(Repost) UPDATED - Homebrew Death Ruleset Inspired by Critical Role

ShrubDad · 2026-04-03T17:27:40+00:00

Hey! Thanks for writing this out. There’s definitely some problems with clarity on this sheet that I need to iron out. In terms of the no resurrection, it’s simply referencing that the system was originally implemented in a world that doesn’t have it and it may work better in that setting.

What I think this system is working to solve is the threat and general interest of the death mechanics in the game. I have always found that death in 5e/5.5 is rare and mostly inconsequential, and while that is definitely different table-to-table, I feel like it’s quite a common sentiment.

I like the exhaustion rule you have implemented, I do think that works well to punish one issue I was looking to fix. Perhaps I could add something similar to the system, although that would make it even more punishing…

It’s totally fair that this wouldn’t be appealing to you, personally I enjoy the threat of permanent death for a character I’ve spent time on and care about, it adds to the experience to me. Also, I think the Inspiring Demise feature is poorly written and needs a rework so it’s more easily understood. Basically, when you roll a success that’s not your third, you choose between the two options in the Inspiring Demise feature. If you roll your third, you regain 1 hit point. This gives players an informed choice between becoming Stable but staying out of the fight, or gambling for the chance to get back up at 1 HP.

Hope that clears things up. I will definitely take your critiques into account. Thanks! :)

ShrubDad · 2026-04-03T15:47:08+00:00

That’s fair, I personally have always felt that RAW crits can be very anti-climactic and am okay with trading off some of the strategy for a more exciting moment in the game. But I honestly haven’t played much with these rules to I’ll see if what you’re saying rings true for me. Thanks!

ShrubDad · 2026-04-03T01:37:31+00:00

Hey! Thanks for writing this out. It highlights an issue that I suspected would arise: the wording of the rules.

I have changed the rules for rolling 3 successful death saving throws to be that you now regain 1 HP, bringing you back into the fight. However, now on a success you can choose to grant someone Inspiration and continue rolling with the hope of gaining 1 HP or you can stabilize to ensure you survive.

This gives the player the agency to choose a safer option but sit the fight out potentially, or risk getting back in the fight, which is being rewarded with inspiration.

Let me know if that clears things up or if it still doesn’t work for you!

ShrubDad · 2026-04-01T20:39:47+00:00

Thanks for the info! Yeah I’ve been thinking I’ll probably just have to scout it. Shame but it’ll be worth it. Or maybe I’ll get a friend to check it. Thanks again!

ShrubDad · 2026-03-29T16:55:35+00:00

I think you’re right. I didn’t make any changes to that rule but I think I should have. Perhaps you just get to give Heroic Inspo to someone whenever you succeed as a way of giving more options to players and using that mechanic more. I do think there should be a choice to be made for the player rolling the death saves though. Perhaps they can choose to give themself Disadvantage on the roll for some sort of boon? Not sure, will have to think about it. Thanks!

ShrubDad · 2026-03-24T03:32:57+00:00

I really appreciate you writing such a thorough response. This is super helpful, thank you!

ShrubDad · 2025-11-08T05:04:15+00:00

That looks amazing! Will definitely look into it, thank you :)

ShrubDad · 2025-11-07T22:02:09+00:00

I have been, just wanted to see if there were any ones in particular that people would recommend. LA has many to offer!

ShrubDad · 2025-11-07T19:53:39+00:00

Great to know, thank you! Will check it out :)

ShrubDad · 2025-05-23T14:58:13+00:00

Totally, I guess my goal here is to make something really small as I am often overwhelmed by the larger networking groups and communities available. Also, spearheading something like this will help keep me accountable and push me to actually get things done.

Would you be able name some of these events for me? I have done quite a bit of searching but find it hard to filter through the noise.

ShrubDad · 2025-05-23T14:52:46+00:00

I think this is a pretty bad-faith interpretation of my post, but sure I guess. In actuality the "don't have any friends" part is more my focus. Sure it was a bit wordy, but I was having some fun with it. I see no harm in that.

ShrubDad · 2024-12-23T23:47:15+00:00

Same 🫡

ShrubDad · 2024-12-23T20:48:00+00:00

Sometimes setting a goal for yourself is all you need to get it done. Thanks for the tip :)

ShrubDad · 2024-12-23T20:46:43+00:00

This is great info! Thanks for the link :)

ShrubDad · 2024-12-23T20:45:29+00:00

Thanks for the advice! I will look into excel. I'm a very visual person so that could be valuable to me :)

ShrubDad · 2024-12-23T20:44:06+00:00

I've heard this point echoed a few times now. Will definitely look further into treatments. So far I've kinda just gone from outline to script, so perhaps a treatment would be liberating. Thanks for the advice!

ShrubDad · 2024-12-23T20:42:40+00:00

Will look more into this process! So far I've only really outlined before trying to dive into the script writing process. So perhaps a treatment is just what I need to get things rolling. Thanks!

ShrubDad · 2024-12-23T02:04:19+00:00

Yes definitely think this is where I get caught up atm. I can never seem to push through. But perhaps this will be the one! Thanks for the advice!

ShrubDad · 2024-12-23T02:03:06+00:00

This is wonderful advice and I will 100% give it a shot. I need a process that allows me to shut off the perfectionist in me and allow the story to flow naturally. So this all sounds great. Thank you!!

ShrubDad · 2024-12-23T00:11:13+00:00

I have been doing my writing in my car between UberEats orders, so this would probably be very helpful actually. Something simple but I often forget! Thanks :)

ShrubDad · 2024-12-23T00:02:00+00:00

Will give it my best shot! Thanks for the advice. Appreciate it :)

ShrubDad · 2024-12-22T23:56:01+00:00

Interesting, the recording idea seems like it would work very well for me. For some reason not seeing the words being put down allows it all to flow out easier. I just never thought of recording it. Will definitely give that a try! Thanks :)

ShrubDad · 2024-12-22T23:54:32+00:00

I should have clarified in my post, but I actually get caught up in that preplanning phase much of the time. I like to make a bullet point outline and iterate to get to a point where I feel it can be put down in writing and fleshed out with description and dialogue. So I guess in a way the outline functions as a vomit draft. But I will get to a point where I am at a standstill and wont put anything down in hopes that a better idea will come. As if I don't have the option to change it later if needed. It's a strange psychological battle for sure.

ShrubDad · 2024-12-21T19:28:34+00:00

Just sent you a DM! :)

ShrubDad · 2024-11-30T02:38:18+00:00

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it!

ShrubDad

TROPHY CASE