A combat technique devised by van Helsing, whereby a single precise strike can inflict crippling damage on a vampire
-
Inner Strike (INT; TRAINED ONLY)
Check: Extensive study of the vampire physiology has given the character insight into the best places to strike when attacking them. Once a combat round when engaged with a vampire, the character may forgo all other melee attacks in order to execute an Inner Strike. The character makes an Inner Strike skill check opposed against a Sense Motive check by the vampire. Success allows the character to make an Inner Strike. Failure means the character attacks normally that round, though with a -2 penalty on the first attack he takes. Inner Strike is a Full-Round Action.
The Inner Strike itself consists of one melee attack, made at +1 for each sacrificed melee attack the character would have had. So, if a character normally attacking at +15/+10/+5 makes an Inner Strike, he gains a +3 To Hit bonus on his (single) attack. If the attack is successful, the accurate placement of the blow allows the character to add his Character Level to the damage roll, as well as any other bonuses normally applicable.
Retry: No.
Special: No character not trained in the special lore of vampire anatomy may learn this skill.