Increase runes through backstab kill?

[burtoonh]

Has anyone else noticed increased rune drop percentage after a backstab that kills an enemy? While collecting runes around Farum Greatbridge, I can predictably get 1094 runes from a militia grunt if I fight it using any means (e.g., weapon, sorcery - the mob is aware of me and fighting back). However, if I sneak and backstab the militia grunt, I routinely receive 1313 runes.

Does killing something by backstabbing increase the amount of runes you collect?

My friend trying the same thing is not getting an increased amount. Only difference in stats is I have high int (sorc build) while he is high dex build. I've tried it with different weapons and gears and I predictably get more runes with a backstab kill.

Help settle this debate between friends,
Cheers

[TommyEV]

There must be some overkill mechanics in this game: http://darksouls.wikidot.com/overkill

If you do above 150% of the enemy's HP, you get +20% soulds/runes.

[Sakhari]

Yes, it's an overkill bonus. Critical hits like backstabs just happen to be one of the easier ways to deal overkill-damage. Until you pass a certain damage threshold on those Vulgar Militia enemies, for example, you'll continue to get 1094 per kill even with a backstab.

[K@zzSama]

Originally posted by TommyEV:

There must be some overkill mechanics in this game: http://darksouls.wikidot.com/overkill

If you do above 150% of the enemy's HP, you get +20% soulds/runes.

Huh... i play souls since the first one and i didnt know this, boy im retarded xD Thanks for this tip!

[Lenox]

Originally posted by Sakhari:

Yes, it's an overkill bonus. Critical hits like backstabs just happen to be one of the easier ways to deal overkill-damage. Until you pass a certain damage threshold on those Vulgar Militia enemies, for example, you'll continue to get 1094 per kill even with a backstab.

Does that mean that if I were to equip something like the Curved Sword Talisman, that the overkill could grant me additional runes? I'd been taking it off during some regular enemies because I didn't think the overkill would be useful.

[Sakhari]

Originally posted by Lenox:

Does that mean that if I were to equip something like the Curved Sword Talisman, that the overkill could grant me additional runes?

It could if you gets you above whatever the damage threshold needs to be to count as an Overkill but I don't know what that specific number is. According to Tommy above, it looks like it was 150% damage in a single hit in previous games.

[Lenox]

Originally posted by Sakhari:

Originally posted by Lenox:

Does that mean that if I were to equip something like the Curved Sword Talisman, that the overkill could grant me additional runes?

It could if you gets you above whatever the damage threshold needs to be to count as an Overkill but I don't know what that specific number is. According to Tommy above, it looks like it was 150% damage in a single hit in previous games.

I might have to test this out tonight! Thanks.

[burtoonh]

Y'all are the best - thanks for helping us put this argument to rest XD

[Lenox]

Originally posted by burtoonh:

Y'all are the best - thanks for helping us put this argument to rest XD

The important thing isn't that you got the information you needed. It's that you get to tell your friend that he is wrong.