Alternate take on HP for a "Gritty" C&C

[koralas]

While in the discussion with Ronin77 in another thread about E6, and talking of how to codify gritty, I started thinking of how you could do what he proposes, to make a single blow of a sword a real concern, and it reminded me of something we talked about in a group long ago, but we never implemented... Ok, well I am filling in a number of gaps in my recollection of those discussions with new thoughts, but eh, here goes...

1. Give each character their racial hit die as their hit points (modified by con) at first level. (I think we first proposed giving them the Con score as HP)
2. Then grant their class HD by level as Damage Avoidance, starting at level 2.
3. Modify DA for each class level by either con or dex if that stat is taken as a prime attribute
   • Option - only allow the higher of the two if both are prime
   • Option - allow both to stack if both are prime
4. Critical (natural 20) hits go directly to HP rather than DA.
5. A to hit result of the die roll plus BtH (not including Str, Dex, or Magic unless the weapon specifies it is included) of greater than the AC +5 calls for a Dex save or the damage goes directly to HP rather than DA.
   • Perhaps remove the dex save and call for only 1/2 damage to HP, the other 1/2 to DA with any left over from DA applying against HP directly.
   • Another option, remove the dex save and raise the requirement to AC +10.
6. When DA is exhausted all damage goes to HP.
7. Monsters count differently based on size
   • Small - 3/4 their first HD
   • Medium - Their first HD
   • Large - Their first two HD
   • Gigantic - Their first four HD
     Yes, I know there are only 3 categories in C&C, I added Gigantic long ago, that is anything 12' or larger.
     Also, the CK must use discretion, and if you feel the monster should have more HP than is shown, grant that to them, and lower their DA.
8. HP can be healed through magical (and perhaps certain non-magical) salves and the like, first aid can provide healing of 1hp/wound, normal rules in the PHB can be followed for natural healing.
9. DA can be healed through rest, 10% of max DA can be regained after combat by resting for 15 minutes or 30 minutes of light activity, each hour after that brings another 5% of max DA.
10. Spells and potions heal either 25% of their potential to HP and the other 75% to DA, or 100% of their potential to DA.
    • Percentages can be varied in general
    • Certain spells, potions, etc. can target HP directly (make higher level spells and rarer magic potions)

Doing something like this gives you the gritty feel, an exceptional hit or two can slay a character outright, while still giving them a chance to let their superior skills come into play in keeping them from harm. Monsters are generally tougher than the characters, but that is fine.

[Ronin77]

I kinda like how Starsiege's optional hit point system works.