The awesomeness of called shot and its applications.

[AndrewCarr]

I wasn't sure about which forum to put this in(NWN discussion or this), but since it's the first time i've used called shot in ns, and in nwn, and it's working well in ns4, i decided to place it here.

But for those of you with called shot so far, how do you like it, and why? Also, what do you use it for and what tactics do you build around it?

For those of you without it, have you considered, or can you offer any ideas on its use?

I currently start off with one called shot to the leg, this lowers the enemy's ac by 1, and slows them which allows more shots. I also have called shot leg/arm keyed to my first row of quick slots, so i spam f8(called shot arm) in most fights, which reduces the enemy's attack tremendously(-2 atk each hit) and lets me work better with a bow than with dual rapiers(not in dps, or killing wise, but in how much hp i lose). So in 1v1 situations i love it.

I also like it in situations where it's me vs 2 others, and use it pretty well. I usually again start off with one called shot let, hit the next target with a called shot arm or two, then switch back and pump the first full of called shot arm arrows. This helps me evade the second enemy's attack almost as if i had a shield(-4 atk to my loss of 6 ac) and the first still has the dex reduction, and speed reduction which usually will make that one reach me slower, letting me switch targets before the one stumbling is upon me.

Something interesting that i've noticed is that when the arrow hits, but is resisted, it bounces off the target, flies above their head like a missle, and makes an arc down, still hitting them, which is amazing animation imo.

But what i'm wondering about is if anyone has suggestions for improvement, or for a better feat for an archer to take. Also, do many of you use it in melee? And is there a specified time limit to each called shot, because i have no clue on that(just know that it goes away after a little while).

But thx in advance for any feedback.

[IcemanXV]

I haven't taken it in NC because generally there are alot of undeads to kill, and Undead are immune to ability damage. On other servers I've found called shot leg to be the best vs dex enemies. Lowers AC as well as decreases ab (if they use finesse).

I killed lots of monsters I couldn't normally that way. I would taunt them to be able to hit them, then start hitting them with called shot legs, lowering their ac, so eventually i was always hitting them wih a lowered AC, while still doing damage in the process.

[AndrewCarr]

Hmm.. well with random bonuses on items i have 18 taunt. Could give that a try vs ppl with low discipline but high ac.

[Quiett]

I've never used it, but in the Handbook it says each called shot lasts 4 rounds.

[AndrewCarr]

Good to know, ty.

[dond]

called shot arm stacks btw in reducing ab.

and it works on undead as far as i can tell, unless they resist it thru discipline.

taunt is incredibly useful against meleers. it's only resisted by concentration and most fighters don't have points there.

[Bob]

It's a very good feat choice for a finesse fighter, or at least halfling dexers. Disarm (being influenced by weapon size) and Knockdown (influenced by by character size) aren't always reliable active combat feats when you're wee. Called Shot is, especially if you've managed to get your AB up into a decent range compared to what is possible with Discipline.

At higher levels, it's usually less effective as Discipline on melee characters really begins to outstrip AB. Remains to be seen exactly how high you'll be able to pump Discipline in NS4, but it's still a decent feat.

[edit - if you can manage to get Taunt up high enough, it's also a good feat vs casters... 30% spell failure. Same problem as with Called Shot though. At high levels, Concentration usually outstrips Taunt. Unless you've built a proper bard, that is. ]

[AndrewCarr]

Wow, thx bob. Only thought taunt reduced ac, i'll have to try it sometime on mages. Could disjunct from sneak, taunt, then dual rapier them.

[Denort]

Called shot is a great archer feat. Unlike sneak attacks on bows, call shot works at any range and despite what the ever accurate NWN manual says, the movement speed decrease from called shot does stack. An arcane archer with their insanely high AB can quickly reduce an enemy to less than normal walking pace.
Mind you I have not tested it on NS4 yet so some things may have changed.

[garrykasparov]

Remember your skill focuses as well. Getting an epic disc. focus is an excellent way for anyone (especially mages who can meet the prereqs) to resist KD, called shot, and disarm. Getting an epic focus in taunt is also an excellent way for a pally, bard, or barb to rattle spellcasters, as many casters neglect the corresponding focus in concentration.

[sheriffbugs]

Andrew

It seems you have figured out called shot after all. You used it very well on the unbuffed, resting (i.e., no spells and definitely not aggresive) players that were 16 levels lower than you. Congratulations!!!

[AndrewCarr]

The ones who just exited my hometown of melencia, that then had several lvl5s and under in it?

[sheriffbugs]

Hadn't been inside yet. We were resting while we drew maps. But you need not defend your actions. I was congratulating you! Nice job. We're going to throw a parade when you hit level 40 and solo slaughter the Rock Peak Mausoleum.

[ATI]

Lindon...killing newbs? You're gonna end up like Llew and Axon you keep that up

Just kidding. Called shot rocks...

how about KD as a cleric? and IKD?

[AndrewCarr]

Hadn't been inside yet. We were resting while we drew maps. But you need not defend your actions. I was congratulating you! Nice job. We're going to throw a parade when you hit level 40 and solo slaughter the Rock Peak Mausoleum.

If you really want to hash this thing out, then plz lvl up.