For instance, you might combine the HD-based threshold variant with the size-based threshold variant to create a massive damage threshold that takes into account both a creature’s Hit Dice and size. You can combine different variants to create your own custom system. Here, then, are several alternative massive damage thresholds and results.

On the other hand, a less deadly result on a failed save (unconsciousness instead of death, for instance) makes combat less dangerous, making a character’s current hit point total more important than any single hit. A lower threshold (the amount of damage that triggers a Fortitude save to avoid death) makes combat more deadly, perhaps turning any hit into a potentially life-threatening injury. It maintains the remote possibility that a single blow from a mighty opponent can kill a chracter, regardless of that character’s actual hit points.Īltering the massive damage rules can dramatically change the character’s attitude about combat. So each time more than half of target's remaining hit points are inflicted by a single blow the attacker rolls 1d12 and consults the table below.The massive damage rule is designed for games of heroic fantasy. Imagine Rocky against Drago in the final rounds with face a swollen mess, barely able to stand, and just one more solid blow could be a knockout. As any target is beaten down it becomes more and more susceptible to additional injury. A single blow that does more than half of the targets remaining hit points feels like a good amount. So instead notably vicious is measured by amount of damage from a single blow. You should not have a level one wizard wielding a dagger run up to adult dragon and in one lucky jab possibly give the dragon a concussion. That thematically felt right but after thinking it through it is flawed. My first thought was that as part of a critical hit you would have a system shock. Notably vicious blows should impair the target beyond simple damage because bones break and brains get concussions before the target drops dead. To model being susceptible to notable and sustained damage I use a house system shock rule. Combine that with in D&D 5e the idea of taking a nasty war hammer blow to the head with no chance of your bell being rung per the standard rules. One thing I liked about the old BattleTech table top game was filling in those little circles to account for lasers and missiles blasting away at mech armor until the volleys reached the soft center and started doing lasting damage.

D&d 5e system shock