Re: Negative Hit Point effects
Others have covered the effects of pure HP loss pretty well, but I think it's important to note that wounds to locations other than the torso can result in relatively little HP loss, but a great reduction in combat effectiveness. A hit to the arm that does HP/2 damage leaves it crippled and useless (perhaps even severed or destroyed!), the same hit to the leg puts you on the ground and fighting at severe penalties. Feet and hands are even easier to cripple, and usually harder to armour. If you have a decent cutting attack swinging for a random hit location is usually better than the torso because of the high chance to hit a limb and cripple it.
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