Seem similar suggested before regards blunt weapons, in an idea before.
But I like this a lot. It gives a degree of shallower escalation. Severing can be quite nasty in some cases, especially given the cost of replacing things to those less well established or less game savy.
Breaking is a great in game tool to teach someone a lesson they remember, but causing a lot less inconvenience compared to severing.
If we are including skill checks, you could have break severity too. Takes longer to heal, potential for sepsis due to compound fracture, needs a doc etc. A lot of scope.
Severing still has it's place
"We broke that bitche's hands three times and she still ain't learned, time to take one for good"
I am loving the direction that vatting is becoming less of a first choice as the stick to hit characters with.
'Vatting out is to kind, the pain is forgotten, and the lesson is lessened'