Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Paraxis Jul 11, 2014 6:51:19	I don't normaly like to use house rules without playing RAW first for a few months, the one thing that concerns me the most is instant death at lower levels from what I believe to be higher than it should be monster damage.  So this weekend when I run my first 5e game using just the Basic rules pdf and not the playtest I plan on using this one houserule.   Instant Death, instead of dying instantly to a hit that would bring you to a negative amount equal to or exceeding your maximum hit point value you drop to 0 h.p and are dying with 1 failed death save already, if the attack that dropped you was a critical hit you are dying with 2 failed death saves.
#2 Rastapopoulos Jul 11, 2014 6:56:49	Mechanically I see no problem at all, so if you like it, go for it.   It may feel strange that weapons can't kill a person outright, when you think of it. Something like a thrust through the heart or arrow to the head can't happen. But if that doesn't bother you... I don't see why not.   Optionally you can use the instant death rule but with a higher margin at lower levels: something like, your maximum hit points OR your con score, whichever is higher. Should boost up the survivability of most characters at levels 1 and 2 at least.
#3 mellored Jul 11, 2014 7:09:40	There are some corner cases where i would change it.   I mean, if you where a low Con wizard, had 1 hit point, and a rogue crit you, and didn't roll too badly, you could insta-die.  At that time i would simply say that you failed 2 death saves.   But besides rogue crits, (or fighter crits at lower levels)i don't see any level approrpaite thing that will deal Max HP damage in 1 shot.     Now, if you are beyond your level, say.. your level 1 and you challenge a litch who hit's you for a 50 point finger death spell, you should be gone. Or if you do something stupid, like attempt to balance on the rail of an airship and roll a 1, you should also be gone.