Execution Equipment

Execution of prisoners, far from light and hope of rescue, is something all creatures fear when venturing into realms where vengeance or brute malice holds sway. Despicable overlords and despotic states alike enjoy particularly cruel forms of execution, deriding even the idea of lesser penalties. And even an otherwise enlightened society may find that vengeance is more important to it than reformation of the convicted. And so the executioner’s profession never lacks for work.

The executioner seeks death for the condemned with a swift stroke. Sometimes, death by torture is the command given to the executioner, but in such a case he will often remand the client to a torturer to carry out the sentence. However, many execution devices are also extraordinarily painful for those destined to feel their cruel, final embrace.

Rules of Execution

The condemned must first be secured by being tied in place, pinned in a grapple, or successfully restrained in a stationary execution device. If restrained in an execution device, the condemned can attempt to make a Escape Artist check every round against the DC noted, unless magically held or otherwise helpless. If grappled, the condemned can attempt to break the grapple normally.

Once the victim is secure, the executioner can attempt the chosen method of execution. The executioner makes a Profession (executioner) check against the DC given for the device on Table below. If the check is successful, the condemned is slain according to the nature of the device. If the executioner fails, the execution is botched, and the executioner can make another check the following round.

Botched attempts deal the damage noted for the device, so the condemned may be killed even if the executioner botches the attempt. Prideful executioners—which includes most of them take it as a personal point of dishonor if they kill the condemned on a botched execution.

Execution Devices as Weapons: Some execution devices, such as headsman’s axes, make adequate melee weapons. In melee, such an item deals normal damage for an item of its kind (such as a greataxe) and cannot kill instantly. Most other devices of execution cannot be used in melee.

masterwork Devices: masterwork execution devices provide a +1 circumstance bonus on the executioner’s Profession (executioner) check. They cost twice as much as the versions given in Table 3–2.

Execution Devices

Hundreds, if not thousands, of execution methods are possible beyond those described here. The table identifies common techniques from which more exotic forms of execution can be extrapolated.

Execution Devices
Device	Execution DC	Escape DC	Botched Damage	Cost	Weight
Crucifixion cross	15	28	*	1 gp	50 lb.
Draw and quarter	18	25	5d6	3 sp	1 lb.
Hanging rope	18	**	1d3/rd.	3 sp	1 lb.
Headsman’s axe	18	**	Coup de grace	20 gp	20 lb.
*Crucified characters lose 10% of their total hit points each hour.**The Use Rope check of the executioner sets the Difficulty Class.