D&D General Dying & Death Saves Homebrew Suggestions/Feeback [+]

[Rabulias]

That’s already a pretty solid penalty. Your speed js reduced, you can’t hit well, you can get hit easily, and any damage is two death failures (regular rules require a crit).

Oops! I think you are right. That was an oversight that somehow got regularized when developing these rules, when it should have been fixed earlier. It should only be 1 failure.

Under the standard rules (2014 and 2024), any hit (from within 5 feet) on an unconscious opponent would be an automatic Critical Hit, triggering 2 Death Saving Throw failures. Your proposed rules offer a chance to remain conscious. I would say that the ability to act is benefit enough, and the Dying condition is dire enough that even when conscious, any hit will be more dangerous, so I would keep the 2 failed Death Saves on a hit.

Could a Dying character use their Movement to stand up? I don't see this getting used often, but it could negate the Advantage to hit them from being Prone, or allow them to see something better, or take a defiant stance. It would invite more enemy attention, and open them up to ranged attacks, so the trade-offs seem OK.

 

[el-remmen]

Could a Dying character use their Movement to stand up? I don't see this getting used often, but it could negate the Advantage to hit them from being Prone, or allow them to see something better, or take a defiant stance. It would invite more enemy attention, and open them up to ranged attacks, so the trade-offs seem OK.

As I have been running it no, but I guess if standing uses all your movement and you automatically fall prone again at the end of your turn, I'd allow it.

 

[Laurefindel]

I like it.

I think its a bit too restrictive and could be streamlined a bit.

I'd take out the can't get up and the disadvantage while dying, personally. I like the concept however.