D&D 5E Does anyone DIE in D&D Next: Stabilization Problems

[Johnny Champion]

If you want a more lethal system, just use the existing rules. Once a PC goes down to 0, simply have monsters coup de grace them. It's a simple system: "If you hit, the attack is automatically a critical hit. If the creature was already at 0 hit points, it dies." Your players will figure out real quick that 0 hit points usually results in death, if you start doing that.

In the OP, my fault with the system was there was little consequence to 0HP because of no negative HPs, the ease of Stabilization and STD. Coup de grace at 0HP may swing the pendulum the other way however, though it is clearly within the rules. It's fair to say that every edition invites house-rules to this area. For us, a minimum of 3 rounds of inactivity before reentering combat was used (even if healed). We may add more consequences but this one seemed reasonable. This turned out to make 0HP become a more significant issue to the party during the heated combat.

 

[Sadras]

It's fair to say that every edition invites house-rules to this area. For us, a minimum of 3 rounds of inactivity before reentering combat was used (even if healed). We may add more consequences but this one seemed reasonable. This turned out to make 0HP become a more significant issue to the party during the heated combat.

We are utilising a similar house rule: We have 5 rounds of inactivity for someone at 0hp, signifying the time it takes for the wound to knit closed and hp are gained only on the fifth round. It doesn't "force" the DM to use a meta Coup De Grace when there are other threats about for the opposition to hit.