So, I was thinking. Maybe, instead of having to kill anyone that attacks you, there would be the option to pull off a non-lethal finisher or attack, such as hitting the foe with the butt of your staff, weapon, whatever.
Such a thing could allow actual barfights instead of bloodbathes, and settle disputes without attracting major guard attention. Implementing this would also allow for a bounty system similar to Red Dead Redemptions. You would get a bonus for bringing a bounty back alive, rather than bringing back his thumb or something. Of course, this would mean an option to tie things up would have to be implemented. (Take whole towns hostage )
Of course, this would be optional, possibly by holding the block button while finishing. And if accidentally done, you would have the option to do an execution while they are unconcious.

So, in short:

Would allow for bounty missions
Activated by holding block or some other non-attack button during final blow
Solve domestic disputes without killing the person
Optional
New way for pacifists to play

I could maybe see that being implemented for people like Thieves. Maybe like knock people out instead of having to kill them. But I don't know how it would work for people who are in an actual fight though. :confused:

Maybe as an animation where you slam them into your knee if unarmed, or hit them with the end of your sword if you're fighting with blades. Being able to use beer kegs in a barfight would be awesome.
And, for sneaky characters, possibly the use of chloroform? Or, more seriously, slamming people on the head with the end of your weapon, knocking them out for 8 hours.

I'v actualy always wanted non-lethal take downs, there were plenty of times in oblivion when incapacitating someone would have been more realistic to the situation than killing them. A way to restrain them would also be nice but I wouldn't want RDR style bounty hunter missions. I hope this is implemented in skyrim so barfights don't always end in a murder.

That could work. Especially in bar fights and especially against Nords. :biggrin:

I would like the option of ending fights without killing (or running).

Yeah, it's something us stealth fans have been requesting for a while. Even just the inclusion of a blackjack for non-lethal knockouts would be awesome.

I totally agree. :thumbsup:

Exactly, murdering everyone typically isn't the way to go unless you're trying to be evil. Knockout moves would fix this, and provide new opportunities for tackling stealth areas. A rope item would be nice, as well as a gag. Simply equip the rope, and use it on whoever you want to tie up. An animation then takes place, depending on whether or not they were conscious. Trying to tie a conscious person would end in failure almost every time, but attempting one on a in-capped NPC would always be a success. Gags would simply keep the person quiet, should they wake up and try to alert their comrades.
Also,why exactly don't you want bounty missions? They could provide an interesting deviation to earn some cash.