This thread is more directed to the IMMs since they will have a better idea of things work behind the scenes and all. But I was wondering, since I really haven't seen it talked about before by using the search function, if it would be possible for the playerbase (and more specifically me) to be enlightened on how cleave works. I.e. the factors that determine its success. Kind of like what was done with Assassinate.

In the Assassinate threads it was pretty much spelled out what the assassin and potential victim could do to either improve or hamper the likelihood of assassinate working. Such as the assassin getting a suitable number of stalks, not being seen on the 'where', using a weapon that would hit a race's weakness, etc.

Does the same apply to Cleave? I know Daevyrn had stated before that the chance of cleaving someone in half is equal regardless of using a sword or axe but what if it was an ice sword/axe vs a fire giant? Or iron vs an elf, mithril vs dark-elf, a blunt damage axe vs gnomes etc.? Does STR matter much? Would a fire giant be more likely to cleave someone in half than say, a felar? Would gearing a certain more likely prevent you from being cloven in half?

Or does it all just a straight skill% check vs the RNG?

Thanks

A lich can potentially avoid cleave by remaining damaged, but it's not a small amount of damaged. Running around mostly dead has its own hazards.

Of course, they're also not without other anti-cleave tactical options, but that one's overrated.

It's pretty much straight chance, with the caveat that if you miss cleave entirely you obviously can't cleave in half, so factors like your skill matter.

Character size, weapon type, weapon weight, and position of the victim are not factored? If any are, which?

>Character size,

No

>weapon type,

No

>weapon weight,

No

>and position of the victim are not factored?

Only so much as you can't "miss" a sleeping victim

So long, and thanks for all the fish!

asf