I was thinking of ways to do non-lethal moves and this is what I came up with:
False Swipe
When you attack an opponent with the intention to just knock them out, roll +STR.
on a hit deal your damage, halved. If the damage was enough to bring them to 0 HP, they are just knocked out for a couple of hours. On a 7-9 they get the chance to easily retaliate. On a 6- you are at their mercy.
I’m not sure if STR is the right stat or not, its not exactly powering through…
Why not Defy Danger to put someone in a sleeper hold?
1) I am not an awesome ninja with deep knowledge of anatomy, sadly enough
2) That would be quick thinking right?
Probably still STR. They would attempt to break free.
I usually just go with narration. If the player wants to do non lethal, all they have to do is tell me before acting. Suddenly, it’s the flat of the blade, or a jarring punch, or sleeper, or whatever.
On a 6-, I’d add: or your hit wasn’t as harmless as you thought and you deal full damage.
Eric Nieudan ouch, I like it
– do it in the fiction. 0HP = unconscious, if you are going for that.
– Defy danger + STR = the enemy is stunned / repeat that for step up stunned > unconscious
This largely implies you would need to beat them sencesless before you could knock them out. Is it your intention to have this used in combat? If it’s for unsuspecting NPC’s try this
‘When you attempt to overpower someone who is unaware of your presence, or who does not see you as a treat. Roll+star 10+ opponent is temporarily unconscious, 7-9 you have him in a hold, and unable to raise an alarm, but still conscious. 6- your target is free to act and aware of your intent.
Or alternately assume as skilled heros and warriors they don’t kill people by accident.
I just assume that whoever dealt the damage that brings someone to 0HP or lower decides what happens. The target could be killed, knocked out or just fall on the knees and beg for mercy. Or anything else you can think about.
The fiction decides what happens. 0 HP with a sword kills, unless you’ve been telling me its the flat of the blade.
As much as custom moves are fun, I have to agree that the easiest way to do this is just say that 0HP means they’re out of the fight. The fiction dictates whether that means “decapitated,” or “lying on the ground, groaning and clutching his side,” or whatever else.