Welcome to the Called Shots rules, a flexible combat system that allows for targeted strikes during crucial moments. These guidelines provide a framework for called shots, but the unfolding narrative and the Dungeon Master's discretion are paramount. A DM may decide to grant a called shot for dramatic effect or exceptional strategy, potentially allowing for more impactful outcomes.

**Eligibility for Called Shots**:
  * **Critical Hits**: Any critical hit may be turned into a called shot.
  * **Out of Combat**: Damage dealt outside of the normal combat sequence can qualify for a called shot.
  * **Surprise**: Attacks against surprised creatures may automatically be considered called shots.
  * **Finishing blow**: Hits that put targets at 0 hit points tend to leave fatal wounds, you can also choose to not kill the target leaving them at one hp as if they used the sacrifice option.

**Implementation of Called Shots**:
  * When a player is eligible to perform a called shot, they may specify the body part they are targeting (e.g., arm, leg, head).

**Effects of a Successful Called Shot**:
  * The DM decides the consequences of a successful called shot based on the body part targeted and the context of the hit, with possible outcomes including but not limited to impaired movement, reduced attack capability, or disorientation.

**Sacrifice Option to Avoid 0 HP**:
  * A character facing an attack that would reduce them to 0 HP may choose to use the "Sacrifice" option, losing a body part to remain at 1 HP. This choice is only available if the character is conscious and can only be used once per long rest.

**Balancing and DM Discretion**:
  * The DM retains the authority to adjust the difficulty and outcomes of called shots to maintain game balance and to fit the narrative flow of the campaign.

**Sacrifice Option to Avoid 0 HP**:
  * Whenever a creature suffers damage from a call shot it is inflicted with special effects [[rules:health_and_recovery:start|health_and_recovery]]


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