When a character’s Hit Points drop to 0, they become Fatigued but any further harm no longer reduces HP. This condition stays even if they are later healed above 0 HP and lasts until removed (for example by rest, as described in the Fatigued condition).
If an attack brings a character to 0 HP, any remaining damage after reaching 0 is used to check for an Injury.
While at 0 HP, every later attack that deals damage also uses the same thresholds.
Damage taken at 0 HP (or excess damage from the blow that dropped you):
0-2
3-5
6+
No effect
Severe Injury
Fatal Injury
These values are checked after Dodge, Block and any other damage reduction.
Injury Location
When a character suffers an Injury, roll 1d4 to determine the location:
1d4 Roll
1
2
3
4
Injury
Arm Injury
Leg Injury
Internal Injury
Head Injury
If a character would suffer another Severe Injury to the same location, it escalates to a Fatal Injury, regardless of how many healthy limbs they have. This means the character cannot have two Severe Injuries in both arms.
Severe Injuries
Serious injuries do not cause a character to lose their ability to fight. However, they do limit their actions in certain ways.
Fatal Injuries
A Fatal Injury represents a devastating wound to any location. When you suffer a Fatal Injury, choose one of the following outcomes:
The Last Stand
Summon the last of your strength to strike before you fall.
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You immediately gain one Main Action which is an automatic success (no die roll needed).
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If it is an attack, it automatically hits with Hit Strength 3. The enemy may only reduce its damage to Hit Strength 2.
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After resolving this Action, the character dies and cannot be saved.
Hold on to Life
Cling to life by a thread.
-
The character is incapacitated.
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At the end of each of their turns, roll 1d6:
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On a 1: They fall into agony and will die at the end of the next round unless stabilized.
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On a 6: They stabilize on their own and no longer risk death.
-
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Another character may attempt to stabilize them with a Heal check (Difficulty 15, or 18 if it’s a Head Injury).
Non Player Characters
For most enemies and NPCs, you can ignore the Injury system. When they reach 0 HP, they simply die. This keeps combat fast and prevents unnecessary bookkeeping.
For legendary enemies, you may choose to use the Injury rules to make them more dramatic.
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Hit Strength 1 and 2 both inflict Severe Injuries
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Hit Strength 3 triggers a Fatal Injury, giving the battle a dramatic climax.
In addition, some enemies may unleash a Last Stand before they fall, striking with one final burst of fury. Use this sparingly to create memorable and desperate moments in climactic battles.