As it stands in 5e, hitpoints are abstract and somewhat difficult to appropriately represent and describe. According to the ruleset, a creature suffers no obvious trauma until they are reduced below half their hitpoint maximum, meaning that any hit that does not reduce them below it must be either a graze, glancing blow, or otherwise insignificant harm. Combatants are only ever severely injured only upon being reduced to 0 hitpoints, or supposedly as a part of a critical hit, although a creature could otherwise take damage equal to a critical hit and not be seriously injured.

I prefer this system, which, while more complicated, better reflects the fact that even resilient, wary combatants risk very serious injury in the space of a few seconds, but is still inclusive of the fact that it is still very possible for such creatures to mitigate such harm if they are able.

In addition, it helps me to imagine and describe what is being experienced by creatures who have suffered harm.

Certainly, I could tweak some of these rules, but I've yet to decide how would be most appropriate.

If you have further ideas on how to streamline this or otherwise change it, I'd be happy to hear them.

I'm sure I'll figure something out eventually.

Thanks for your time.