Tracking Character Harm/Health in Games

[DrunkonDuty]

HERO System has BODY which represents serious injuries, and STUN which represents ability to stay conscious. A character whose BOD goes below 0 is down and bleeding out. When negative BOD equals positive BOD the character is dead. A character whose STUN goes below 0 is woozy and has limited actions and all manner of penalties. -20 STUN equals unconsciousness.

There are optional rules for other damage effects including physical impairment, being knocked down, or even knocked flying into the distance.

 

[The Crimson Binome]

So, a game that facilitates negotiation, fleeing, and/or forfeit? I think I like it

It's a game where surrender may be your best option, and a smart enemy has no reason to accept it. Whoever gets hit first is entirely at the mercy of whomever hit them.

 

[3catcircus]

I prefer Twilight:2013's system. Made for modern combat, but totally works for any genre where you want to model reality without it becoming cumbersome.