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<blockquote data-quote="S'mon" data-source="post: 451515" data-attributes="member: 463">To everyone saying the GM made a bad call: remember the PC hit her with a *sword*, a large chunk of iron!&nbsp; What on earth is unreasonable about the idea that a critical hit (ie a hit to a vulnerable location like the back of the head) with the flat side of a sword could kill someone?&nbsp; If they didn't want to risk killing her they should have grappled her, or used an unarmed blow (still potentially fatal in real life, BTW).My own rule for subdual damage (can't recall if this is as per PHB) is that a crit does double (or whatever) dmg normally, if the target is reduced to 0hp all extra hp dmg is lethal, which could well kill a 1st level commoner, realistically enough.The absurdity of the alternative position is demonstrated by the 'evil high priest' scenario - strike the EHP to subdue, roll a 1, a fumble&nbsp; - should that be a critical hit for lethal damage?&nbsp; I think not.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="S'mon, post: 451515, member: 463"] To everyone saying the GM made a bad call: remember the PC hit her with a *sword*, a large chunk of iron! What on earth is unreasonable about the idea that a critical hit (ie a hit to a vulnerable location like the back of the head) with the flat side of a sword could kill someone? If they didn't want to risk killing her they should have grappled her, or used an unarmed blow (still potentially fatal in real life, BTW). My own rule for subdual damage (can't recall if this is as per PHB) is that a crit does double (or whatever) dmg normally, if the target is reduced to 0hp all extra hp dmg is lethal, which could well kill a 1st level commoner, realistically enough. The absurdity of the alternative position is demonstrated by the 'evil high priest' scenario - strike the EHP to subdue, roll a 1, a fumble - should that be a critical hit for lethal damage? I think not. [/QUOTE]

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