Difference between revisions of "Helpless Defenders"

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This describes persons who are sleeping, unconscious or totally paralyzed when attackedFor sleeping creatures, it is assumed that sleeping creatures won't awake because the attacker has succeeded in approaching through stealth.
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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 "combatants," '''experience is not awarded''' for the damage done to helpless defenders.
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== Causing Damage ==
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When 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 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 assassinate or backstab the opponent; but if this fails, the damage that occurs is still a minimum of 20-70%.
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== Example ==
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WORKING...
  
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.
 
  
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.
 
  
 
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!).  
 
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!).  
  
In the case of an unconscious character with less than -3 hit points, however, the defender will remain helpless even after taking damage.
 
  
Experience is not rewarded for attacking helpless creatures.
 
  
 
See Attacking in Combat
 
See Attacking in Combat

Revision as of 01:27, 13 September 2020

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

WORKING...


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!).


See Attacking in Combat