The Coup De Grace Helpless, Downed, and Mortally-Wounded Creatues A coup de grace is a standard action that allows a character to use any attack against a helpless foe. If the attack hits, it is a critical hit, regardless of the roll. If the attack inflicts damage greater than or equal to the bloodied value of the target, the target dies. Helpless Creatures A helpless creature is someone who is bound, sleeping, paralyzed, unconscious, or otherwise at your mercy.