Vorpal Weapons size limit ?

[Rashak Mani]

I cant find a reference I thought existed that a vorpal weapon can only cut off stuff from a size category one larger than the weapon or something like that... Medium weapons can cut head of a large but not a huge creature... can anyone indicate if their is such a restriction or am I remembering some kind of house ruling someone mentioned ?

 

[Crothian]

Another "size doesn't matter" bit.

There is no such restriction that I know of. You're right there should be, but I've yet to see an official one.

 

[saduff]

Well think about this...If you had large monster with a thick neck and a little sword would not have the the length to cut completely through the neck. Vice versa if you had a large sword the blade might be as thick as the persons head and neck combined.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

The only thing the DMG says on page 187 under the Vorpal description which might apply is:

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

I would say that if you cannot reach the head of your foe, you certainly cannot cut it off. Also, if your weapon is not large enough to cut off the head of your foe (like the head of a great wyrm, for instance) then you cannot cut it off. Sneak attacks are adjudicated in this manner at times. The rogue must be able to see and reach vital areas. Thus a halfling rogue cannot ordinarily sneak attack a giant because he cannot reach the giant's gut or back. In like manner, he certainly cannot reach its neck, so his vorpal blade will not cut off the giant's head.

 

[kreynolds]

I would say that if you cannot reach the head of your foe, you certainly cannot cut it off. Also, if your weapon is not large enough to cut off the head of your foe (like the head of a great wyrm, for instance) then you cannot cut it off. Sneak attacks are adjudicated in this manner at times. The rogue must be able to see and reach vital areas. Thus a halfling rogue cannot ordinarily sneak attack a giant because he cannot reach the giant's gut or back. In like manner, he certainly cannot reach its neck, so his vorpal blade will not cut off the giant's head.

I totally agree. In the case of the dragon, you'll still crit and deal a boatload of damage, but you won't cut off his head.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

I totally agree. In the case of the dragon, you'll still crit and deal a boatload of damage, but you won't cut off his head.

Right. But the dragon might now know what the little bast#$* has and try to dominate him into attacking the adventurers, hoping he will lop off a few of their heads.

 

[kreynolds]

Right. But the dragon might now know what the little bast#$* has and try to dominate him into attacking the adventurers, hoping he will lop off a few of their heads.

Actually, my dragons have a tendancy to do that to determine how well equipped the PCs are. Dominating the one with the best gear is kinda standard practice for me.

 

[Crothian]

Actually, my dragons have a tendancy to do that to determine how well equipped the PCs are. Dominating the one with the best gear is kinda standard practice for me.

Well, that makes my characters safe from being domiated. I always have the worse stuff in our campaigns. The other guys get +4 weapons with cool powers , mine is +1 with one ability. They have magical protection, I have none. 15th level and a 17 AC, I'm looking forward to when my level is better then my AC. How often do you see that?

 

[kreynolds]

Well, that makes my characters safe from being domiated. I always have the worse stuff in our campaigns. The other guys get +4 weapons with cool powers , mine is +1 with one ability. They have magical protection, I have none. 15th level and a 17 AC, I'm looking forward to when my level is better then my AC. How often do you see that?

LOL I don't see that very often, believe me! My players tend to be pretty good about outfitting themselves, and I'm not a real stickler for what they can buy, meaning I don't run a low-magic campaign. If they want something, and can afford it, they can have it, so long as I'm cool with it. Since one of my hobbies is making magic items (god I have a lot of 'em!), I've got a damn good grasp on what is reasonable and what isn't.

 

[Saladrex]

Well, that makes my characters safe from being domiated. I always have the worse stuff in our campaigns.

Well, well, you better start running when the dragon dominates that super-powerful friend of yours