kent_allard_jr | D&D Geekitude: A Dozen Ways to Die!!!! (Reply)

4th edition D&D uses two kinds of health measures -- hit points and healing surges -- yet only one of them directly effects a character's condition. Healing surges determine receptiveness to healing, that's true, but unless someone's around to heal you -- or you roll a 20 on a death saving throw -- it won't make any difference, you'll die just the same.

Here's an alternative system. When a character is reduced to 0 hit points, roll 1d6 and add the number of healing surges remaining. Then check this table to determine the character's situation.

Roll	Description
1-3	The character dies instantly
4	Character is unconscious and must make death saving throws every round. After recovery he will suffer long term effects (see table below).
5-7	Character is unconscious and must make death saving throws every round, as normal.
8-9	Character is knocked prone; he is dazed and slowed until healed. He must make death saving throws every round.
10	Character is unconscious and must make death saving throws every 5 minutes.
11	Character is knocked prone; he is dazed and slowed until healed. He must make death saving throws every 5 minutes. After recovery he will suffer long term effects (see table below).
12-13	the character is unconscious until healed or the end of the encounter.
14+	Character is knocked prone; he is dazed and slowed until healed.

If "long term effects" are called for, roll 1d6:

Roll	Effect
1-3	The character suffers a "death penalty" as if he had been Raised (see Raise Dead ritual). Effect goes away after 3 milestones.
4	Character loses an arm or a hand. Off-hand items cannot be equip, and lifting capacity is halved. Limbs can be replaced in a magic ritual; cost is equivalent to Raise Dead.
5	Character suffers leg or spinal injuries and is slowed. Effect goes away after 3 milestones.
6	The character is maimed in a way that gives him a horrific appearance. He suffers a -5 penalty on Diplomacy checks, but receives a +2 bonus to Intimidate. Damage can be repaired in a magic ritual; cost is equivalent to Raise Dead.