Critical Strikes

By bsmith23, in Legend of the Five Rings: The Roleplaying Game

Did the 2 opportunity rule for critical strikes carry over from the Beginners Box, or is that just for the streamlined rules? I know the strike result is different, just not sure about spending opportunities.

Yes, as mentioned under the Strike actions on pages 260 and 264. You can auto perform a critical strike by spending 2 opportunities.

40 minutes ago, Ultimatecalibur said:

Yes, as mentioned under the Strike actions on pages 260 and 264. You can auto perform a critical strike by spending 2 opportunities.

Thanks, I was looking for that, but forgot my book.

Does the 2 opp critical stack with a critical that wasn’t defended? In other words, if a target is incapacitated, can an attacker deliver two critical strikes in one turn?

Also can opp be used to cause a critical strike even if the strike doesn't hit? (fails TN)? That wouldn't make much sense?

21 minutes ago, Shosur0 said:

Also can opp be used to cause a critical strike even if the strike doesn't hit? (fails TN)? That wouldn't make much sense?

The wording on the opportunity expenditure of the Strike action starts with the phase "If you succeed," so no.

2 hours ago, sidescroller said:

Does the 2 opp critical stack with a critical that wasn’t defended? In other words, if a target is incapacitated, can an attacker deliver two critical strikes in one turn?

Can't back my claim at the moment but I would guess no.

2 hours ago, sidescroller said:

Does the 2 opp critical stack with a critical that wasn’t defended? In other words, if a target is incapacitated, can an attacker deliver two critical strikes in one turn?

It appears that works. Considering the game is heavy on narration following the results of dice, it makes sense that it could be described as a particularly devastating follow through attack, a one strike two cuts situation, simply a flurry of attacks, or anything that makes sense in the situation.

8 hours ago, sidescroller said:

Does the 2 opp critical stack with a critical that wasn’t defended? In other words, if a target is incapacitated, can an attacker deliver two critical strikes in one turn?

It does not state "instead" in the strike action / opportunity description. You deal both the fatigue + crit, or if they don't defend against the damage you get 2 crits.

13 hours ago, shosuko said:

It does not state "instead" in the strike action / opportunity description. You deal both the fatigue + crit, or if they don't defend against the damage you get 2 crits.

Since defend is automatic if not incapacitated... the only time it's relevant is when they are incapacitated, which is explicitly only while fatigue ≥ Endurance.

1 hour ago, AK_Aramis said:

Since defend is automatic if not incapacitated... the only time it's relevant is when they are incapacitated, which is explicitly only while fatigue ≥ Endurance.

A character can also spend a Void point to not defend and accept a critical strike. A character may wish to do this to prevent becoming incapacitated and being able to take a roll action on their turn.

1 hour ago, GM81 Protocol Droid said:

A character can also spend a Void point to not defend and accept a critical strike. A character may wish to do this to prevent becoming incapacitated and being able to take a roll action on their turn.

Good point, and a subtlety - you don't take the fatigue if you don't defend. (p. 268) — I'd not considered that angle.