D&D 5E Crits - Damage plus effect?

[Zaukrie]

I vastly prefer crits and critical misses to cause effects of some kind, than max damage. Not even close. The problem with making it a module is that max damage will be in the math.....

 

[Jeff Carlsen]

I vastly prefer crits and critical misses to cause effects of some kind, than max damage. Not even close. The problem with making it a module is that max damage will be in the math.....

No reason it can't do both. Critical Hit charts are unlikely to ever be balanced. So, they make a good module for those who want that kind of thing in the game without effecting the underlying math overly much.

 

[Szatany]

I think a deck of cards would be more fun than a chart. Cards would represent opportunities that striker takes when dealing a critical hit. For example, a fighter striking a critical hit draws 3 cards and chooses one. Then applies its effects to his attack. Each card would say what extra effect the hit does and how much extra damage.
Two decks, one for weapon attacks and the other for spells, spell-like attacks etc.

 

[delericho]

It seems to me that maximizing damage is a pretty dull way of perceiving crits in D&D?

I like the idea that a crit should allow for the possibility of "damage + effect". This works especially well if the system also uses a confirmation roll, where the player can then choose whether to go for the effect or just maximise damage.

(Also, if you have a confirmation roll, you can then consider tacking on a "save or die" effect - as this then means three dice have to be rolled before the "or die" applies, it's not too bad, and against level-appropriate opponents if means that about 1% of attacks get the "or die" effect, which feels about right.)

It should be strictly a modular option

Absolutely.

 

[VinylTap]

I really like the idea of stat damage on crits. Hits home, makes a difference and you can always heal it up after the adventure.

 

[CAFRedblade]

I wonder if giving a free use of a Maneuver or at will spell in lieu of straight extra damage would be an alternative..

 

[TarionzCousin]

I think a deck of cards would be more fun than a chart. Cards would represent opportunities that striker takes when dealing a critical hit. For example, a fighter striking a critical hit draws 3 cards and chooses one. Then applies its effects to his attack. Each card would say what extra effect the hit does and how much extra damage.
Two decks, one for weapon attacks and the other for spells, spell-like attacks etc.

Have you seen Paizo's Critical Hit deck? Each card has four options based on weapon type.

They have one for fumbles, too.