Vital strike and Critical Hits (I'm sorry)

[Sysryke]

I tried searching on this site, the results are mixed, frequently a decade old, and contradictory.

Using actual numbers can someone clarify how critting on a vital strike works?

As I understand it if I have Str 18 and attack with a longsword:

Basic attack 1d8 +4 dmg = max 12

Vital strike 1d8 (bonus from Vital) + 1d8 + 4 dmg = max 20

Critical hit [1d8+4] ×2 dmg = max 24

Critical Vital [(1d8+4) ×2] +1d8 dmg = max 32

Do I have this correct? I understand the tactical purpose of vital strike, but by itself, it will never out damage a regular critical hit with the same weapon? Obviously higher value or more numerous damage dice are more beneficial with this feat, but where are these 12d6 or bigger vital strike examples coming from?

[Name Violation]

you have it correct. the additional dice is applied after critical damage is calculated.

for the big dice number question, i'll share my favorite example:
Butchers axe: 3d6
Oversized butchers axe: 4d6
Enlarge Perspn oversized butchers axe: 6d6
Enlarge Person oversized impact butchers axe: 8d6
(if you can get 1 more size catagory you can get to 12d6)
Vital strike/greater/improved: additional 8d6 each

on a crit, the 8d6 whoould get the x3 multiplier, but not other 24d6

there is a build i've seen that uses improvised weapons to get upto 12d6, but theres GM variation on "oversized improvised weapons"

[Sysryke]

Cheers! Thanks for clearing up my confusion.

[Falling Rock]

For a (very slightly) less extreme example, I played a character to 20th level who had the Vital Strike feat tree and an impact earthbreaker:

3d6 base damage
×3 crit multiplier = +6d6
Greater Vital Strike = +9d6

= Total 18d6 on Vital Strike crit (plus 3x his considerable static bonus [>30] from Strength, enhancement bonus, and high-BAB Power Attack)

When I had to retire him, his average damage was around 80 hp per hit, or 180 hp with a crit.