knock outs

[jester47]

Is there a mechanic for a character that wants to knock someone out?

But now that I think about it, most of the guards that players would want to knock out have less than 10 hp. So it would not be that big of a deal anyways.

Aaron.

 

[Darklone]

Sneak attack for subdual damage with sap will knock many NPCs out.

 

[kreynolds]

I allow CDGs to deal subdual damage at the user's behest.

 

[Kae'Yoss]

You could say that nonlethal damage that goes across the massive damage threshold will require a fort save or you're unconscious (maybe get lonlethal damage equal to your HP + 10)

 

[jester47]

Sneak attack for subdual damage with sap will knock many NPCs out.

But what about the pommel of say a fighter's sword as he sneaks from guard to guard? Granted, it might be assumed that he has a rogue level or two, and get the sneak attack bonus. At level 1 he doesn't get squat, and has to make his attacks at -4. (but if he hits, the guys going down...)

Still, it seems strange to me that they have not created a clear mechanic for it. Also, there is the surprise round when the fighter makes his attack, so if he snuck up on the guard he essentially get a shot at the guard who is FF. So even a fighter could deliver 2d8 worth of damage before the guard can call for help. (on average thats 9 points. Enough to drop most guards that are pretty much innocent.

kreynolds- what is a CDG?

Aaron.

 

[kreynolds]

kreynolds- what is a CDG?

Coup de grace.

 

[jester47]

Coup de grace.

Oh yeah. Thats a good idea. I will add that to my house rules.
Ho hum guard you can knock out. Hero level folk you have to tie up, then whack up side the head.

Aaron.

 

[Majoru Oakheart]

There is no clear mechanic for it because D&D is a heroic game. They didn't want to put in any rule that could reduce someone with a lot of hitpoints to helplessness in one shot or very few shots. Because, although you may want something like this to knockout NPCS, if it was in the game, DMs would start using it on players.

"Oh ya, you may be a 20th level barbarian, but I hit you in the head with my knockout feat. Now that you are unconscious, I CDG you and you are dead."

Majoru Oakheart

 

[Darklone]

Granted, a lvl20 rogue may perhaps knock a lvl20 fighter out (barbarians are more difficult due to Uncanny Dodge and DR), if he takes him by surprise and wins initiative...

Gives me a funny picture, a lean dude with a socket full of sand bashing repeatedly on the fighter in full armour till that one drops slowly to the floor...

My problem is: Only the rogue can do that.

 

[isoChron]

I always wondered how the rogue will use the sap to full effect on a helmet wearing guy ... "Bang Bang Bang".
Like the movies where the girl first lifts the helmet of her amazed opponent and then hits with the "frying pan of impact +3" ?
That would take 2 rounds in my book ... Surprise to lift the helmet (if possible) and win the initiative to hit the head of the poor guard.
Very cineastic but possible in D&D ??

BYE