Most common cause of PC deaths

[FreeTheSlaves]

I'm just wondering what is the most common direct cause of character deaths that people have noted. It was a bit hard coming up with the poll list because some save or die just lower hps to -10 but oh well, use your best judgement.

* Loss of hit points
* Negative energy level loss
* Save or die magic
* Excessive ability damage (poison)
* Other

 

[ThirdWizard]

In my experience, unexpected damage output the PCs didn't anticipate has been the main factor in PC death. This can take the form of double criticals, rends, or just plain underestemating the foe. Almost inevitably it occurs because the PCs didn't heal up from the last fight and would have survived had they used a few more charges from their cure wand.

 

[Bobitron]

Loss of HP, normally in a big bad boss battle.

 

[Agamon]

It does depend on the APL of the party, but for the most part, especially at low to mid levels, it's hit point loss. At higher levels, it usually comes down to a badly rolled saving throw.

 

[Herremann the Wise]

Directly: hit point loss.
Generally: stupidity.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

 

[Tanager]

supidity

That's what I was going to say.

 

[A'koss]

I accidentally checked "Save or Die" though that might actually have some validity at higher levels (it would certainly be #2, if not #1). Of course, straight damage will be the most common.

 

[IamTheTest]

ditto for stupidity.

 

[Aeson]

That's what I was going to say.

Me too.

Most of the character deaths I've seen have been from HP loss because of stupid actions. Its just like in horror movies. The stupid die first.

 

[IronWolf]

In the current campaign it has been due to hit point loss...