Critical Fumble Deck - Fifth Edition

Whoops! That was embarrassing.

While many fantasy role players feel that their 5th Edition game is already quite lethal enough, we at Critical Hit Publishing obviously have a different point-of-view. Our perspective is that, by adding greater lethality to combat, the players can become more invested in their characters, which can enhance the overall role playing experience. When there is greater danger of death, the players are more likely to consider alternatives to combat. After all, when there is a chance that a lowly goblin could slice off their character’s hand, they might think twice before jumping headlong into battle.

One side-effect of using these cards is that they can leave the characters and players with much more interesting, and usually funny stories to tell. While someone might share a story of how they slew a hill giant, they are much more likely to share the story of how their character fumbled while fighting an orc, fell on their weapon and nearly killed themselves.

Critical fumbles can also inspire players to create meaningful descriptions of their actions in combat. Rather than simply saying: “I rolled a 1 with my sword, so I miss,” they might describe how they attempt to swing at their opponent, but slip in the blood of another victim and fall sprawling on the floor. When the players really start to enjoy their descriptions, even a fumble can become fun and memorable, guaranteeing that it will be discussed long after the game is over.

The Critical Fumble Deck includes 2 instruction cards, 1 with legal stuff, 75 fumble cards, and 2 jesters. These latter two are particularly nasty, so the more compassionate DM may decide to omit them. The Fumble cards have been designed to have the same result spread as the chart in the Critical Hits book (also from Critical Hit Publishing). As with the Critical Hit Deck, this deck can be made less lethal by removing some of the more unfortunate cards, or made more brutal by removing some of the lesser cards.