Deathblow is a High-level class ability available to the fighter, paladin, ranger, and monk classes - including fighter multi-classes.
The ability can be selected more than once by the eligible classes if desired.
High-level class abilities were added as a new feature to the BG game with the release of the Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal expansion and are also included in the Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition as well.
Required for: Greater Deathblow
Description[]
| “ | Deathblow The Deathblow ability allows the warrior to blow through the defenses of any lesser creature. For the next 2 rounds, any creature of 10th level or lower is instantly killed when struck by the warrior. |
” |
Gameplay[]
This ability is accessed from the character's "Special Abilities" button, select the button icon with the cursor (or F12 on a keyboard) to open the menu - use the cursor again and click on the desired ability icon or use one of the designated F-keys if playing with a keyboard interface.
Once the ability icon is selected the deathblow is bestowed and is immediately be applied upon the character automatically - the character has a brief 3D effect render on their sprite and will show an icon (No. 154) titled "Deathblow" on their portrait for the ability's duration, a sound effect is audibled, and a second one when the ability expires.
The ability has a duration of 2 rounds once applied to the character.
Once the ability is initiated, all weapon attacks (melee, thrown, or missile) will apply a Slay instant death effect that is applicable to targets with 10 current hit dice/experience levels or less - there is no saving throw.
Creatures with more than 10 hit dice are unaffected.
If dual wielding, both weapons will apply the deathblow.
The effect is non magical and cannot be blocked by Magic resistance or any Spell protections type defenses.
Trivia[]
The Advanced Dungeons and Dragons 2nd Edition ruleset doesn't provide any High-level class abilities as implemented by the BG video game - the HLA's seen in the game are a creation by the developers for the video game series only - however some inspiration was provided to the BG developers from the following sourcebook material:
In 1995 under the Advanced D&D 2.5 ruleset the Dungeon Master Option: High Level Campaigns sourcebook was released. In chapter 7, High-Level Characters and Skills for High-Level Characters is sectioned for Warriors, Wizards, Priests, and Rogues.
It is from these rules and optional suggestions that the developers crafted their own High-Level Skills - or "abilities" as they are called in the game.
In terms of Deathblow - the sourcebook does have a warrior skill titled the same, however the PnP version allows a saving throw to resist the deadly blow, and opponents with more Hit Dice/levels than the warrior are immune to the effect. There are other stipulations and rules as well. See Skills for High-Level Warriors for further reading.