Critical Hit Alternatives
Much like critical failures, I believe critical hits ought to sometimes open up opportunities for more choice. Offering your players interesting choices is one of a DM’s core tasks, after all.
When your players roll a critical hit, roll percentile dice. The player may choose to either:
a) deal critical damage as outlined in the rules, or instead
b) deal regular, non-critical damage, but also take advantage of the effect listed on the table.
1-50: No extra effect. Roll regular critical hit damage.
51-75: Your enemy is in a bad stance! You can choose to push them back five feet.
76-85: Your enemy has over extended itself! You can choose to knock them prone.
86-90: Your enemy tries to parry your attack, but its grip is weak. You can choose to disarm them.
91: You have a clear shot at your opponent’s face. You can choose to blind them.
92: Your opponent’s head is exposed! You can choose to daze them with a battering smack to the head.
93: You have pressed a vicious attack. You can make an intimidation check immediately with advantage.
94: A fragile looking joint is exposed. You can crush it, causing your opponent to attack at disadvantage.
95: Some straps or loose fabric trail on the floor around your opponents ankles. You can choose to tug it, ensnaring their legs and slowing them.
96: Your opponent’s weapon is in a precarious position. You can break their weapon, but forego dealing any damage.
97: Your enemy is leaning heavily towards you. You can spin them around and switch places with them.
98: Your enemy’s soft underbelly is exposed! A good hard jab there will leave them weakened.
99: Your enemy is distracted. You can choose to box their ears and leave them deafened.
100: Adrenaline is pumping in your veins. Your opponent stumbles, leaving a perfect opening in their defenses. You can choose to bring ruinous double critical damage to your unfortunate opponent, but you know your weapon will not survive the strain.
stormborns
ellievsbear
andulkaphoto
2087