Hoping to get some feedback on an optional rule that I'm considering using in my playtest games.

The purpose of the rule is to make certain situations which should be dangerous to higher level characters but aren't, actually dangerous mechanically.

The method I'm thinking of using is to extend the Coup De Grace rules to include the following condition:

If you or an enemy has a readied action with a drawn weapon to use it against a target out of combat, like for instance a dagger pressed up against a target's back, a sword to their throat or a crossbow bolt aimed at their heart (within normal range of the weapon), they can initiate a coup de grace against the target if the readied condition is triggered.

What this does is enable situations like a bunch of 1st-level town guards surrounding the 10th-level PC's with pikes pointed at them the ability to actually be effective in their job and action. Tense stand-offs with a desperate assassin having a dagger at the throat of a PC, threatening to use it unless the other PC's back off, or any of a bunch of other scenarios that would otherwise be unthreatening by RAW. It also allows assassinations of NPC's that would otherwise be unthreatened by a regular single attack.

It would mean allowing attacks beyond 5 feet but quite frankly, I was going to do that anyway since it makes no sense not to.

we do something similar, in a d100 game, where the critical % is considered a backstab, normally multiplying damage and reducing armor protection.   It's a good rule.

It's a bit off for ranged (You can still miss, unless you're at point-blank range), but sounds good for melee-range stuff. If you want 'em dead and you've got the drop on them, say so and kill 'em. You only have to deal with the consequences afterwards.

Be prepared for rampant abuse. I don't see how someone pointing a crossbow at you is a non-combat situation.

Under this rule the PCs will get to effectively assassinate anyone they are able to surprise. If that means the rule is working as intended you're good to go.

Quote from: Exploderwizard;675862Be prepared for rampant abuse. I don't see how someone pointing a crossbow at you is a non-combat situation.

Under this rule the PCs will get to effectively assassinate anyone they are able to surprise. If that means the rule is working as intended you're good to go.

The check and balance is that NPC's get to use it as well. That means the PC's have to constantly be on guard instead of being blasé about every possibly dangerous situation.

Quote from: The_Rooster;677291The check and balance is that NPC's get to use it as well. That means the PC's have to constantly be on guard instead of being blasé about every possibly dangerous situation.

Then go for it and see how it works. I have personally had more luck with this stuff running systems where wounds are less abstract and HP don't scale with level in the first place. GURPS is my go to system for tactical stuff like this.

Being surrounded, even by scrubs, is scary when active defenses are limited.Likewise a half dozen crossbows pointed at you when a solid hit from one of them will drop you, badass fighter or not.