Some attacks, such as the Sorceries of the Mind SK spell Mind Blast, do non-lethal damage. Damage from such attacks come off hit points normally but should be recorded as a separate number since such attacks heal faster. Non-lethal (NL) damage, unless otherwise specified by the attack form, heals automatically at a rate of 1 point per minute starting 5 minutes after combat ends, as long as the target is resting.
For example, Derrick's hit points are currently at 52/66 (i.e., he has taken 14 points of damage). He gets hit with a Mind Blast that causes 15 points of damage. He is now at 37/66 but also records that 15 points of that damage is non-lethal. Five minutes after the combat ends, and assuming he is resting, Derrick starts regaining the damage from the non-lethal attack at a rate of 1 point per minute. Thus, 20 minutes after the combat, he is back up to 52/66.
If non-lethal damage takes someone to 0 or less STA, they fall unconscious. The non-lethal damage will start healing automatically 5 minutes later at a rate of 1 point per minute, but the victim won't come around until 1d10 hours later, or until awakened by someone.
Using Normal Melee Weapons
Normal melee weapons can also be used to attempt non-lethal damage. If using a blunt weapon the character's strike chance is reduced by 10. If a hit is indicated, then half of the damage, rounded down, is applied normally as lethal damage. The other half of the damage, rounded up, is non-lethal damage.
Example: Delana is at 39/45 hit points (i.e., she is down 6 HP). An opponent wants to do NL damage and succeeds in hitting Delana. He rolls 13 points of damage. Half the damage, rounded down, is applied normally, putting Delana at 33/45 and half of the damage rounded up is applied as NL damage putting her at 26/45 (7 NL). As with normal NL damage, 5 minutes after the combat is over, the NL damage returns at a rate of 1 per minute. Thus, 12 minutes after the combat, Delana would be back to 33/45.
Non-blunt weapons, (e.g., swords, axes, etc.) can also attempt NL damage but the character's chance to hit is reduced by 20 instead of 10 and damage is -2 (i.e., a weapon that would normally case 1d8+1 damage causes only 1d8-1 damage).
Critical and Grievous Success
If attacking with melee weapons or unarmed combat using the NL damage rules, then a critical or grievous success indicates the chance of a knockout blow. Damage is done normally (i.e., double damage with no protection).
If the result was a critical (including a grievous where the threat roll failed) then the target must make a 4x CON roll or fall unconscious. The roll is modified for wounds before multiplying. For example, someone with a 20 CON, who is currently suffering a -10 penalty due to wound penalties, has an effective CON on 10 and must roll a 40 or less to avoid being knocked out.
If the result was a grievous (and the threat roll succeeded), damage is applied normally (double damage, no protection) and the target is knocked unconscious for 2d6 rounds.
Martial Artist
A martial artist can always choose to have his damage be lethal or non-lethal with no penalty.
If a martial artist obtains grievous success (and the threat roll succeeded), he can choose to do no damage, one times damage, or two times damage. The target is automatically knocked unconscious for 2d6 rounds.
Unarmed Combatant
Someone with rank 10 or higher in Unarmed Combat skill has the same options as a Martial Artist above.
Blunt Weapons
Someone using a blunt weapon, who is rank 6 or higher with the appropriate skill for the weapon, is specialized or double specialized in the weapon, and has the appropriate master skill also at rank 6 or higher, has the same options as a Martial Artist above. Note that the attack can be melee or ranged, as long as the attacker meets the requirements.
Blunt weapons include: Blackjack, Bola, Club, Mace, Quarterstaff, Rock, Sling, War Club and War Hammer
NUREL: (GM) I was thinking that you could actually have a critical hit chart for non lethal damaging blows. With this Boxing match I could see it.
Some of them could be:
Knocked off balance lose 1 action.
Blow to the eye. Turn's black and blue and swells up -15 to actions. Vision impaired
Solid hit +1d6 damage.
Great shot. +1d3 damage and a cut on the forehead and bleed 1 point per round.
Hit to the abdomen. Loose your Breath -10 to all action for 1d3 rounds.
Strike to the head. Concussion ???
and always. Stunning blow. Opponent knocked out.
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