Save or die?

[frankthedm]

10'x10'x10' of stone landing on a humaniod is going to kill, not do 10d10 damage.

 

[Sledge]

I have quietly been changing them in games I run to actually do damage, but I am liking the -1d10 hp. Will discuss this with the group.

 

[Angel of Adventure]

I recently lost a player in my epic game due to save or die effects. In back to back games, he was Finger of Death'd, then Imploded. He complained aggressively, yet he never once pulled his punches with Quiver Palm or Crown of Vermin (modified Epic Spell, and yes, he was a Monk).

So, I asked the other players what they thought and, naturally, they said they didn't like save or die stuff. (And, really, what sane PC would?) However, they all acknowledged that they like using their similar powers and could not expect the bad guys to hold back, just 'cause they are "PCs".

Anyway, I like stuff the way it is as the threat of death on both sides raises the tension, drama, and overall playing-ability of those involved. Death is temporary, . . . glory is forever!

 

[JimAde]

In my game death is not temporary. No resurrection magic in most circumstances.

So I do save or -1 for most death effects. I do like the -1d10, but I think I'll make it -1d6. Keeps the other players from counting the rounds (he's ok, he's only been out for three rounds) but still won't kill instantly.

 

[moritheil]

Monte Cook has some thoughts: http://www.montecook.com/cgi-bin/page.cgi?mc_los_144

I like the idea of the BBEG using his Spell Of Doom, and the low level farmboy dies, the guards are comatose, the captain is paralyzed, and Our Heroes are stunned for a moment, but shake it off.

Can't you accomplish something similar with Blasphemy spells keyed to the right level?

 

[the Jester]

I've considered changing death effects to doing lots of con damage for an experimentally variant campaign I'm working on. Thinking even harder about it now... the setting will be low-magic (or at least rare magic), so toning down instant death might be very appropriate. Hmm....