Help a noobie understand critical hits

Outlaw · 07-31-2023, 08:42 AM

The first rule (sometimes unwritten) in RPGs is that the rules are what the GM wants. End of story. If you don't like something, change it. However, if you then post it, expect people to disagree.

Most GURPS players will find it unreasonable to derate a firearm to ridiculous levels. As has been shown, there are many ways to NOT resort to that and still use RAW with other options that are mostly RAW.

That being said, I also do not like critical hits (which is what you referenced in the OP) but would go with one or more of....

Critical hits are just normal hits
Critical hits are just normal hits with no defense roll
A critical hit by an NPC is just a normal hit
Eliminate most of the critical hit results and expand the "normal damage" to almost the entire range with the rest being incidental (drop what you're holding, fall down, stunned, etc)
Any other modification you deem necessary that doesn't derate firearms

I treat critical misses similarly.

Obviously, like most rule changes, there are downstream effects of the above that must be managed as well.

Also, it seems a bit wonky to call the damage model, "...a bit silly...", b/c a hit to the head from a "...hunting rilfe..." (which is SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED to drop game dead or nearly so with the correct hit location) drops a character dead or nearly so.

Regardless, your solution is perfect and 100% correct...for you. If your players like it, go for it.

07-31-2023, 08:42 AM	#11
Outlaw Join Date: Dec 2022	Re: Help a noobie understand critical hits The first rule (sometimes unwritten) in RPGs is that the rules are what the GM wants. End of story. If you don't like something, change it. However, if you then post it, expect people to disagree. Most GURPS players will find it unreasonable to derate a firearm to ridiculous levels. As has been shown, there are many ways to NOT resort to that and still use RAW with other options that are mostly RAW. That being said, I also do not like critical hits (which is what you referenced in the OP) but would go with one or more of.... Critical hits are just normal hits Critical hits are just normal hits with no defense roll A critical hit by an NPC is just a normal hit Eliminate most of the critical hit results and expand the "normal damage" to almost the entire range with the rest being incidental (drop what you're holding, fall down, stunned, etc) Any other modification you deem necessary that doesn't derate firearms I treat critical misses similarly. Obviously, like most rule changes, there are downstream effects of the above that must be managed as well. Also, it seems a bit wonky to call the damage model, "...a bit silly...", b/c a hit to the head from a "...hunting rilfe..." (which is SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED to drop game dead or nearly so with the correct hit location) drops a character dead or nearly so. Regardless, your solution is perfect and 100% correct...for you. If your players like it, go for it.