Difference between revisions of "Helpless Defenders"

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This describes persons who are sleeping, unconscious or totally paralyzed when attacked.  For sleeping creatures, it is assumed that sleeping creatures won't awake because the attacker has succeeded in approaching through stealth.
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[[File:Helpless Defender.jpeg|right|420px]]
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A '''helpless defender''' is any creature that is attacked while being unable to defend itself, because it is [[Sleeping|asleep]], [[Charm|charmed]] or [[Paralysation|paralysed]].  Many an [[Assassin (class)|assassin]] will approach a sleeping victim through [[Stealth (sage ability)|stealth]]; this is often the easiest means of killing a dangerous opponent.  Because these opponents are not rated "[[Combat|combatants]]," '''experience is not awarded''' for the damage done to helpless defenders.
  
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When an attack occurs, there is no need to roll a d20 to-hit. Damage is automatic. The total damage done will be 10-60% of the creature's maximum hit points above zero, each round of the attack, per attacker.
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== Causing Damage ==
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When [[Attacking in Combat|attacking]] a helpless defender, the attacker does not [[Roll to Hit|roll to hit]]. Instead, it is '''assumed the hit occurs''', and that the '''damage done is 10-60%''' of the victim's maximum [[Hit Points|hit points]] above zero, each [[Combat Round|combat round]].  In the case of sleeping victims, the first hit will result in the victim awaking; but if the damage done is sufficient to [[Stun Lock|stun]] on the first blow, there is little chance the victim will ever receive an opportunity to fight back, unless aided by an ally.
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Assassins or [[Thief (class)|thieves]] cause an addition bonus 10% per blow against helpless defenders, or '''20-70%''' of the victim's hit points.  Both assassins and thieves may attempt to [[Assassination (sage ability)|assassinate]] or [[Backstabbing (sage study)|backstab]] the opponent; but if this fails, the damage that occurs is still a minimum of 20-70%.
  
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A thief or assassin may prefer to automatically backstab the opponent or attempt to assassinate. If assassination fails, the damage caused will be 20-70% of the helpless defender's hit points.
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== Example ==
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Hiram, with a maximum of 20 hit points, has failed his [[Saving Throws|save]] and is being held by the spell [[Hold Person (spell)|hold person]]. Iolanthe comes upon him, raises her [[Sword (weapon)|sword]] and strikes; she rolls a 3 upon a d6, causing 30% of Hiram's hit points, or 6 damage.  This is sufficient to stun Hiram, but it also breaks the spell.  Miriam attacks again, only now she must roll to hit, because Hiram is no longer rated helpless.
  
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For example, a creature with 20 hit points is unconscious when attacked by a non-assassin. The attacker will roll a d6 x 10% x 20, or 2 hit points per pip appearing on the die. In all probability stunning the creature outright. However, since such an attack will wake a sleeping creature, or potentially ruin a paralyzation spell, most defenders will no longer be helpless and will have to be hit thereafter (even if they are stunned, they are still rated according to their armor class!).  
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However, if Hiram were paralysed, the blow would not change his condition, and Miriam would be free to swing again the next round, again causing 10-60% of Hiram's original maximum hit points.
  
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In the case of an unconscious character with less than -3 hit points, however, the defender will remain helpless even after taking damage.
 
  
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Experience is not rewarded for attacking helpless creatures.
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See Also,<br>
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[[Attacking in Combat]]<br>
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See Attacking in Combat
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[[The Adventure]]

Latest revision as of 23:11, 19 September 2021

Helpless Defender.jpeg

A helpless defender is any creature that is attacked while being unable to defend itself, because it is asleep, charmed or paralysed. Many an assassin will approach a sleeping victim through stealth; this is often the easiest means of killing a dangerous opponent. Because these opponents are not rated "combatants," experience is not awarded for the damage done to helpless defenders.

Causing Damage

When attacking a helpless defender, the attacker does not roll to hit. Instead, it is assumed the hit occurs, and that the damage done is 10-60% of the victim's maximum hit points above zero, each combat round. In the case of sleeping victims, the first hit will result in the victim awaking; but if the damage done is sufficient to stun on the first blow, there is little chance the victim will ever receive an opportunity to fight back, unless aided by an ally.

Assassins or thieves cause an addition bonus 10% per blow against helpless defenders, or 20-70% of the victim's hit points. Both assassins and thieves may attempt to assassinate or backstab the opponent; but if this fails, the damage that occurs is still a minimum of 20-70%.

Example

Hiram, with a maximum of 20 hit points, has failed his save and is being held by the spell hold person. Iolanthe comes upon him, raises her sword and strikes; she rolls a 3 upon a d6, causing 30% of Hiram's hit points, or 6 damage. This is sufficient to stun Hiram, but it also breaks the spell. Miriam attacks again, only now she must roll to hit, because Hiram is no longer rated helpless.

However, if Hiram were paralysed, the blow would not change his condition, and Miriam would be free to swing again the next round, again causing 10-60% of Hiram's original maximum hit points.


See Also,
Attacking in Combat
The Adventure

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