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 DMās 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 opponentās face. You can choose to blind them.
92: Your opponentās 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 opponentās 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 enemyās 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.
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