The Critical Strike skill is a special attack skill, which allows the character to call a damaging attack which unless properly defended against will cause the defender to fall and be placed at the Critically Wounded status.

To launch this attack, the character must say at minimum “Critical Strike” plus the weapon damage type, and if needed the hand which the strike is coming from. This attack is only good for the one (1) swing in which it is made.

For example, it would be feasible to hear, “Critical Strike Magic, Right Hand” from a player using a magical weapon for the attack. The skill is used up whether it is successful or not at that time.

The strike must land on the player and make contact with their person. If physically blocked by a weapon or shield the attack is used up with no effect. Also, there are spell shields which will defend against this attack, as well as any of the Parry, Block or Dodge skills.

Some creatures and even some characters can develop a natural defense against this attack. These characters will take damage based on their Master Fortify skill.

The player may purchase this skill once after gaining three (3) levels of the Weapon Damage skill and other prerequisites. They may then purchase this skill each time they gain an additional three (3) levels of the Weapon Damage skill. Thus, it is possible for a player with Weapon Damage +13 to have 4.