Critical Effects | What to do when the monster rolls high?

Inspired by a great element of Low Fantasy Gaming, Critical Effects is one method I use to prepare for when monsters start rolling high.
Low Fantasy Gaming by Pickpocket Press (PDF)
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Index Card RPG Master Edition by Runehammer Games (PDF)
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Index Card RPG Master Edition by Runehammer Games (B&W SOFTCOVER)
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Gelatinous Cube Art by Runehammer Games
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[@seasand6705]

Awesome board game collection!

[@KanesKiln]

Haha thanks! It’s either a backdrop of board game shelves or stacks of storage containers 😅

[@crowgoblin]

We use the “bloodied” condition, when a monster is bloodied, ie: half HP, they do some extra move, attack, special effect. So each encounter you are guaranteed to use a special move instead of relying on a Nat 20 roll. This is especially easy when using ICRPG with hearts, you can assign different attacks depending on hearts remaining.

[@KanesKiln]

Definitely! Bloodied is a great tool to include because you do get that guaranteed use. I tended to float between critical effects, bloodied and death rattles.

[@bonbondurjdr6553]

@@KanesKiln can you imagine a creature with all three?! 8D

[@davidvines3883]

I love the idea! Great video. It did give me an idea to have the opposite. Have a weak enemy, say a tiny unstable flame elemental, and on a nat 1 it dies but everyone NEAR takes 1d4 fire damage or something.

[@KanesKiln]

Oooh that would be an interesting change and subversion of expectations haha!

[@davidvines3883]

@@KanesKiln Exactly. Would also give more interest to a Nat 1 other than "just misses". *DM rolls nat 1* *PC's rejoice* DM: Well, I've got good news and bad news...

[@CB-kj7qw]

Incan gold on the gaming shelf…LOVE IT

[@jdh6894]

Digging this idea, thinking a critical effects roll table would be cool zine piece. I'm going to play around with making some myself.

[@KanesKiln]

Ooh boy you’re right! That would be a fun table to include. **furiously jots down notes**

[@lilcwa]

Excellent ideas well presented to inspire your audience. Great video!

[@KanesKiln]

Thanks! Hopefully it can be a fun little nugget for people to chew on.

[@mrsmegz]

The whole damage system is Cypher is based around rolling 17 18 19 or 20 since there are no damage rolls.

[@mrgunn2726]

Great tip, great video, well presented. When I saw you hold up the book, I thought; Oooo LFG, nice reference. Did you get the Deluxe version of LFG?

[@KanesKiln]

Thanks! LFG is great but I only have the core rules and the Midlands world setting. An amazing world to play in and one that I think rivals even Alfheim haha

[@mrgunn2726]

@@KanesKiln Long time HârnWorld guy.

[@scottanderson9208]

13th Age does something similar with effects being triggered on a natural die roll of some kind. It’s a great tool.

[@KanesKiln]

I’m not very familiar with 13th age but that sounds awesome. It’s a great tool to throw into the mix, that’s for sure!

[@mavfan21]

This is similar to a feature of the 13th Age RPG. Many PC and Monster effects activate on a "Natural 16+" or "On and Even hit", etc. It is a fun way to boost monsters and powers/spells.

[@KanesKiln]

Ooh that's awesome! I'm not familiar with 13th Age, but I agree. Having a little feature like Nat 19, Nat 16+, or Crit Effects really is an easy and fun way to boost monsters and stuff. Plus they don't have to be complicated and can be thought of during prep.

[@monomakes]

Very creative and helpful! Thanks man. 😎

[@KanesKiln]

Thank you! Just one more tool for the belt I hope haha