The Correct Procedure to Die

[Kordeth]

Since allowing a character to use a healing surge is only a DC 10 Heal check, I guess stabilizing is only used a last ditch effort to keep a character alive.

The DC 10 Heal check doesn't allow the character to use a healing surge, it allows him to use a second wind. If he's already used his second wind during the encounter, that DC 10 Heal check won't help him.

 

[Milambus]

The DC 10 Heal check doesn't allow the character to use a healing surge, it allows him to use a second wind. If he's already used his second wind during the encounter, that DC 10 Heal check won't help him.

Kordeth is correct. PHB pg 185. The heal check in question is even called "Use Second Wind" =)

 

[logopolis]

The DC 10 Heal check doesn't allow the character to use a healing surge, it allows him to use a second wind. If he's already used his second wind during the encounter, that DC 10 Heal check won't help him.

Ah, you're right. I misread that. That does make the DC 15 check more useful, then.

 

[WalterKovacs]

It's important for people playing a human character to know ... you are looking for modfied 10+ or 20+, so with the human perseverence feat you increase your chance of getting better on your own. [The Warlord paragon path has a similar bonus to saving throws of that kind, which makes it more likely to pop up in a fight, and less likely to suffer three failed death saves.]

 

[ExploderWizard]

Agents of "the Coast" will storm your game session and take all your books.

Heh. I was talking about the character dying not the player handling the mechanics

 

[DracoSuave]

Also remember:, failed death saving throws are cumulative until you take a rest. If you drop, fail two saves, get healed up, and fight for a bit before being knocked down once more, you're still at two strikes and on the verge of death.

 

[Plane Sailing]

Also remember:, failed death saving throws are cumulative until you take a rest. If you drop, fail two saves, get healed up, and fight for a bit before being knocked down once more, you're still at two strikes and on the verge of death.

I know that is "the rule", but FWIW I've ditched it and each time someone goes down just start again on the '3 saves to die'. Otherwise there would be too many dead PCs!

 

[DracoSuave]

Interesting, I've had the opposite, PCs not dying enough or even getting close.

If the party ignores a downed PC for enough rounds that 3 failed saves is a concern, then the party probably deserves a player death.

 

[wedgeski]

"Normal procedure, Lieutenant, is to jump 200 feet in the air and scatter yourself over a wide area."

 

[Phaezen]

I know that is "the rule", but FWIW I've ditched it and each time someone goes down just start again on the '3 saves to die'. Otherwise there would be too many dead PCs!

I am considering taking it one step further. 3 failed saves between short rests means you are out of the fight. I am however, combining it with a long term injury system, and failing 3 saves will automatically put you one step worse on the track.

Phaezen