means roll twice.

So when that 10d6 fireball hits the white dragon, and it fails its saving throw, roll 10d6 twice for damage.

 

[Negative Zero]

oh, got'cha
thanks Dr. Zoom!

~NegZ

 

[Bobbystopholes]

Dr. Zoom, where does it say that? I've read the books to look for it and it only says that for Crits. Is this just how you read it or is it the rule? It does say X2 damage, it says double damage. While I know it's semantics, it is still different.

 

[Artoomis]

MULTIPLYING
Sometimes a special rule makes you multiply a number or a die roll. As long as you’re applying a single multiplier, multiply the number normally. When two or more multipliers apply, however, combine them into a single multiple, with each extra multiple adding 1 less than its value to the first multiple. Thus, a double (x2) and a double (x2) applied to the same number results in a triple (x3, because 2 + 1 = 3).

and

Multiplying Damage
Sometimes a character multiplies damage by some factor, such as when a character scores a critical hit. Roll the damage (with all modifiers) multiple times and total the results.

That's from the SRD, similar quotes exist in the PHB. Note that critical hits are only one example of applying a multiplier.

Any questions?

 

[Dr. Zoom]

Yes, what Artoomis said.

If you carefully read "Multiplying" on page 275 of the PH, you will note that it is not just talking about crits. It even uses an example where the dwarven thrower says double damage. The procedure is to roll damage twice, not once and then double it. Then they combine this with a crit and blend them together the same way.

Spell damage works the same way, whether you get a crit with the spell or the creature is particularly vulnerable. For example, if you crit with a Melf's acid arrow, you roll 2d4 twice for the damage (in round one only). You do not roll 2d4 once and then double that result. This mechanic does not cease when you hit a white dragon with a fireball. If it fails, roll the damage twice.

The reason most of the examples given in the books uses crits is because that is when "double damage" mostly occurs. A crit is exactly that, double or triple or quadruple damage. And the way that works in 3rd edition is to roll the damage two, three, or four times.

 

[Bobbystopholes]

Perfect! That's what I like, page number proof. THANKS GUYS!