Critical Hit & Sneak Attack (New Modifiers)

[Manah]

NEW MODIFIERS

Critical Hit
CL=MN+2

DESCRIPTION
This modifier simply represents how skilled and experienced fighters can sometimes land an especially effective hit on an opponent's weak points for massive damage (reference intended).

This modifier functions a bit differently from others, and (typically) require a roll of a 20-faced die, or D20 for short, when an attack is unleashed (for simplicity's sake, a single roll is made for an attack even when split between targets; if successful, the stones are split according to the user's wishes). If the user's attack successfully beats the target's Defense, and the user rolls equal or below the Modifier's MN, then a critical hit occurs, and this modifier's MN in stones is added to the attack. In other words, a user has 5% chance of dealing a critical hit per MN in this modifier.

And yes, it does mean that a user with MN 20 or above has 100% critical hit chance. That's just the way it is.

NOTE: In a game where this modifier is allowed, the GM should allow creatures lacking internal organs - and/or not needing them to function, like most undead - and beings lacking weak points to buy a 3w Minor Immunity to Critical Hits, as this modifier would require such weaknesses to deal critical hits in the first place.


OPTIONS

• Viscious Critical (+2 CL; makes all Critical Hits deal 2x damage. If already 2x damage, adds 2 stones to the attack instead.)
• Lethal Criticals (+4 CL; makes all Critical Hits deal 3x damage. If already 3x damage, adds 4 stones to the attack instead.)

COMMENTS
Also a longtime mechanic of many games with an unusual aspect to MURPG, namely the rolling of a die to determine success. A fun idea to experiment with, and a deadly advantage with a bit of luck (or sufficiently high MN).


Rules for Action Box

• Roll a D20, Add MN stones to attack if rolling equal or lower than the MN
• Target must have internal organs or weak points to be vulnerable to critical hits, at GM's discretion
• A single roll is made for an attack even if split; user decides how stones are split if attack is successful
• (List Options)

EXAMPLE
Enrique Russo is a master duelist with Critical Hit MN 6. He launches a close combat attack using his rapier against his longtime rival Fernando Bianchi, and the attack hits, piercing through his defense. Enrique's player rolls a D20; a 5... equal or lower to his MN, which deals a critical hit! He adds the full 6 stones MN to his attack against his foe.

Sneak Attack
CL=MN

DESCRIPTION
Whether you sneak up to a foe in order to deliver a sudden attack, going for their jugular... you crouch down behind a window, staring patiently at your target with a sniper rifle until just the right moment, and pull the trigger... or you act natural, walk by your mark, acting natural, only to plunge a hidden, poisonous blade between their omoplates, followed by losing yourself in the crowd... this action is perfect for assassins, spies, murderers, and other people who excel at killing especially efficiently.

In game terms, at its most basic level, this Modifier's stones are added to Close Combat IF, and only if, the user's intended target is unaware of their presence (the user is undetected). Options may be bought below to expand and/or improve the action's effectiveness.


OPTIONS

• Improved Sneak Attack (+1 CL; this option allows the user to perform a Sneak Attack even when detected, as long as the victim is unaware that they are about to be attacked. This may be achieved through discretion, subterfuge, the nature of an attack, etc. Subject to GM's discretion.)
• Enhanced Sneak Attack (+1 CL; this option allows the user to perform a Sneak Attack even when detected, against a target aware of the attack, as long as they are unable to effectively and fully defend against the user. Examples include a target fighting two opponents at once, whose movement is restricted somehow, who is slowed down by magic or some effect, etc. Subject to GM's discretion. Requires Improved Sneak Attack option to buy.)
• Superior Sneak Attack (+1 CL; this option allows the user to perform a Sneak Attack even when detected, against a target aware of the attack, fully capable of defending themselves, as long as the user's offensive action's AN beats the target's Intelligence AN, and the user spends 2 stones out of thier attack to 'feint' or otherwise distract the target in order to land the Sneak Attack. Requires Enhanced Sneak Attack option to buy.)
• Vicious Sneak Attack (+2 CL; makes all Sneak Attacks performed by the user deal 2x damage. If the attack was already 2x damage, increases its effect by 2 stones.)
• Lethal Sneak Attack (+4 CL; makes all Sneak Attacks performed by the user deal 3x damage. If the attack was already 3x damage, increases its effect by 4 stones.)
• Lightning Strike (+1 CL; this option allows the user, regardless of other options, to perform a single Sneak Attack against a fully aware, combat ready opponent at the very beginning of a fight, provided that the user's Agility and Speed, and Initiative, are all at least 1 AN over their opponent's, and they are within Range 1 regardless of the type of attack used. Represents those faster-than-eye Iaijutsu masters and gunslingers who kill their opponents before the latter barely have time to draw, as well as the classic 'anime swordsmen cinematic instant clash'.)
• Power Sneak Attack (+1 to +2 CL; allows Sneak Attack to be used with magical/superhuman/supernatural attacks, if appropriate at GM's discretion, up to the attack's average Range, for +1 CL. For +2 CL, the user may do so at up to 2x the average Range - though stones must be spent for the additional range as usual.)
• Ranged Sneak Attack (+1 to +2 CL; allows Sneak Attack to be used by Ranged Combat attacks as well, up to the attack's average Range, for +1 CL. For +2 CL, the user may do so at up to 2x the average Range - though stones must be spent for the additional range as usual.)

COMMENTS
A classic of many RPGs and the main tool of the trade for assassins in most universes, but also a very effective tool for swordsmen, snipers, gunslingers and martial artists, and likely a lot of other character types, with a bit of imagination.

Rules for Action Box

• Combine with Close Combat when undetected
• (List Options)

EXAMPLE
Mike (Ranged Combat 6 (Wpn.mod), Sneak Attack 5 (w/Ranged Sneak Attack and Viscious Sneak Attack options), Targeting +3) is an experienced assassin whose favored killing method is an old, tested and reliable one; sniper rifle from far away. His target comes into sight at the expected hour, taking his daily stroll around the park, like clockwork. From the building where Mike is hidden, on the sixth floor, he has a clean, direct line of sight with the man when he walks by the western side of the path he's walking on. Mark calmly removes the safety, takes aim and puts 6 stones in Ranged Combat to take the shot. Given how careful he has been in setting this up, and how well he hid earlier as he got ready for the job, the GM rules that there is no chance whatsoever for the man to be aware of the attack, nor is he focused on his surroundings, and as such has no chance of noticing Mark who is easily over 300 yards away. Mark adds his Ranged Combat, Targeting, Sneak Attack and Weapon stones (a +4, 2x damage rifle) together for a vicious 18 stones attack... increased to a whopping 20, since the rifle was already 2x damage. The GM describes the scene as the gunshot rings out, and the bullet pierces right through the man skull and wrecks its way through messily. The man collapses, dead... and Mark silently, swiftly - yet professionally - disassembles his rifle, puts it away in a suitcase and walks out of the building, leaving no fingerprint no trace of his presence, as he had previously disable the cameras. Another job well done.