Improved Critical

Type: General
Source: Player's Handbook v.3.5

Choose one type of weapon, such as longsword or greataxe. With that weapon, you know how to hit where it hurts.

Prerequisite: Proficient with weapon, base attack bonus +8.

Benefit: When using the weapon you selected, your threat range is doubled. For example, a longsword usually threatens a critical hit on a roll of 19–20 (two numbers). If a character using a longsword has Improved Critical (longsword), the threat range becomes 17–20 (four numbers).

Special: You can gain Improved Critical multiple times. The effects do not stack. Each time you take the feat, it applies to a new type of weapon.

This effect doesn’t stack with any other effect that expands the threat range of a weapon (such as the keen edge spell).

A fighter may select Improved Critical as one of his fighter bonus feats.

For Spell casters: Choose one category of weapon-like spell (ray, energy missile, or touch spell). When you use a spell of the selected category the threat range is doubled. A spell normally threatens a critical on a 20; this feat increases that range to 19-20. You can gain this feat multiple times, choosing a different weapon or category of weapon-like spell each time.