In movies or games, you often see instances of the epic fight between good and evil. At the end of the fight, one or the other is successful in clearly winning the fight, without killing or incapacitating the other person. Often what follows is a dramatic sequence of plot of some kind that is often compelling to watch. The most well-known instance of this is Star Wars Episode V.
But in D&D/PF, there is no way to emulate this. You are either fine (1 or more HP), in trouble (0 HP), incapacitated (-1 through -X HP), or dead (X or more HP).
I am considering proposing the following rule to my DM, and in the games I run from now on:
Victorious Blow (It doesn't really need a name, it's just cool).
Whenever a character (PC or NPC) reduces an enemy to -1 or less HP with an attack (be it mundane or magical), he may instead choose to use this rule. The enemy counts as at 0 HP (for rules such as taking actions, when he takes damage from actions, etc.), but is utterly defeated and incapable of normal combat, even more than normal. He immediately drops to some non-threatening position (determined by the GM), drops any held items, and will provoke an Attack of Opportunity for any action that is a move or standard action. He also loses the bonus granted from his Base Attack Bonus and Strength Modifiers (mundane or magical) for all purposes. He is also considered helpless for the purposes of performing a Coup de Grace upon him. The target of a Coup de Grace in this manner may make a reflex save (DC = attacker's level + BAB) to dodge if he wishes. This save does not cause damage from being at 0 HP.
This is intended to be primarily used as a tool to encourage dramatic dialogue between PCs and important NPCs in the campaign world (such as a PC who wants revenge, a NPC who is simply too powerful for the PCs at this point in time (and you want to show that without killing them), or a final encounter that has the villain drawing divine power to try and kill the PCs in a final desperate act (from which they must escape).
All the rules are only really necessary if the PC is subject to this and chooses to try and be heroic at the last minute (which could also be very cool).
Thoughts?
Victorious Blow (It doesn't really need a name, it's just cool).
Whenever a character (PC or NPC) reduces an enemy to -1 or less HP with an attack (be it mundane or magical), he may instead choose to use this rule. The enemy counts as at 0 HP (for rules such as taking actions, when he takes damage from actions, etc.), but is utterly defeated and incapable of normal combat, even more than normal. He immediately drops to some non-threatening position (determined by the GM), drops any held items, and will provoke an Attack of Opportunity for any action that is a move or standard action. He also loses the bonus granted from his Base Attack Bonus and Strength Modifiers (mundane or magical) for all purposes. He is also considered helpless for the purposes of performing a Coup de Grace upon him. The target of a Coup de Grace in this manner may make a reflex save (DC = attacker's level + BAB) to dodge if he wishes. This save does not cause damage from being at 0 HP.
While I sympathize with the need for more tension between players and NPCs, this feat would probably not be the best way to go about it. I'm torn on the effects. The only difference in the conditions the affected creature would be that instead of bleeding out and being unconscious, it slumps down, devoid of strength and is considered helpless. I only see NPC villains using this to monologue. Not that it's a bad thing, it's very much a common theme with bad guys, but I don't expect your players to take much interest in it except to drop and enemy to his knees for an easy beheading, possibly just to fish for circumstance bonuses on a subsequent intimidate check.
This month's issue of Kobold has a really awesome article about recurring villains and arch-nemeses. There is a new mechanic for granting each individual a rival ability to enhance the cinematic quality of the nemesis relationship. That may not have anything to do with this niche in your game, but it does float along these lines and you may get a kick out of it.
EDIT: One of the Arch-Nemesis abilities (third tier rival power) is called stunning revelation. It fits right in line with Vader's famous revelation to Luke.
Really, all I want is for an instance where dramatic scenes to play out between PC and NPC on occasion. As a paladin (when we start playing), I intend to dish out some righteous speeches on evil-doers I manage to get the last blow on. It's just lame if he's already dead or dying. And if he's not, he's still fighting.
Honestly, just telling my DM that I'd like to do this from time to time should be enough, and he can do some on-the-flyness. He also enjoys Paladins like me, and we are identical in the "mindset" a Paladin player must have.
Really, all I want is for an instance where dramatic scenes to play out between PC and NPC on occasion. As a paladin (when we start playing), I intend to dish out some righteous speeches on evil-doers I manage to get the last blow on. It's just lame if he's already dead or dying. And if he's not, he's still fighting.
Honestly, just telling my DM that I'd like to do this from time to time should be enough, and he can do some on-the-flyness. He also enjoys Paladins like me, and we are identical in the "mindset" a Paladin player must have.
I would just do that, then. Here's another option you might consider, though. I just found it.
I like that Capture alive... That's pretty sweet :)
i think most of this is just RP you should work out with the DM. I remember getting complimented pretty well, when i had a character pass out from a scimitar through the gut. He was a BEAST with hitpoints... but his Torso was only about 1'-2' total... So I hitpoints or not, i couldn't justify the little dude taking that backstab and keep going.
If you want to carry on long conversations with the enemy ala' comics and movies... by all means DO it...
It'll make battles more memorable to say the least!
That is a cool feat. If I wasn't so strapped for them as it is, I would seriously consider it. Unfortunately, I end up wanting feats like a fighter but wanting to play a Paladin.
(sighs)
Anyway, if I can't work out something with the DM without the benefit of the feat or such, I would probably take it. Thanks for the info and the opinions.
Well don't forget as a Paladin you can choose to take weapon bond instead of a mount. One of the enhancement options is the Merciful property which allows you to go all on damage but have it be non-lethal. This gives you some wiggle room on leaving bad guys alive but still thrashing them soundly so you can do a gloat thing.
You could also choose to adopt the more theatrical rules from d20 BESM (d20 Anime), chapter 12 is the combat section.
https://sites.google.com/site/dorjesylas/animed20srd1.2
This allows for 1 HP "face cuts", dramatic dying speech, and other more "movie" like things. You may also want to look into the Shock value (HP/5) as another dramatic tool without adding feats. Shock value could be tweaked with Pathfinders better condition system instead of just stunning outright.
I'm aware of the weapon bond (as well as the APG armor bond for one variant), but it feels weak to me, mainly due to the limited uses per day (though unlimited is way too strong). I like the mount, and intend to take mounted feats (including Leadership because I am awesome!) :-)
Plus, I think my DM will be like "That's fine dude, seriously." I intend to ask him and let you guys in on it.
About merciful - I really dislike non-lethal damage, mainly because if you're not a Monk (or have merciful) it's difficult to perform against enemies, particularly the enemies you'd like to capture (the tough ones!) Plus, since I won't be taking weapon bond, I do not intend to spend money and some of my limited ability bonuses on my primary weapon on merciful - holy is the first thing, then maybe axiomatic.
Thanks for the suggestions and the links!