Messy kills

Rank 	Chance %
Critter 	25%
One-Hit Kill	25%
Weak Normal 	25%
Normal 	25%
Lieutenant 	100%
Boss 	100%
Elite Boss 	100%
A Messy kill, also known as Deathblow is a finishing move described as Produces Massive Gore, can occur when a character performs the last hit on an enemy—that results in an animated kill move. 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. This move is chance based to guaranteed [Program Files]\Dragon Age\tools\Source\2DA\creatureranks.xls creatureranks_DBlw tab.
Some weapons such as Ageless and Aeducan Mace have a item property which is supposed to create a greater chance of the animation occurring upon death, although this not actually implemented [Program Files]\Dragon Age\tools\Source\2DA\itemprps.xls itemprps tab, row 36. 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.
== See also ==
* Item properties (Origins)
* Item properties (Dragon Age II)
== Reference ==
Category:Dragon Age: Origins gameplay