In my opinion, 5e gets critical hits almost right. It’s streamlined from what some past editions had (confirm to hit? barf!) but it can also feel pretty underwhelming to roll double your normal dice and still get fairly low. My personal preference would be for critical hits to result in something like “maximum result of your damage dice + roll your damage dice again and add the result” but I understand that every rule that complicates the game even a little bit adds up.
Today’s update is not about making critical hits better in 5e. Today’s update is about making critical hits completely different.
When I was a kid playing RPGs in the 1990s I was introduced to a group of guys playing a game (way over my head) called Rolemaster. Rolemaster is kind of a relic of a system where every single thing calls for a roll and there’s not only a skill but a chart for any possible thing you could think of (and lots of things you can’t think of). While today I would never come within 100 feet of a game like that, one part of that game that always stuck with me was the critical hit charts – it felt great to roll on those charts. It added even more complexity to a game that was already drowning in complexity but man did it feel good to roll a natural 100 on a critical hit and drop an enemy just in the knick of time. The charts were pithy, irreverent, needlessly complicated, and a crapload of fun.
So in honor of all the RPGers who grew up in a time where books full of charts was en vogue, I present the first part of the Critical Hits Revisited system.
EDITED TO LINK TO FINAL VERSION:
Just gotta say this is a lot kinder and more preferable to the lasting injuries chart in the DMG. I had a dwarvish barbarian that went from ok to missing a leg and moving half speed, a permanently scared face, and a bad scar on his arm in two turns. This would have made things better. Definitely going to implement this, but only up to creatures of one size class larger from the PCs. It makes no sense to do massive knock back with a finesse weapon to an umber hulk or giant or something.
LikeLike
My condolences to your dwarf! I hope these treat him (or his successor since it sounds like he might have needed to retire) more kindly!
LikeLike
Is there going to be crit charts for other elements too?
LikeLike
Yes! I actually have them all written already but want to do some revisions and add more options in before I release it.
LikeLike
Hi. Have there been any considerations for implementing a critical system exclusively for spells and breath weapons? I’m thinking more along the lines of fireball, lightning bolt, etc…those spells that don’t require attack rolls, and require saving throws. If you’re familiar with the “Players Option: Spells & Magic” book from 2nd Edition days, that was a comprehensive treatment.
LikeLike