Criticals... How to maximize them

[SpikeyFreak]

Hmmm interesting remarks on burst effects. I wonder if there is a difference between the weapon's critical multiplier and the critical multiplier you get to apply on a critical hit due to other factors (Rhino Hide Armor, etc., etc.)

The actual language for burst effects is:

Well, it does say "weapon's multiplier."

Seems clear to me.

My only doubt would be about improved critical.

--Cocksure Spikey

 

[Artoomis]

Well, it does say "weapon's multiplier."

Seems clear to me.

My only doubt would be about improved critical.

--Cocksure Spikey

No, Improved Critical improves the threat range, not the weapons's critical multiplier. In fact, looking at it that way, I'm not sure ANYTHING actually changes a weapon's critical multiplier.

-- Accurate Artoomis

 

[Crothian]

I'd allow it for increases of the weapon multiplier through spells (and possible feats if that feat in MotW does what we think it does). But you don't get an extra 1d10 for the spirited charge. That's different then a crit multiplier.

 

[Artoomis]

I'd allow it for increases of the weapon multiplier through spells (and possible feats if that feat in MotW does what we think it does). But you don't get an extra 1d10 for the spirited charge. That's different then a crit multiplier.

?? How is Sprited Charge different from spells that multiply damage? They do the same thing - multiply damage.

Now something that ONLY modifies the critical multiplier, that would be worth considering.

 

[SpikeyFreak]

No, Improved Critical improves the threat range, not the weapons's critical multiplier. In fact, looking at it that way, I'm not sure ANYTHING actually changes a weapon's critical multiplier.

-- Accurate Artoomis

Ah yes, post while working, make stupid mistake.

I meant increased mulitplier. No really, I did.

--Lying Spikey

 

[Benben]

You're forgetting Weaponmaster.

No, Improved Critical improves the threat range, not the weapons's critical multiplier. In fact, looking at it that way, I'm not sure ANYTHING actually changes a weapon's critical multiplier.

-- Accurate Artoomis

That's why the example used a Weaponmaster who does have a class ability to improve the crit multiplier by one.

 

[Artoomis]

Re: You're forgetting Weaponmaster.

That's why the example used a Weaponmaster who does have a class ability to improve the crit multiplier by one.

Uh... right... I knew that.

But does that actually change the weapon's multiplier? I think it only changes how effective it is in the hands of the weapon master - the weapon's multipier is still the same - that is, if someone else picked it up, the multiplier would still be the weapon's , not the weapon masters.

Of course, I've never actually read the Weapon Master class, so I'm talking through my hat just a bit here.

I suppose if the Improved Multiplier feat lets you improve critical multiplier you'll have the same question - does that mean the weapon's multiplier is improved for the purposes of burst effects?

In other words, do the burst effects work differently if the weilder has some method on increasing the critical multiplier?

I think you could answer this question either way and have a good, solid rules-based argument behind you.

 

[SpikeyFreak]

I would be inclined to think that the ability actually increases the weapon's mult for the purposes of burst weapons.

Doesn't the ability say something like "the weapon's multiplier is increased by 1" or somesuch? Sounds like the weapons multiplier is increased.

--Guessticulating Spikey

 

[WaterRabbit]

Increased Multiplier

Increased Multiplier:
Determine the standard critical multiplier for your weapon of choice. With this ability, you can increase that multiplier by +1. For example, the longsword has a critical multiplier of x2. Using this ability, you can increase that multiplier to x3 (2+1=3) once per day at 2nd level. You must declare the use of this ability before you roll any damage dice.

Of course this is from S&F, so once the R&D group revisit this Class Feature, it might change.

 

[SpikeyFreak]

Okay, so we have:

If the weapon’s critical multiplier is x3, add +2d10 points of bonus fire damage instead, and if the multiplier is x4, add +3d10 points of bonus fire damage.

and

With this ability, you can increase that multiplier by +1. For example, the longsword has a critical multiplier of x2.

It increases the weapons multiplier, and the burst affect is based off the weapon multiplier, so they work together.

--Player-Friendly Spikey