AD&D - Zero Hits Points, Dead? No so fast!

Yes, the DMG has rules for upwards of -10 HP

Today's podcast is live on Spotify, and here is the youtube audio version. Today is about -10 HP and what happens when you reach negative HP! #RPG

In the podcast episode, I’m talking the mechanics of hit points in tabletop role-playing games, particularly focusing on the concept of "Zero Hit Points." When a character's hit points drop to zero, they become unconscious, leading to a gradual decline into negative hit points each round until they reach -10, resulting in death due to various causes like shock or bleeding.

Timely assistance from allies can stabilize an unconscious character through actions like binding wounds or administering healing potions. Reviving a character who has fallen to zero hit points is not a quick process; they will remain in a comatose state for 1-6 turns and must rest for an entire week afterward, during which they cannot engage in any strenuous activities.

This downtime emphasizes the importance of tactical decisions in gameplay and the need for strategic support from teammates. The discussion also covers potential long-term effects of extreme negative hit points, such as scarring or loss of limbs, adding depth to character narratives and consequences of battle.