Crit charts in D&D?

[molonel]

How many of you use them?

Do you like them?

Where do you get them? Or do you homebrew?

 

[Mark CMG]

It's been mentioned before, but bears repeating since some who start to use them might not realize it, but crit charts are far more dangerous to PCs than to NPCs or creatures (if allowed to be used by both).

 

[Celebrim]

I must fight against my baser nature as a DM to avoid using critical tables. The appeal to my inner simulationist. A big peice of me wants to have critical tables, but the more experienced part of me realizes that they don't add anything to the game.

 

[FATDRAGONGAMES]

How many of you use them?

Do you like them?

Where do you get them? Or do you homebrew?

We've used them on and off over the years and have dropped using them. The one we used the most was an old one put out by (I think) Gamescience/Lou Zocchi.

 

[the Jester]

I LOVE my 'colorful critical hit' system... I will have to post it later, once I get home and have a lil time to do so!

I homebrewed the charts; my design goals were:

1. Give the regenerate spell something to do;
2. Keep it compatible with the 3e critical hit system;
3. Make sure a critical doesn't kill a pc unless they are reduced to below -10 hp.

To that end, I created charts that have a logical progression of severity; the more of your CURRENT hp you lose, percentage-wise, the higher the severity dice that I get to roll.

A big peice of me wants to have critical tables, but the more experienced part of me realizes that they don't add anything to the game.

I disagree- see point 1 above.

I love characters with scars, both as a player and as a dm.

 

[Aus_Snow]

I use a modified version of the rules found in Torn Asunder: Critical Hits, by Bastion Press (though now published by another company, IIRC).

It's great. I thoroughly recommend that book, if you like the sound of critical charts etc., for D&D 3e.

There are some interesting things to be seen in other places though: Rolemaster/MERP/HARP, WFRP, Advanced Player's Guide (by Sword & Sorcery Studios). . . and others.

For example, there are a number of homebrewed charts and systems floating on this forum, and on at least one other.

 

[el-remmen]

I have used them for years and years and in all editions and love the risk and flavor they give the game, and they rub my simulationist spot as well.

For those who are interested: http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Combat#crits

 

[Celebrim]

1. Give the regenerate spell something to do...I disagree- see point 1 above.

That's precisely the sort of thing I was talking about when I said I had to fight against my instincts.

 

[Rothe]

I use an increased damage system and a very, very simplified hit location system for critical hits but nothing fancy with colorful descriptions of decapitations and such.

 

[Agamon]

I create enough TPKs without having to remove PC limbs. My players hate me enough, thanks. That said, when I run my WFRP game, I'll give the crit tables in that game a go.