D&D General As GM, do you have bad guys kill downed PCs?

[CleverNickName]

I voted Yes, but that's only true for intelligent monsters at my table. Intelligent monsters will fight intelligently: focus-fire on the healers, double-tap downed characters, work the battlefield to gain Advantage--basically they will use the same tactics that the players use. Especially if the monsters are not only intelligent, but also cunning and cruel.

 

[Yaarel]

Generally, no. But sometimes the narrative itself makes it implausible to not ensure killing a downed character. So it has happened.

Otherwise, TPKs which too are rare, tend to ensure dead.

Rare but not impossible.

 

[toucanbuzz]

I put "yes fairly often" not because it happens often, but because I make that "yes" decision most of the time with foes that would naturally kill off the PCs, such as ghouls.

That all said, my players know this, and while they don't like characters dying, they are okay if it was a fair play as we abide by the philosophy the risk of character death at any time makes for a more thrilling world, and death can be an opportunity for the game to go in an entirely unexpected direction (including quests to restore the character, or honoring them by dedicating a library to them, etc.)

 

[Maxperson]

Just a question.

I answered "rarely" because I do it, but only if it is "in character" for the bad guys in question.

Ditto. And not just in character, but also the best option at that moment from the perspective of whatever creature it is.

 

[Zardnaar]

Not usually but things like gnolls exist and the occasional DM special based on gnoll ability and a hole baddies.

 

[payn]

Rarely.

 

[Mezuka]

Yeah, usually only if it's a monster that would eat you. Ghouls and the like, or very hungry beasts or monstrosities. Humanoids would only be likely to do it if they really really hate the PC for some reason.

Exactly how I do it.

 

[GreyLord]

If I am playing fair, and the enemies have a chance to kill the PC's....obviously...they kill the PC's. If I don't want the PC's actually dead, then they'll be unconscious via DM fiat...but otherwise, I'm going to have their enemies do everything they can to kill them if that is their enemies goal.

 

[Ralif Redhammer]

Never. If a PC is down making death saves, that's going to create tension at the table as the player hopes the dice are kind, as other PCs try to get to them in time to heal or stabilize. If I have an opponent just outright kill the character, the tension is over and all I've potentially got a surly player to deal with (while I'm a firm believer that a player should always be prepared for the possibility of bad things happening to their character, I get that when it actually happens, it can be traumatic).

 

[Greg Benage]

There was no option for "Yes, just the right amount."

It's situational. Some beasts will try to grab their food and go. Some monsters won't stop mauling until they've made a proper mess. Some intelligent enemies will go for kills once they realize healing magic is being used.

I also use an "incapacitated at 0 hp" house rule, which is kinder to PCs in some respects, but also means enemies will go for kills just for tactical positioning when we're playing on a grid.