Training in the use or cords, nooses and chains to strangle an opponent.

The victim must either not know the attack is coming (i.e. prowl roll to get a guard) or not suspect the attack (if you want to garrote your party's wizard, he knows you're there. He must fail a perception check to notice you 'meandering' his way with deadly intent).

Use WP: Knife bonuses when striking from the rear. Trying to choke an opponent who knows the attack is coming is incredibly hard - requires a natural roll of 12 to hit the head, and the opponent gets +4 to parry or dodge.

No parry is possible with this skill.

If a strike is successful, will cause 1D6 points of damage in the first round. Back-stabbing, strength and appropriate (Thief and Assassin) Hand to Hand damage bonuses apply. Damage is increased by 1D6 per round, until the victim passes out and then dies. Damage is direct to hit points, not SDC.

A cloth noose or chain would do standard damage, a noose +1, and a wire +2

To break free, the victim must either throw his attacker (Make a roll adding PP bonuses (and any Martial arts skills) , the attacker may 'parry' using PS plus PP bonuses) break his hold (roll opposed strength checks) or destroy the garrote (cloth AR 5, SDC 5, chain AR 14, SDC 20, wire AR 10, SDC 10).

Spell casting and ward activation is impossible whilst being choked. To use a psionic or innate power requires a successful saving throw verse psionics.

The victim loses 1D6 PE per round (plus bonuses) rather than hit points. Once they are at 0 they pass out, once they are at negative PE they be dead.

If the attack isn't a surprise attack, if the defender wins initiative but get hit by a garroting attack, they can hold their breath. The player must state it as an action, or an NPC must make an IQ check. Additionally, the victim's neck will still get badly bruised: The wind pipe may still be crushed. For as long as breath is held, the victim will receive half damage from strangulation.

Generally, people are able to hold their breath for 30 seconds per 5 points of PE if the victim is inactive, 15 seconds if active? After that, they take full damage from choking, drowning, or whatever.