Vorpal trouble

[JIMBOTHEBLACK]

I have this problem, I'm putting my PC's up against a giant monster I created for the final battle in the campaign and my brother (whos PC has a vorpal greatsword) saw what I was putting him up against, he said he could just cut off the creatures head on a critical, I said he couldn't because the creatures neck is too big around, I mean It's like 8 feet thick and I said you could never cut through it in one swing. I also made the point that it's neck is like 60 feet in the air and he couldn't reach it, but he argued that it didn't matter because vorpal is a magic enhancement and magically cuts the head off the creature. maybe someone with experience in vorpal weapons can clear this up for me.

 

[Jdvn1]

The monster has to bend down to hit the PC, right? That's when he cuts his head off.

And I can slice a hot bastard sword through 16 feet of butter. Just imagine that's how the property works. After all, it's a +5 enhancement. That means the weapon costs at least 72,300gp, right? Right.

 

[domino]

The description for vorpal makes no discrimination for the size of a neck. And given that it's magical, the magic is what does most of the damage.

However, he won't cut the neck off on just any critical. He needs a natural twenty, and then confirm that. So you can't have your keen, vorpal, improved critical feated cuisinart. So it may be more difficult than he thought at first.

 

[Jdvn1]

However, he won't cut the neck off on just any critical. He needs a natural twenty, and then confirm that.

Good catch, I missed that.

 

[Endur]

If he can't reach the neck, he can't cut the head off.

But, if he can climb up or jump up or fly, or if the monster leans down to bite, then there you go.

 

[Crothian]

If he can't reach the neck, he can't cut the head off.

But, if he can climb up or jump up or fly, or if the monster leans down to bite, then there you go.

Well, the rules don't actually support that.

But it does say DM's can make judgement calls, so if he can't reach the head have him cut deep into the creature and have that kill it.

 

[R-Hero]

Whats the rule on Fortification Armor vs a Vorpal weapon.?

Vorpal=Dmg 3.0 says loss of head on a succesfull critical hit.

Fortification=produces magical force that protects vital areas. Chance of negating crits or sneak attacks. (Again 3.0 DM Guide)

Sounds like the monster in question should be wearing Heavy Fortification armor 100% and make it a moot point.
(+5 Fort bonus is equal to +5 vorpal enchantment.)

Thats the way I read it.

 

[Kashell]

Vorpal becomes a problem with alot of creatures too tall or too odd.

Half the game is the rules, and half is what the DM does with the rules. Never go against your word, but if you say that it doesn't work, then it doesn't.

 

[dcollins]

I said he couldn't because the creatures neck is too big around, I mean It's like 8 feet thick and I said you could never cut through it in one swing. I also made the point that it's neck is like 60 feet in the air and he couldn't reach it...

I agree with you. The 3.0 rules for vorpal had the following clause, which is exactly what you're talking about, but I believe it was removed in 3.5:

The DM may have to make judgment calls about this sword’s effect.

 

[shilsen]

I agree with you. The 3.0 rules for vorpal had the following clause, which is exactly what you're talking about, but I believe it was removed in 3.5:

Nope. It's still there in 3.5.