NOW LIVE! -- Presents for Goblins: Festive Resources for 5E on Kickstarter! A festive softcover of holiday-themed D&D 5E resources, including the short adventure 'Presents for Goblins'.

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="opacitizen" data-source="post: 8081166" data-attributes="member: 7023208">Two tips that may work sometimes (but don't overuse them):1. Introduce and use a countdown clock. It's a 50/50 fight (or worse), but both sides know a 3rd party capable of subduing both sides is on its way, so the combat won't (likely) result in the death of either party. The city watch is heard coming running, they'll arrive in 5 rounds. A vengeful, undiscerning ghost is rising from the dungeon, and will arrive in 1d10 rounds. A xenomorph or a terminator is breaking down the blastdoor two rooms away, and will be here in d6 rounds.2. Make it known that the enemy, be they as brutal as they are, is not aiming to kill its opponents in general (or just in this specific case). It aims to disable, maim, and/or rob. "Old Nosechomper the troll won't leave you dead. It will beat the shit out of you and bite off your nose." "Rozzo will defeat you, but instead of killing you, he'll carve his mark, an 'R' in your forehead, and take all your magical weapons." And so on.</blockquote>