abstract
| - A Messy kill, also known as a finishing move or execution, occurs when a character performs an animated kill scene. They can range from simple slices to beheadings and shield rams. This also includes the slow-motion killing of ogres and the cross-slicing of beasts. The messy kill animations are most closely linked to critical hits. If an enemy dies of a critical hit then the execution will occur, hence daggers often create these scenes. The duelist ability Pinpoint Strike is a valid way to test this, as it ensures critical hits and therefore a messy kill chain. Some weapons such as Ageless and Aeducan Mace have a messy kills item property which is supposed to create a greater chance of the animation occurring upon death, although this is unproven. The messy kills property may just increase the chance of a critical hit, or change the execution requirement to a certain damage amount instead of a critical necessity. A few examples of weapons with the messy kills property include: , obtained by completing the Caged in Stone quest. , awarded by Duncan in the Dwarf Commoner Origin just before leaving Orzammar. , obtained by killing Dwyn in Redcliffe (after a failed intimidate), if you decide not to use him for the quest fight. , included as part of Ariane's initial gear in the Witch Hunt DLC. There are no weapon runes for messy kills.
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