Handbook of Heroes

[Keltest]

I think the rules can be interesting here if they represent an element of risk: the damage might or might not be enough to do the deed. But it's hard to do the calculus as a player when you're not sure if you're facing DM fiat, a had-and-fast rules interpretation, and how tough the hostage is vs. how much melee damage the hostage-taker can dish out. In other words, the stakes are all over the place.

It makes me wonder if a couple of knowledge rolls to help gauge the situation could make this a more interesting encounter type.

If their ability to kill the hostage is uncertain, I think that rather defeats the purpose of having a hostage in the first place, no?