DM Entry: Critical Hits and Critical Threats

I have done some digging around and found some things that need to be covered. Some of this changes the way our game is played.

First of all, concerning the Disciple of Dispater's ability called Iron Power that doubles and triples the threat range, this has been reviewed and answered before by me. I was digging around and found an article online that discussed this in detail and then realized it was my own post. So I will link it here and let the question concerning the Disciple of Dispater and critical threat ranges stand at that.

https://web.archive.org/web/20151104221728/http://community.wizards.com/content/forum-topic/2579831 (Scroll down to the #10 post.)

Secondly, on to the more important thing. I have found a rule that I was not aware of before. I will first post this rule and the source and then discuss how this works with the way we use the Critical Hit Deck.

Page 140 of the Player's Handbook sidebar reads: "When you make an attack roll and get a natural 20 (the d20 shows 20), you hit regardless of your target’s Armor Class, and you have scored a threat. The hit might be a critical hit (or "crit"). To find out if it’s a critical hit, you immediately make a critical roll—another attack roll with all the same modifiers as the attack roll you just made. If the critical roll also results in a hit against the target’s AC, your original hit is a critical hit. (The critical roll just needs to hit to give you a crit. It doesn’t need to come up 20 again.) If the critical roll is a miss, then your hit is just a regular hit.

And then again in the same sidebar "Increased Threat Range Sometimes your threat range is greater than 20. That is, you can score a threat on a lower number. In such cases, a roll of lower than 20 is not an automatic hit. Any attack roll that doesn’t result in a hit is not a threat."

This same information is repeated on page 40 of the Rules Compendium.

Now we do not confirm critical hits in our games (the blue highlighted stuff above), because we pull a card on a critical hit. However the thing that I never read before is the second yellow highlighted part. Any critical hit roll on less than a natural 20 still has to hit the target's armor class. The only automatic hit is a natural 20. So for our games, when you have a threat range greater than 20, unless it can actually hit the target's armor class by adding up the attack roll, no crit card will be pulled and it is a miss.

This new format favors the Player Characters (your characters). In the Dungeon Master's Guide page 26 sidebar, it discusses how critical hits favor the monsters in that any given PC is subject to many more critical hits than any given monster ever will be. Thus, by requiring threats of less than 20 to actually hit the target's Armor Class in order to pull a card, it makes the game slightly less deadly for the PCs.

Now thirdly (and lastly), I did do some research into the Critical Threat Range topic, and found the following:
1. You can get a threat range greater than 20 by certain weapons like Longswords (19-20) and rapiers (18-20).
2. You can improve a threat range with 1 of 3 ways: Feat (Improved Critical), Spell (Keen Edge), or Magic Weapon Property (Keen). Each of these specifically state that they do not stack with each other or with other things that improve threat ranges. In the best case scenario using these things, the best spread you can get is 15-20.

And then there is the Action Point. You can burn (spend) an action point in order to modify the Improved Critical feat (if you have that feat) to lower the threat range further, down to 12-20.

In conclusion, there is no way to get a better critical threat range than 15 to 20 in most cases, or 12 to 20 with an action point with the way Critical Threat Stacking works in D&D 3.5. Any 3.0 published material to the contrary needs to be discussed with the DM and is most likely either officially updated somewhere else or simply does not exist in our 3.5 game.

Be aware that any bonuses to confirm critical hits are simply ignored (in all situations) because we use the Critical Hit Deck.

Some other noteworthy effects that modify critical hits and how they are used in our games include the follow:
Critical Strike (spell) Spell Compendium page 56. This specifically states that it acts as the keen edge spell and that it does not stack with any other effect that increases your threat range.
Dolorous Blow (spell) Spell Compendium page 70. This spell allows any threat to be a critical hit without requiring you to actually hit the opponent's AC. Thus any natural attack roll result within your weapon's threat range pulls a crit card. This spell doubles your threat range but also says it does not stack with any other effect that doubles your threat range.
Exacting Shot (spell) Spell Compendium page 85. This spell allows you to pull a critical hit card on a critical threat of less than 20 against your favored enemy. It also states that it doesn't stack with other effects that improve critical threat range.
Hunter's Mercy (spell) Spell Compendium page 117. The next attack you make with a bow is an automatic critical hit (regardless of the attack roll, as long as it hits the target's armor class. A hit pulls a crit card.
Jagged Tooth (spell) Spell Compendium page 126. This spell doubles the threat range of a natural weapon, but does not stack with other effects that improve critical threat ranges.
Spikes (spell) Spell Compendium page 202. This spell doubles the critical hit threat range but does not stack with other effects that improves critical threat range.
Weapon of Impact (spell) Spell Compendium page 237. This spell doubles the critical threat range but does not stack with other effects that improves critical threat range.
Curse of Arrow Attraction (spell) Player's Handbook II page 109. Any attack roll against the target that results in a threat pulls a crit card regardless of whether or not it actually hit the target's armor class.
Blessed (magic weapon property) Magic Item Compendium page 29. Three times per day automatically confirm critical threats against an evil target. Pull a crit card regardless of whether or not you actually hit the target's Armor Class, as long as the attack roll is within the threat range. Does not stack with any effect that improves threat range or ability to confirm critical hits.
Flesh Ring of Scorn (magic clothing) Magic Item Compendium page 100. Three times a day, you may automatically confirm critical threats and pull a crit card regardless of whether or not it hits the opponent's Armor Class, but you also take damage from the magic item.
Reciprocal Bracers (magic clothing) Magic Item Compendium page 120. If someone scored a critical hit on your last round, you can activate this item twice a day to make any successful hit an automatic threat, you can pull a crit card as long as the attack roll hits the opponent.

Shackled City: ECL 12 Osiris Eloah Elf Generalist Wizard: Entry 27

Another day, another attempt on my life! This time in the form of followers of the Goddess Wee Jas. Sure we may have "let" ourselves in but upon the hearing of a failed assassination attempt by the Clerics upon my companions lives, I have a new found focus to exert my divine hand upon the wicked!

Shackled City: ECL 12 Korinth the Protector Silverbrow Human Cloistered Cleric 5/ Radiant Servant of Pelor 5/ Contemplative 2: Entry 26

Journal Entry 5354

This newest adventure has given me so many opportunities to hone my divine abilities.  I am now looking to Pelor for guidance more than ever.  Even going so far as to commune with Him directly.  Unfortunately this creates more questions, and gives us very little in the way of real answers.  I am confident, however, that my companions and I will be able to get to the bottom of this and eradicate whatever evil has decided to take hold of Cauldron.

DM Entry: Gold Coins

I found a picture of what a gold coin looks like as minted in the city of Greyhawk.

And so I thought I would make a gold coin for Occipitus. These coins were last minted under the previous ruler of Occipitus, long ago, but can still be found in some places on that layer of the Abyss.

Shackled City: ECL 12 Osiris Eloah Elf Generalist Wizard: Entry 26

It would seem I arrived at precisely the time I intended! If but a few minutes later, I fear my comrades, at least a few of them, would not have lived to see another day. And that is why I don't have many visitors over to my place. Who new a house warming get together could lead to an assassination attempt! Despite my lack of "Grace" I was able to reveal the invisible foes and help lead the party to victory. Once again I have blood on my hands and I'm not sure why. A quick chat with the corpses by the Cleric, reveled that the Church of Wee Jas has some explaining to do. I have a feeling there is no need to wash this blood off my hands considering, I'm about to get shoulder deep in that Wee Jas!

DM Entry: Our Shackled City game is now 1 Year Old

Our Shackled City game is now 1 year old.
The first post for Shackled City on this blog is back in April 2013.

Whew, one whole year and 10 to 12 character levels later, what a journey!

Doesn't feel like an entire year.

Shackled City: ECL 12 Korinth the Protector Silverbrow Human Cloistered Cleric 5/ Radiant Servant of Pelor 5/ Contemplative 2: Entry 25

Journal Entry 5352

There must be some very desperate people in Cauldron, to attack us so.  If anyone knew what we had gone through in the Abyss, what we had accomplished, they would think twice before hiring assassins to kill us.
I would be dead if not for Gaje.  He has selflessly put himself in harms way time and again to protect me.  I was useless this time.  Perhaps Pelor thought it was time to teach me some humility.  I felt so powerful after facing that lich, then I couldn't even help my friends face three simple assassins.  We will find out who or what is behind this and we will set things right.  I don't really think we will find any answers at the church of Wee Jas.  I think we are meant to believe we should look there, but there are so many questions I have and so many pieces that don't seem to fit.  Why is everything in Cauldron suddenly okay?  What happened to the mayor, before And after the tax riots?  And what ever happened to the Blue Duke?  Should we still be worried about him?

ECL 10: Fate Norbard: (wild) human duskblade 10: Shackled City: Journal Entry 10

    As I step on the front pouch of the door of Baal's house, he opens the door inviteing me inside for the house party. I see that everyone is there but Osiris and Xerxes. I went to the living room table and sat down. I sat down listening to everyone talking about storys of what they did in Grey Hawk (nothing really interesting). As I sat there I feel a my back get stabbed. I look around and start asking "what's happening?" But I couldn't hear a thing. As I swung at the silent air next to me I get stabbed again. Turning toward where I think I was getting attacked and swung again, but nothing was there. I get stabbed again and fell unconscious.
    I woke up by Korinth healing me and everyone else looting the dead assassins. Xerxes never showed up; he might of been held up in the new layer of the abyss that he owns now.

New Player

IMPORTANT

Hey DM, I have a new player wanting to know if he could join the group.  If there is a way we could fit him in the group or if theres room in the house. He will have a ride to the game so he will need the address, if he is able to join. I could give you his email if you need it.

ECL 10:Fate Norbard: (wild) human: Duskblade 10: Shackled city: journal entry 9

As I saw Xerxes self-sacrificed himself. I saw how much he cared for this quest. When he burned into particles, I noticed that something was standing behind us. Feared that its was something trying to kill me I turned around drawing my weapon. But it was Xerxes; apparently the gods reincarnated him and put him behind us. He has become the Demon lord  of Occipitus.

Xerxes warlock8, cleric 3, diciple1, ocipitus1, ecl13

I decide to end my life, for a purpose greater than myself and here i still am.........
Now I am a ruler of the abyss, all I wanted was vengeance for my master.
When the deities reformed me the have changed me...
I now lack the desire to slay my masters killer...
Am I to restore goodnes to its rightful standing in celestia.
Though my appetite for vengance has been curbed, I now ooze contempt  for the evil and coruption In our world tha has allowed such a thing to happen with celestia, I will now pursue evil with all the vigor I have, a new reign of terror will find the practitioners of the wicked, for I am the ruler of ocipitus! Reassembled by the deities them selves!

Shackled City: ECL 12 Osiris Eloah Elf Generalist Wizard: Entry 26

Finally, victory! IF you can call it that. Despite the shackles on my :true power", we managed to defeat a team of unlucky creatures, a clay golem and a Litch of Vecna no less! However I'm no fool and fully expect the Litch to return since his phylactery was not located. I must say, I do worry for the Warlock Xerxes. I'm still not 100% sure what the effect of completing the final challenge of the "smoking eye" may have had on his mind and the internal struggle he now faces in order to keep that plane in balance and eventually restored. I will have to keep a weary eye on this. No some much need rest and preparation for what ever lies ahead!

Shackled City: ECL 11 Korinth the Protector Silverbrow Human Cloistered Cleric 5/ Radiant Servant of Pelor 5/ Contemplative 1: Entry 24

Journal Entry 5259

" Behold the Shining Light, and cower at Pelor's Might!  I banish your darkness, and release your hold over the Abyss!"

How many servants of the Shining One can claim such wonderful joy as I have?  To use the power He gives me with such incredible results.  To destroy such a powerful creature.  A lich, a servant of Vecna no less.  We faced him and held our ground.  My companions giving me the time I needed to insure my channeling of the positive light of Pelor was strong enough for such a foe, and we succeeded.  Of course I understand that since we did not find and destroy the lich's phylactery, he will return.  Had time and circumstance allowed I would certainly have done that service to the cause of good.  But I guarantee that the next time that undead filth sees me, he will think twice before facing my knowledge and power of good vs. evil.

DM Entry: Letter to Xerxes

A draudnu (a species of obyrith demon) approaches Xerxes, and telepathically communicates that he has a letter for Xerxes, drops it on the ground and leaves the area.

To the dreadful and magnanimous Demon Lord Xerxes, ruler of Occipitus,

Oyer and Terminer. In the interest of peaceful cooperation, I humbly offer my obeisance to thine eminence in the sincere hope that I may continue to study the nexus that liest within thy Smoking Eye Citadel. I believe it is, in fact, a planar rift to the Negative Energy Plane. In return for thine indulgence, I offer to share whatever knowledge comest of my studies of the nexus, as well as defend thy citadel with whatsoever feeble means that I do possess.

May this letter find you in pleasure and good health,
--Myaruk, thaumaturge, lich, and servant of Vecna

DM Note: Important Info for Shackled City PLEASE READ

We have ended chapter six.

The party has 3 months of free time before the start of chapter seven.

During this time, you may shop, craft, create, or just kick back.

Other than that, nothing significant or important happens during this time.

Xerxes (Dan) has the lesser amulet of the planes, so plane traveling is easily done, once a day. Please limit such travel to Occipitus and the City of Greyhawk for this period of 3 months. Save exploring other places for game time.

All shopping, creating, and crafting needs to be done before the next session.

Use the comments below to document all such activities for your character. (Comment by clicking the Comment link below).

Selling: If you plan to sell, follow the normal rules for selling, 50% plus 1% per achievement. Jewelry and Art is sold at 100% plus 1% per achievement. (Unless you have taken the floating bonus option, then use a flat 50% or 100%). If you don't know if something qualifies for art/jewelry, just reply to this with a comment about it.

Buying: You can buy items up to your item level. You buy at 100% minus 1% per achievement. (Unless you have taken the floating bonus option, then use a flat 100%). Remember that you can buy items that are one level above your item level at double the cost.

Character level 9th (item level 9) max 5,000 gp

Character level 10th (item level 10) max 6,500 gp

Character level 11th (item level 11) max 8,000 gp

Character level 12th (item level 12) max 10,000 gp

Character level 13th (item level 13) max 13,000 gp

Character level 14th (item level 14) max 18,000 gp

Crafting: You make weekly checks. Normally there is a penalty for failure, but for this special situation, instead of rolling, take 10 on your rolls. You have 12 weeks (3 months) of creating time. Be sure to note items you are crafting and the materials and costs of materials.

Item Creation: You have 84 days (3 months) of creating time. Be sure to note the items you are creating and the materials, xps, cost, and spells you have to cast. If you can't cast a certain spell for the item, you can pay someone to cast it (check the Aryathan Jiil Shoppe.pdf on the google drive for Spellcasting costs), or you may be able to ask one of your party members for the spell to be cast (in which case, add it into the comments below).

Important Note: Any shopping, crafting, or item creation that is not done in the comments below before the next game session will have to take place during game time, and this will likely be very limited because of events in chapter 7.

Shackled City: ECL 10 Osiris Eloah Elf Generalist Wizard: Entry 25

For once, a short reprieve was granted as I had an "opportunity" to visit Greyhawk in order to upgrade a few essentials. As we embark on the final leg of our quest I feel a dark sensation, a certain clarity and focus that takes over my entire being. Woe to those creatures foolish enough to stand in my way. And they will weep: "For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast, And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed; And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill, And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still!"

Shackled City: ECL 11 Korinth the Protector Silverbrow Human Cloistered Cleric 5/ Radiant Servant of Pelor 5/ Contemplative 1: Entry 23

Journal Entry 5258

Oh the Glory!  How long it has been!  We were in that miserable place known as the Abyss for what seemed like forever.  Then, finding we had the ability and necessity, we traveled back to the Material Plane.  We visited City Greyhawk.  Probably the biggest place I've ever seen.  After lightening our physical burdens of some of the more unusable items we have collected on our adventures; we went shopping and were able to find many items to aid our quest.  I was actually able to find someone well versed in the use of holy magic items and they were able to enhance my holy symbol so that my ability to affect undead is far greater now than it has ever been.
But the highlight of our visit (for me at least) was spending the night in the Cathedral of the Shining Light.  The house of Pelor in the city.  It had been so long since I was able to confer with members of my church and sleep in the comfort of Pelor's grace and hospitality.

DM Entry: Minus 10 and Half It

I stumbled upon an easy formula that you can use to quickly determine the modifier for any ability score.

Ability Score minus 10, then divide by 2 (round down).

It works for all ability scores, those with positive and negative modifiers.

For example,

15 - 10 = 5.....then 5 divided by 2 = 2.5 (rounded down to 2)....so ability score 15 has a modifier of 2.

30 - 10 = 20....then 20 divided by 2 = 10...so ability score 30 has a modifier of 10.

18 - 10 = 8....then 8 divided by 2 = 4...so ability score 18 has a modifier of 4.

4 - 10 = -6....then -6 divided by 2 = -3...so ability score 4 has a modifier of -3.

1 - 10 = -9....then -9 divided by 2 = -4.5 (rounded down to -5...so ability score 1 has a modifier of -5.

So with this formula you can easily and quickly derive the ability score modifier for any ability score, without looking up charts. Even for numbers that are larger than what appears on the charts in the Player's Handbook.

Thor has a Strength score of 92.
92 - 10 = 82
82 divided by 2 = 41.
So Strength score of 98 has a modifier of 41.

I think this will make it easier to determine ability score modifiers on the fly for numbers that are unusual (like those not listed in the Player's Handbook chart).

So just remember:
Minus 10 and half it.