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Critical modifiers

Rules Questions

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Looking for some clarification
In Pathfinder how are the critical modifiers for the weapons handled ?

For example I Have a weapon that does 1d8+3(str and +1 sword) with a x3 crit modifier.
Which would be correct

1) 1d8 + 3, 1d8 + 3, 1d8 + 3 (3 separate rolls)
2) (1d8 + 1d8 + 1d8) + 3 (3 separate rolls)
3) (1d8 + 3) X 3
4) (1d8 X 3) + 3

Number 1. If you prefer, 1d8 + 1d8 + 1d8 + 9.

By RAW, its #1. However, #3 seems to be more common in my experience.

The proper way to do it is 3d8 + 9. This gives you a full range of results and a "central tendancy" that makes it more likely to give mid-range values (closer to 21-24) and less likely to give end-point values (12-14, 31-33).

(1d8+3) x3 is a shortcut but it will remove the bell-curve and you're just as likely to get any particular value as any other. All given values will be "3 between" and it increases the chance of extreme highs and lows.
Jeraa wrote:
However, #3 seems to be more common in my experience.

That was the way many of the critical hit systems that were options for AD&D worked, and it stuck in a lot of groups.

1 is closest

You roll the die 3 times (3x critical), and add up the results. Then take your bonuses and multiply them by 3, and add those.

So you'd roll 3d8+9.
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