Antagonists Called Shots

[PencilBoy99]

1. Can an antagonist try a Called Shot (e.g., one of the fancy maneuvers) at any time OTHER than when a companion rolls a [Sauron]
2. When an antagonist performs a Called Shot (e.g., Poison), do they use the same rules as players (Great/Extraordinary success).

[Falenthal]

2. Yes

1. There's a post by Francesco Nepitello on this, although you'll see there's still discussion afterwards:
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=9488&p=69558&hilit= ... Eye#p69558

[Otaku-sempai]

The rules for TOR say that 'a creature automatically attempts a called shot (...) whenever the companion attacking it fails his attack roll and obtains an EYE...'. A very literal reading would notice that the text doesn't say it 'ONLY attempts a called shot whenever...' .

Now, the intent behind the rule was primarily to remove the 'responsibility ' from the LM to call for a Called shot and make the trigger automatic. In actual play this may sometimes diminish the threat posed by some creatures. So, I would suggest that each individual group should decide whether to allow the LM to trigger CS at will, or to stick to the RAW and only have them happen after a miss attack with EYE. Otherwise, an option could be to allow a creature to trigger a CS spending 1 additional Hate point.

Francesco

I like Francesco's suggested option allowing an attacking creature to trigger a called shot by spending an additional Hate point.

[PencilBoy99]

Thanks!

[Rich H]

1. Can an antagonist try a Called Shot (e.g., one of the fancy maneuvers) at any time OTHER than when a companion rolls a [Sauron]

Personally, I go with 'no' as that is the RAI. In addition I allow the LM to decide whether they go for a Called Shot in such instances or just take a normal attack. I don't like the idea of an adversary being able to spend Hate to attempt a Called Shot when they like.