Gritty Realistic Combat System Dungeons & Dragons 5e

These rules make Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition combat more realistic and gritty and is not suitable for regular D&D games. The rules make the game much more deadly at the cost of speed of play. Several sources have been used to make these rules, mainly Deathwatch by Fantasy Flight Games, Torn Asunder Critical Hits by Bastion Press, and Arms and Equipment Guide by TSR, Inc.

Round Down

Whenever you divide or multiply a number in the game, round down if you end up with a fraction, even if the fraction is one-half or greater.

Adventuring Options

The following adventuring options from the Dungeon Master's Guide are in use when using this system.

• Fear and Horror
• Healing: Healer's Kit Dependency
• Healing: Slow Natural Healing
• Morale
• Sanity

Combat Options

The following combat options from the Dungeon Master's Guide are in use when using this system.

• Hitting Cover
• Initiative Variant: Speed Factor
• Massive Damage

Action Options

The following action options from the Dungeon Master's Guide are in use when using this system.

• Climb onto a Bigger Creature
• Disarm
• Mark
• Overrun
• Shove Aside
• Tumble

Xanathar's Guide to Everything

All the Chapter 2: Dungeon Master's Tools from the Xanathar's Guide to Everything are in use when using this system.

Combat

The combat system has been altered significantly to make the game feel more realistic at the cost of game speed. The following new actions, bonus actions, and reactions are in use.

Aim (Action)

You can use your action to aim your melee or ranged attack. If you do so, your next attack roll is made at advantage. If your next action is anything else other than a melee or ranged attack, the advantage of aiming is lost.

Called Shot

You attempt to attack a specific or vulnerable area on your target. Declare a location on your target. You take a -5 penalty to the attack roll. If you hit, you skip the hit location roll and instead hit the declared location.

Dodge (Reaction)

When you are hit in combat but before damage is rolled, you may use your reaction to dodge a melee or ranged attack. Make a Dexterity check adding your proficiency bonus. If the check is equal to or greater than the attack roll, you dodge the attack. You must be able to see the attacker to be able to dodge.

Feint (Bonus Action)

As a bonus action, you attempt to use guile and combat training to trick your opponent into a mistake. You and your target make an opposed melee attack roll. If you win, your next melee attack against the same target cannot be dodged or parried. If your next action is anything else other than a weapon attack, the advantage of feinting is lost.

Parry (Reaction)

When you are hit in combat but before damage is rolled, you may use your reaction to parry a melee attack. Make an attack roll with your weapon or your shield. If the roll is equal to or greater than the attack roll, you parry the attack. You must be able to see the attacker to parry.

You can use your shield to parry a ranged attack you can see. Roll a d20 and add your Strength modifier plus your proficiency modifier if you are proficient with shields.

Armor Points

The gritty realistic combat system introduces armor points (AP) to the game. You no longer gain AC from your armor; instead the damage you receive is subtracted by the value of the armor you're wearing.

If you get +1 to your AC from an item or a spell, it usually means you get +1 AP.

Armor Points

Armor	Head AP	Body AP	Arms AP	Legs AP	Helmet
Padded	0	1	1	1	None
Leather	0	1	1	1	None
Studded leather	0	2	2	2	None
Hide	0	2	2	2	None
Chain shirt	0	6	0	0	None
Scale mail	0	4	4	4	None
Breastplate	0	8	0	0	None
Half plate	6	8	8	2	Metal open-face helmet
Ring mail	3	4	4	4	Metal cap
Chain mail	4	6	6	6	Coif
Splint	6	7	7	7	Metal open-face helmet
Plate	8	8	8	8	Metal closed-face helmet

Hit Location

When you hit with a melee or ranged attack, roll for a hit location. To speed up play, roll the hit location die at the same time as you roll for the attack.

Hit Location

d20	Location
1-3	Left Leg
4-6	Right Leg
7-14	Body
15-16	Left Arm
17-18	Right Arm
19-20	Head

Damage Reduction

When you receive damage, you reduce the damage by your Constitution modifier (minimum of 0) in addition to the damage reduction from your armor.

If you deal several damage types on a single attack, you can choose the order in which damage is dealt first. You calculate all damage together, reduce AP and the target's Constitution modifier from the total and if there are any damage left, you can choose the damage type that reduces the target's hit points.

For example, Rejgar the Crown Knight tries to hit Volass the Knight of Takhisis with his greatsword. Rejgar rolls for a hit and gets a total of 19. Volass tries to parry the strike with his greatsword using his reaction but rolls an 18, so Rejgar hits. Rejgar rolls for a hit location and hits Volass's body. Rejgar rolls for damage and gets 15 total. This damage is reduced by Volass's plate (AP 8) plus his Constitution modifier +3. Volass takes 15 - 11 = 4 points of slashing damage to his body and is not happy.

Falling Damage

Damage from falling ignores armor.

Armor Class

In the gritty realistic combat system, to hit a creature requires a melee or ranged attack roll against the target's size AC. It is presumed that all the combatants are actively moving and trying to not get hit.

If the target has a movement rate of 0, the AC gets a -10 penalty. This penalty also applies to nonmoving items.

Target Size AC

Size	AC
Tiny	19
Small	17
Medium	15
Large	13
Huge	11
Gargantuan	9

Hit Degree

When you attack a target and hit it, you may deal extra damage depending on your attack roll. The extra die of damage is usually the weapon's damage die you are using to attack. If your attack has multiple damage types, you can choose which damage type gets the extra die of damage.

The extra damage die is not doubled when you score a critical hit.

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• If your hit is 5-9 more than the target's AC, parry, or dodge, you deal 1 extra die of damage.

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• If your hit is 10-14 more than the target's AC, parry, or dodge, you deal 2 extra dice of damage.

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• If your hit is 15 or more than the target's AC, parry, or dodge, you deal 3 extra dice of damage.

Races

In the gritty realistic combat system some races racial traits have been modified.

Dwarf

Hill Dwarf

Dwarven Toughness. Your hit point maximum increases by 5.

Lizardfolk

Natural Armor. You have 3 AP to all your hit locations.

Tortle

Natural Armor. You have 7 AP to your torso.

Classes

In the gritty realistic combat system, classes are modified. Basically characters now receive much more less hit points than perivously.

Barbarian

Hit Points

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• Hit Points at 1st Level: 12 + your Constitution modifier
• Hit Points at Higher Levels: 4 per barbarian level after 1st

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Unarmored Defense

While you are not wearing any armor, you double your Constitution modifier to reduce the damage you receive.

Bard

Hit Points

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• Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier
• Hit Points at Higher Levels: 2 per bard level after 1st

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Cleric

Hit Points

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• Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier
• Hit Points at Higher Levels: 2 per cleric level after 1st

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Druid

Hit Points

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• Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier
• Hit Points at Higher Levels: 2 per druid level after 1st

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Fighter

Hit Points

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• Hit Points at 1st Level: 10 + your Constitution modifier
• Hit Points at Higher Levels: 3 per fighter level after 1st

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Fighting Style: Defense

While you are wearing armor, you gain a +1 bonus to your dodge and parry reactions.

Battle Master Maneuvers

Evasive Footwork. When you move, you can expend one superiority die, rolling the die and adding the number rolled to your dodge or parry reactions until you stop moving.

Rally. The creature gains temporary hit points equal to the superiority die roll.

Monk

Hit Points

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• Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier
• Hit Points at Higher Levels: 2 per monk level after 1st

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Unarmored Defense

Beginning a 1st level, while you are wearing no armor and not wielding a shield, you add your Wisdom modifier to your dodge or parry reactions in addition to the Dexterity modifier.

Paladin

Hit Points

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• Hit Points at 1st Level: 10 + your Constitution modifier
• Hit Points at Higher Levels: 3 per paladin level after 1st

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Fighting Style: Defense

While you are wearing armor, you gain a +1 bonus to your dodge and parry reactions.

Ranger

Hit Points

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• Hit Points at 1st Level: 10 + your Constitution modifier
• Hit Points at Higher Levels: 3 per ranger level after 1st

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Fighting Style: Defense

While you are wearing armor, you gain a +1 bonus to your dodge and parry reactions.

Rogue

Hit Points

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• Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier
• Hit Points at Higher Levels: 2 per rogue level after 1st

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Sorcerer

Hit Points

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• Hit Points at 1st Level: 6 + your Constitution modifier
• Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1 per sorcerer level after 1st

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Sorcerous Origin: Draconic Bloodline

Draconic Resilience

At 1st level, your hit point maximum increases by 5.

Additionally, parts of your skin are covered by a thin sheen of dragon-like scales. You have 3 AP on all your hit locations.

Warlock

Hit Points

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• Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier
• Hit Points at Higher Levels: 2 per warlock level after 1st

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The Fiend Otherworldly Patron

Dark One's Blessing

Starting at 1st level, when you reduce a hostile creature to 0 hit points, you gain temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier + half your warlock level (minimum of 1).

Wizard

Hit Points

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• Hit Points at 1st Level: 6 + your Constitution modifier
• Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1 per wizard level after 1st

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School of Abjuration

Arcane Ward

Starting at 2nd level, you can weave magic around yourself for protection. When you cast an abjuration spell of 1st level or higher, you can simultaneously use a strand of the spell's magic to create a magical ward on yourself that lasts until you finish a long rest. The ward has hit points equal to your wizard level + your Intelligence modifier. Whenever you take damage, the ward takes the damage instead. If this damage reduces the ward to 0 hit points, you take any remaining damage.

While the ward has 0 hit points, it can't absorb damage, but its magic remains. Whenever you cast an abjuration spell of 1st level or higher, the ward regains a number of hit points equal to the level of the spell.

Once you create the ward, you can't create it again until you finish a long rest.

School of Conjuration

Durable Summons

Starting at 14th level, any creature that you summon or creature with a conjuration spell has 15 temporary hit points.

Equipment

Armor

Since hit locations are important, it is necessary to introduce helmets as a separate piece of armor to the game. Half plate includes a metal open-face helmet, ring mail a metal cap, chain mail a coif, splint a metal open-face helmet, and plate a metal closed-face helmet.

Perception. If the Helmet table shows "Disadvantage" in the Perception column, the wearer has disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks while wearing the helmet faceplate down.

Cap. A cap is a padded, leather, or steel skullcap worn much like a close-fitted cap, beret, or bonnet. Caps are usually worn with padded armor, leather, studded leather, hide, or any other lightweight protection.

Coif. A coif is a padded chain mail hood. It fits snugly around the neck and over the head, except the face. It usually comes with or is built into a suit of chain mail or mail-based armor.

Open-Face Helmet. This class of open-face helmet, made of reinforced leather or metal, covers most of the head, save the face and neck. These helmets commonly provide protection for the nose (this piece of the helm is called a nasal).

Open-face helmets are popular with officers and leaders, and are appropriatly worn with armors like ring mail and chain mail.

Closed-Face Helmet. The closed-face helmets are identical to the open-face helmets, but include a visored faceplate.

These tend to be worn by officers and sergeants-at-arms. They are most commonly worn with plate mail.

Helmet

Helmet	Cost	Armor Points	Perception	Weight
Padded cap	1 gp	1	—	1 lb.
Leather cap	2 gp	1	—	1 lb.
Metal cap	10 gp	3	—	2 lb.
Coif	15 gp	4	—	8 lb.
Leather open-face helmet	10 gp	2	—	3 lb.
Metal open-face helmet	150 gp	6	—	7 lb.
Leather closed-face helmet	20 gp	4	Disadvantage	5 lb.
Metal closed-face helmet	300 gp	8	Disadvantage	10 lb.

Shields

When you are parrying a hit with a shield, you receive a +2 bonus to your parry reactions. You can use a shield to parry ranged attacks you can see.

In addition, a shield provides +2 AP to the body and the arm carrying it.

Feats

Some eats have been altered in the gritty realistic combat system.

Defensive Duelist

When you are wielding a finesse weapon with which you are proficient and another creature hits you with a melee attack, you can double your proficiency bonus to your reaction to dodge or parry that attack, potentially causing the attack to miss you.

Dual Wielder

You master fighting with two weapons, gaining the following benefits:

• You gain +1 to your parry reactions.
• You can use two-weapon fighting even when the one-handed melee weapons you are wielding arent' light.
• You can draw or stow two one-handed weapons when you would normally be able to draw or stow only one.

Healer

You are an able physician, allowing you to mend wounds quickly and get your allies back in the fight. You gain the following benefits:

• When you use a healer's kit to stabilize a dying creature or a creature suffering from blood loss, that creature also regains 1 hit point.
• As an action, you can spend one use of a healer's kit to tend to a creature and restore 1d6 hit points to it, plus additional hit points equal to half the creature's maximum number of Hit Dice (minimum of 1). The creature can't regain hit points from this feat again until it finishes a short or long rest.

Inspiring Leader

Prerequisite: Charisma 13 or higher

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You can spend 10 minutes inspiring your companions, shoring up their resolve to fight. When you do so, choose up to six friendly creatures (which can include yourself) within 30 feet of you who can see or hear you and who can understand you. Each creature can gain temporary hit points equal to half your level (minimum of 1) + your Charisma modifier. A creature can't gain temporary hit points from this feat again until it has finished a short or long rest.

Sharpshooter

You have mastered ranged weapons and can make shots that others find impossible. You gain the following benefits:

• Attacking at long range doesn't impose disadvantage on your ranged weapon attack rolls.
• Making a called shot doesn't impose a -5 penalty on your ranged weapon attack rolls.
• Your ranged weapon attacks ignore half cover and three-quarters cover.
• Before you make an attack with a ranged weapon that you are proficient with, you can choose to take a -5 penalty to the attack roll. If the attack hits, you add +10 to the attack's damage.

Spell Sniper

Prerequisite: The ability to cast at least one spell

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You have learned techniques to enhance your attacks with certain kinds of spells, gaining the following benefits:

• When you cast a spell that requires you to make an attack roll, the spell's range is doubled.
• Your ranged spell attacks ignore half cover and three-quarters cover.
• Making a called shot doesn't impose a -5 penalty on your ranged spell attack rolls.
• You learn one cantrip that requires an attack roll. Choose the cantrip from the bard, cleric, druid, sorcerer, warlock, or wizard spell list. Your spellcasting abilily for this cantrip depends on the spell list you chose from: Charisma for bard, sorcerer, or warlock; Wisdom for cleric or druid; or' Intelligence for wizard.

Tough

Your hit point maximum increases by 5. Whenever you gain a level thereafter, your hit point maximum increases by an additional 1 hit point.

Spells

Some of the spells have been modified for the gritty realistic combat system. Only the changes have been written down. If a character receives damage from an area spell such as fireball, roll hit location to determine where the character is hit. Armor reduces damage normally unless stated otherwise.

Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting

The Abi-Dalzim's horrid wilting spell ignores armor.

Aid

Each target's hit point maximum and current hit points increase by 2 for the duration.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, a target's hit points increase by an additional 2 for each slot level above 2nd.

Animate Objects

Animated Object Statistics

Size	HP	AC	Attack	Str	Dex
Tiny	10	19	+8 to hit, 1d4 + 4 damage	4	18
Small	12	17	+6 to hit, 1d8 + 2 damage	6	14
Medium	20	15	+5 to hit, 2d6 + 1 damage	10	12
Large	25	13	+6 to hit, 2d10 + 2 damage	14	10
Huge	40	11	+8 to hit, 2d12 + 4 damage	18	6

Armor of Agathys

You gain 2 temporary hit points for the duration.

At Higher Levels. Temporary hit points increase by 2 and cold damage by 5 for each spell slot of 2nd level or higher.

Banishing Smite

If this attack reduces the target to 25 hit points or fewer, you banish it.

Barkskin

The target's armor points in every location are never less than 6, regardless of what kind of armor it is wearing.

Blight

The blight spell ignores armor.

Bones of the Earth

Each pillar has AC 3 and 15 hit points.

Ceremony

Wedding. Each target gains +2 AP to all locations.

Circle of Death

The circle of death spell ignores armor.

Cloudkill

The cloudkill spell ignores armor.

Color Spray

Roll 3d10; the total is how many hit points of creature this spell can effect.

At Higher Level. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, roll an additional 1d10 for each slot level above 1st.

Divine Word

On a failed save, a creature suffers an effect based on its current hit points:

• 25 hit points or fewer: deafened for 1 minute
• 20 hit points or fewer: deafened and blinded for 10 minutes
• 15 hit points or fewer: blinded, deafened, and stunned for 1 hour
• 10 hit points or fewer: killed instantly

Elemental Bane

The elemental bane spell ignores armor.

Enhance Ability

Bear's Endurance. It also gains 1d6 temporary hit points.

False Life

You gain 1d4 temporary hit points for the duration.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, you gain 2 additional temporary hit points for each slot level above 1st.

Geas

The geas spell ignores armor.

Guardian of Nature

Great Tree. You gain 5 temporary hit points.

Harm

The harm spell ignores armor.

Heat Metal

The heat metal spell ignores armor.

Heroism

A creature gains temporary hit points equal to half your spellcasting ability modifier (minimum of 1) at the start of each of its turns.

Life Transference

The life transference spell ignores armor.

Maddening Darkness

The maddening darkness spell ignores armor.

Mage Armor

The target receives +3 AP to all its locations (doesn't stack with existing armor).

Magic Missile

You can choose the hit location the magic missile hits.

Mental Prison

The mental prison spell ignores armor.

Mighty Fortress

Each 10-foot-by-10-foot section of stone has AC 3, AP 7, and 15 hit points per inch of thickness.

Mind Spike

The mind spike spell ignores armor.

Mirror Image

The duplicate's AC is your Size AC.

Phantasmal Killer

The phantasmal killer spell ignores armor.

Poison Spray

The poison spray spell ignores armor.

Power Word Kill

If the creature you choose has 50 hit points or fewer, it dies.

Power Word Pain

If the target has 50 hit points or fewer, it is subject to crippling pain.

Power Word Stun

If the creature you choose has 75 hit points or fewer, it is stunned.

Psychic Scream

The psychic scream spell ignores armor.

Shield

You have +5 AP to all locations.

Shield of Faith

A creature has +2 AP to all locations.

Sleep

Roll 5d4; the total is how many hit points of creatures this spell can affect.

At Higher Levels. Roll an additional 2d4 for each slot above 1st.

Spare the Dying

If the target is suffering from blood loss, the creature becomes stable and is no longer affected by blood loss.

Synaptic Static

The synaptic static spell ignores armor.

Tenser's Transformation

You gain 25 temporary hit points.

Toll the Dead

The toll the dead spell ignores armor.

Transmute Rock

Transmute Mud to Rock. The rock has AC 3, AP 7, and 12 hit points.

Unseen Servant

The unseen servant has AC 15.

Vicious Mockery

The vicious mockery spell ignores armor.

Wall of Ice

The wall has AC 3, 3 AP, and 15 hit points per 10-foot section, and it is vulnerable to fire damage.

Wall of Stone

Each panel has AC 3, 7 AP, and 15 hit points per inch of thickness.

Wall of Water

Each 5-foot-square frozen section has AC 5 and 7 hit points.

Weird

The weird spell ignores armor.

Wish

The wish spell ignores armor.

Damage

Whenever your hit points are reduced to 0 or you take critical damage, you must make a successful DC 10 Constitution saving throw or fall unconscious. If you fall unconscious, you can repeat the save at the end of your turn to regain consciousness.

When your hit points are reduced below 0, you start taking critical damage. Each time you suffer critical damage, you suffer one or more critical effects. Critical damage is cumulative and remains with you until you heal naturally over time or receive medical attention or magical healing.

Critical tables are provided for each hit location. The tables are the same for each damage type, the DM has to be creative in describing the wound as it happens.

Injuries

The descriptions of injuries you may receive are discussed here. Most of them have been taken from the Dungeon Master's Guide.

Blood Loss

When you suffer blood loss, at the top of your round, you must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or lose 1 hit point. The wound heals if you receive magical healing. Alternatively, someone can tend to the wound and make a DC 15 Wisdom (Medicine) check to stanch the blood loss, usually by cauterizing the wound or by applying a tourniquet.

Broken Ribs

This has the same effect as internal injury, except that the save DC is 10.

Festering Wound

Your hit point maximum is reduced by 1 every 24 hours the wound persists. If your hit point maximum drops to 0, you die. The wound heals if you receive magical healing. Alternatively, someone can tend to the wound and make a DC 15 Wisdom (Medicine) check once every 24 hours. After ten successes, the wound heals.

Horrible Scar

You are disfigured to the extent that the wound can't be easily concealed. You have disadvantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks and advantage on Charisma (Intimidation) checks. Magical healing of 6th level or higher, such as heal and regenerate, removes the scar.

Internal Injury

Whenever you attempt an action in combat, you must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, you lose your action and can't use reactions until the start of your next turn. The injury heals if you receive magical healing or if you spend ten days doing nothing but resting.

Limp

Your speed on foot is reduced by 5 feet. You must make a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw after using the Dash action. If you fail the save, you fall prone. Magical healing removes the limp.

Lose an Arm or a Hand

You can no longer hold anything with two hands, and you can hold only a single object at a time. Magic such as the regenerate spell can restore the lost appendage.

Lose an Ear

The missing ear doesn't have any adverse effect. Magical healing of 6th level or higher, such as heal or regenerate, removes the scar.

Lose an Eye

You have disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight and on ranged attack rolls. Magic such as the regenerate spell can restore the lost eye. If you have no eyes left after sustaining this injury, you're blinded.

Lose a Foot or Leg

Your speed on foot is halved, and you must use a cane or crutch to move unless you have a peg leg or other prosthesis. You fall prone after using the Dash action. You have disadvantage on Dexterity checks made to balance. Magic such as the regenerate spell can restore the lost appendage.

Minor Scar

The scar doesn't have any adverse effect. Magical healing of 6th level or higher, such as heal and regenerate, removes the scar.

Stunned

If you are conscious, make a Constitution saving throw. The DC is 10 or half the amount of damage you took, whichever is higher. If you fail the save, you are stunned until the end of your next turn.

Healing

As you accumulate damage, you progress through three different states: lightly damaged, heavily damaged, and critically damaged.

Healing During Rest

The gritty realistic combat system where you heal a fixed amount of hit points whenever you use Hit Dice. Hit Dice amount equals your character level.

In addition, add your Constitution modifier (if positive) to the amount healed. You only add the modifier once per rest regardless of how many Hit Dice you use.

Class	Damage Healed per Hit Die
Barbarian	4
Bard	2
Cleric	2
Druid	2
Fighter	3
Monk	2
Paladin	3
Ranger	3
Rogue	2
Sorcerer	1
Warlock	2
Wizard	1

Lightly Damaged

You are considered lightly damaged if you have taken damage less than half your hit points. When you are lightly damaged, you heal damage normally as described in the Player's Handbook and Dungeon Master's Guide.

Heavily Damaged

You are considered heavily damaged if you have taken damage equal to or more than half your hit points but haven't taken critical damage. When you are heavily damaged, you can spend one or more Hit Dice at the end of a long rest, up to the maximum number of Hit Dice. You don't regain any hit points after a short rest. Magical healing heals you normally.

Once your damage is less than half your hit points, you become lightly damaged.

Critically Damaged

You are critically damaged if you have received damage in excess of your hit points. When you are critically damaged, you heal 1 point after a long rest. When you receive magical healing, you heal 1 point of critical damage for each 5 points of magical healing you receive.

Once all critical damage has been healed, you become heavily damaged instead.

Critical Hit Damage Tables

Whenever your hit points reach below 0, you begin taking critical damage. Each time you suffer critical damage, you also suffer one or more critical effects. These are determined by consulting the approrpiate critical hit table based on the affected body location. Critical damage is cumulative and remains with you until you either heal naturally over time or receive medical attention or magical healing. If you are critically damaged and suffer more damage, the amount is added to your existing critical damage and a new set of critical effects are applied based on your total critical damage.

As all critical damage is cumulative, you could have two blood loss wounds that require you two make two Constitution saving throws at the top of your round.

Example

Caspian is hit with an arrow to his right arm. After accounting for his Constitution modifier and armor, Caspian suffers 10 points of piercing damage. Since he only has 8 hit points left, he suffers 2 points of critical damage to his right arm. First, Caspian succeeds in his Constitution saving throw to remain conscious. After the save, the DM consults the critical damage 2 line of Critical Hit Table - Arm which says that Caspian suffers a minor scar to his arm.

Later in combat, Caspian is hit with a longsword to his left leg. After accounting for his Constitution modifier and armor, he suffers 3 points of slashing damage. Caspian has now suffered 5 total points of critical damage. After succeeding in his Constitution saving throw to remain conscious, the DM consults the critical damage 5 line of Critical Hit Table - Leg and determines that Caspian suffers a horrible scar to his leg.

Objects

The following object tables are modified to the gritty realistic combat system.

Object Armor Points

Substance (per inch of thickness)	AP
Cloth, paper, rope	1
Crystal, glass, ice	3
Wood, bone	5
Stone	7
Iron, steel	9
Mithral	11
Admantine	13

Object Armor Class and Hit Points

Substance	AC	Fragile HP	Resilient HP
Tiny (bottle, lock)	9	1	2 (1d4)
Small (chest, lute)	7	2 (1d4)	7 (3d4)
Medium (barrel, chandelier)	5	3 (1d6)	9 (2d8)
Large (cart, 10-ft.-by-10-ft. window)	3	4 (1d8)	13 (3d8)

Magic Items

The following modifications has been made to magic items to suit better the gritty realistic combat system.

Apparatus of Kwalish

• Armor Class: 13
• Armor Points: 7 (all locations)
• Hit Points: 100

Armor, +1, +2, or +3

You have a bonus to AP while wearing this armor.

Arrow-Catching Shield

You gain a +2 bonus to your parry reactions and +2 AP. These bonuses are in addition to the shield's normal bonuses.

Berserker Axe

Your hit points maximum incrases by 1 for each two levels you have attained.

Blackrazor

If you hit an undead with this weapon, you take 1d10 necrotic damage and the target regains half that hit points.

Bracers of Defense

You gain +2 AP to all hit locations.

Cloak of Protection

You gain +1 AP to all hit locations and +1 bonus to saving throws while you wear this cloak.

Daern's Instant Fortress

The roof, the door, and the walls each have 50 hit points.

Defender

The weapon can transfer some or all of the sword's bonus to parry reactions.

Demon Armor

You gain +1 AP while wearing this armor.

Dragon Scale Mail

You gain +1 AP while wearing this armor.

Dwarven Plate

You gain +2 AP while wearing this armor.

Efreeti Chain

You gain +3 AP while wearing this armor.

Elven Chain

You gain +2 AP while wearing this armor.

Glamoured Studded Leather

You gain +1 AP while wearing this armor.

Helm of Brilliance

The helm has 6 AP.

Helm of Comprehending Languages

The helm has 6 AP.

Helm of Telepathy

The helm has 6 AP.

Helm of Teleportation

The helm has 6 AP.

Ioun Stone

Protection (Rare). You gain +1 AP to all hit locations while this dusty rose prism orbits your head.

Mace of Disruption

If the target has 12 hit points or fewer after taking this damage, it must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be destroyed.

Mace of Smiting

If a construct has 12 hit points or fewer after taking this damage, it is destroyed.

Mariner's Armor

In addition, whenever you start your turn underwater unconscious, the armor causes you to rise 60 feet toward the surface.

Mirror of Life Trapping

The mirror has AC 5, 1 AP, 5 hit points, and vulnerability to bludgeoning damage.

Periapt of Wound Closure

While you wear this pendant, you don't suffer from blood loss.

Ring of Protection

You gain +1 AP to all hit locations while wearing this ring.

Ring of Regeneration

While wearing this ring, you regain 1d6 hit points every 10 minutes, provided that you have at least 1 hit point. If your hit points are below 0, you regain 1 hit point every hour and don't suffer from blood loss.

Robe of the Archmagi

If you aren't wearing armor, you have +5 AP to all hit locations.

Rod of Alertness

Protective Aura. While in that bright light, you and any creature that is friendly to you gain +1 AP to all hit locations.

Rope of Climbing

The rope has AC 5, 15 AP, and 10 hit points.

Rope of Entanglement

The rope has AC 5, 15 AP, and 10 hit points.

Shield, +1, +2, or +3

While holding this shield, you have a bonus to your parry reactions and to AP. These bonuses are in addition to the shield's normal bonuses.

Staff of Power

While holding it, you gain +2 AP to all hit locations.

Staff of the Adder

The snake head has AC 5, 15 AP, and 10 hit points.

Sword of Life Stealing

You also gain 5 temporary hit points.

Monsters

Monster have been altered in the gritty realistic combat system. A table shows new armor class, armor points, and hit points for each monster. After the table monsters that have their abilities changed are discussed.

Monster hit points are calculated by using the table below. Constitution modifier is applied to a monster only once.

Monster Hit Points

Monster Size	Hit Points per Hit Die
Tiny	1
Small	1½
Medium	2
Large	3
Huge	4
Gargantuan	5

Monster Hit Locations

Several monsters have different kinds of hit locations due to their form. In the monster table, the locations are given for a humanoid form but you can look at the body type of the monster and give it a hit location accordingly.

Abominations

This hit location is for creatures with no definable form.

d20	Location
1-4	Appendage
5-12	Main Body (torso)
13-16	Mouth
17-20	Sensory Organ

Beasts, Eight-legged

This hit location table consists eight appendages, a body (or thorax), a head, and tail (or abdoment).

d20	Location
1-5	Tail (or Abdomen)
6-11	Body (or Thorax)
12	Head
13	Appendage (A)
14	Appendage (B)
15	Appendage (C)
16	Appendage (D)
17	Appendage (E)
18	Appendage (F)
19	Appendage (G)
20	Appendage (H)

Beasts, Four-legged

This hit location table consists of a head, torso, four legs (or appendages), and a tail.

d20	Location
1-2	Head
3-7	Tail
8-12	Torso
13-15	Leg (A)
15-16	Leg (B)
17-18	Leg (C)
19-20	Leg (D)

Beasts, Six-legged

This hit location table consists of a head, torso (or thorax), six appendages, and a tail (or abdomen).

d20	Location
1-3	Tail (or Abdomen)
4-6	Body (or Thorax)
7-8	Head
9-10	Appendage (A)
11-12	Appendage (B)
13-14	Appendage (C)
15-16	Appendage (D)
17-18	Appendage (E)
19-20	Appendage (F)

Bipedal

This body profile consists of a head, torso, two appendages (usually legs), and a tail.

d20	Location
1-2	Head
3-6	Tail
7-14	Torso
15-18	Appendage (Left)
17-20	Appendage (Right

Dibrachium

This body profile consists of a head, main body (or torso), two appendages (pectoral fins or arms), and a tail.

d20	Location
1-2	Head
3-6	Tail
7-12	Torso
13-16	Appendage (Left)
17-20	Appendage (Right

Draconic

This body profile consists of a head, torso, two legs, two arms, two wings, and a tail.

d20	Location
1-2	Head
3-4	Arm (Left)
5-6	Arm (Right)
7-8	Wing (Left)
9-10	Wing (Right)
11-12	Tail
13-16	Torso
17-18	Leg (Left)
19-20	Leg (Right)

Humanoid with an Additional Body Part

This body profile consists of two arms, two legs, a head, a torso, and an additional body part (such as a tail, extra head, or appendage, a tentacle, etc.)

d20	Location
1-2	Head
3-5	Additional body part
6-12	Torso
13-14	Arm (Left)
15-16	Arm (Right)
17-18	Leg (Left)
19-20	Leg (Right)

Serpentine

This body profile consists of a head, torso, and a tail.

d20	Location
1-4	Head
5-11	Tail
12-20	Torso

Monsters in the Monster Manual

Damage Resistance

If the monster has damage resistance, the damage is reduced if there are damage left after AP and Constitution modifier. For example, a deva takes 19 points of radiant damage. It has AP 3 and a +4 Constitution modifier reducing this damage to 12 (19 - 7). The deva takes 6 points of radiant damage.

Damage Vulnerability

If the monster is vulnerable to a certain type of damage, the damage is doubled after AP and Constitution modifier. For example, a skeleton takes 10 points of bludgeoning damage. It has AP 1 and a +2 Constitution modifier reducing this damage to 7. The skeleton takes 14 points of bludgeoning damage.

Monsters in Monster Manual

Aboleth

Psychic Drain. Psychic damage ignores armor.

Angel, Solar

Slaying Longbow. If the target has 45 hit points or fewer, it must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or die.

Ankheg

The ankheg's abdomen has 1 AP.

Banshee

Wail (1/Day). Psychic damage ignores armor

Cambion

Fiendish Blessing. The AC of the cambion includes its Charisma bonus.

Cloaker

Damage Transfer. While attached to a creature, the cloaker takes only half the damage dealt to it after AP and Constitution modifier, and that creature takes the other half ignoring armor.

Death Knight

Parry. The death knight adds 6 to its parry reaction against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the death knight must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Demon, Marilith

Parry. The marilith adds 5 to its parry reaction against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the marilith must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Devil, Chain

Animated Chains. Each animated chain is an object with AC 15, 5 AP, 8 hit points, resistance to piercing damage, and immunity to psychic and thunder damage.

Devil, Erinyes

Parry. The erinyes adds 4 to its parry reaction against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the erinyes must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Devil, Ice

Wall of Ice (Recharge 6). Each 10-foot section has AC 5, 15 hit points, vulnerability to fire damage, and immunity to acid, cold, necrotic, poison, and psychic damage.

Elf, Drow Elite Warrior

Parry. The drow adds 3 to its parry reaction against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the drow must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Elf, Drow Priestess of Lolth

Summon Demon (1/Day). Psychic damage ignores armor.

Ettercap

Web (Recharge 5-6). The webbing has AC 5, 5 AP, 2 hit points, resistance to bludgeoning damage, and immunity to poison and psychic damage.

Fomorian

Evil Eye. Psychic damage ignores armor.

Gith, Githzerai Monk

Psychic Defense. While the githzerai is wearing no armor and wielding no shield, it adds its Wisdom modifier to its dodge or parry reactions in addition to its Dexterity modifier.

Gith, Githzerai Zerth

Psychic Defense. While the githzerai is wearing no armor and wielding no shield, it adds its Wisdom modifier to its dodge or parry reactions in addition to its Dexterity modifier.

Golem, Clay

Berserk. Whenever the golem starts its turn with 30 hit points or fewer, roll a d6. On a 6, the golem goes berserk. On each of its turns while berserk, the golem attacks the nearest creature it can see. If no creature is near enough to move to and attack, the golem attacks an object, with preference for an object smaller than itself. Once the golem goes berserk, it continues to do so until it is destroyed or regains all its hit points.

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Haste (Recharge 5-6). Until the end of its next turn, the golem magically gains a +2 bonus to its dodge or parry reactions, has advantage on Dexterity saving throws, and can use its slam attack as a bonus action.

Golem, Flesh

Berserk. Whenever the golem starts its turn with 20 hit points or fewer, roll a d6. On a 6, the golem goes berserk. On each of its turns while berserk, the golem attacks the nearest creature it can see. If no creature is near enough to move to and attack, the golem attacks an object, with preference for an object smaller than itself. Once the golem goes berserk, it continues to do so until it is destroyed or regains all its hit points.

The golem's creator, if within 60 feet of the berserk golem, can try to calm it by speaking firmly and persuasively. The golem must be able to hear its creator, who must take an action to make a DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check. If the check succeeds, the golem ceases being berserk. If it takes damage while still at 20 hit points or fewer, the golem might go berserk again.

Hag, Hag Covens

Hag Eye. Psychic damage ignores armor.

Half-Dragon, Half-Red Dragon Veteran

Parry. The veteran adds 3 to its parry reaction against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the veteran must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Hobgoblin Warlord

Parry. The hobgoblin adds 3 to its parry reaction against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the hobgoblin must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Hydra

Multiple Heads. The hydra has five heads. While it has more than one head, the hydra has advantage on saving throws against being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned, and knocked unconscious.

Whenever the hydra takes 12 or more damage in a single turn, one of its heads dies. If all its heads die, the hydra dies.

At the end of its turn, it grows two heads for each of its heads that died since its last turn, unless it has taken fire damage since its last turn. The hydra regains 5 hit points for each head regrown in this way.

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Reactive Heads. For each head the hydra has beyond one, it gets an extra reaction that can be used only for dodge, parry, and opportunity attacks.

Intellect Devourer

Devour Intellect. Psychic damage ignores armor.

Ogre, Oni

Regeneration. The oni regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn if it isn't dead.

Ooze, Black Pudding

Pseudopod. In addition, nonmagical armor worn by the target is partly dissolved and takes a permanent and cumulative -1 reduction to armor points it offers in the location the target was hit. The armor is destroyed from the hit location if the penalty reduces its armor points to 0.

Ooze, Gray

Pseudopod. In addition, nonmagical armor worn by the target is partly dissolved and takes a permanent and cumulative -1 reduction to armor points it offers in the location the target was hit. The armor is destroyed from the hit location if the penalty reduces its armor points to 0.

Ooze, Psychic Gray Ooze

Psychic Crush (Recharge 5-6). Psychic damage ignores armor.

Revenant

Regeneration. The oni regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn. If the revenant takes fire or radiant damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of the revenant's next turn. The revenant's body is destroyed only if it starts its turn dead and doesn't regenerate.

Roper

Grasping Tendrils. Each tendril can be attacked (AC 15; 10 armor points; 5 hit points; immunity to poison and psychic damage).

Rust Monster

Antennae. If the object touched is either metal armor or a metal shield being worn or carried, it takes a permanent and cumulative -1 reduction to armor points it offers in the location the target was hit. The armor is destroyed from the hit location if the penalty reduces its armor points to 0. A shield hit by the rust monster takes a cumulative -1 penalty to the shield's parry bonus. It is destroyed when this penalty drops the shield's parry bonus to +0.

Shield Guardian

Regeneration. The shield guardian regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn if it isn't destroyed.

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Shield. When a creature makes an attack against the wearer of the guardian's amulet, the guardian grants a +2 to the wearer's dodge or parry reaction if the guardian is within 5 feet of the wearer.

Slaad, Blue

Regeneration. The slaad regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn if it isn't dead.

Slaad, Death

Regeneration. The slaad regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn if it isn't dead.

Slaad, Gray

Regeneration. The slaad regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn if it isn't dead.

Slaad, Green

Regeneration. The slaad regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn if it isn't dead.

Slaad, Red

Regeneration. The slaad regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn if it isn't dead.

Succubus/Incubus

Draining Kiss. Psychic damage ignores armor if the succubus kisses an unarmored location.

Troll

Regeneration. The troll regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn. If the troll takes acid or fire damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of the troll's next turn. The troll's body is destroyed only if it starts its turn dead and doesn't regenerate.

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Loathsome Limbs. A severed part has AC 17, 4 armor point, 5 hit points, and the troll's Regeneration trait.

Vampire

Regeneration. The vampire regains 10 hit points at the start of its turn if it isn't dead and in sunlight or running water. If the vampire takes radiant damage or damage from holy water, this trait doesn't function at the start of the vampire's next turn.

Vampire Spawn

Regeneration. The vampire regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn if it isn't dead and in sunlight or running water. If the vampire takes radiant damage or damage from holy water, this trait doesn't function at the start of the vampire's next turn.

Will-o'-Wisp

Consume Life. As a bonus action, the will-o'-wisp can target one creature it can see within 5 feet of it that has 0 hit points or less and is still alive. The target must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw against this magic or die. If the target dies, the will-o'-wisp regains 7 (3d4) hit points.

Miscellaneous Creatures in the Monster Manual

Giant Spider

Web (Recharge 5-6). The webbing has AC 5, 5 AP, 2 hit points, resistance to bludgeoning damage, and immunity to poison and psychic damage.

Nonplayer Characters in the Monster Manual

Bandit Captain

Parry. The captain adds 2 to its parry reaction against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the captain must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Gladiator

Parry. The gladiator adds 3 to its parry reaction against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the gladiator must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Knight

Parry. The knight adds 2 to its parry reaction against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the knight must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Noble

Parry. The noble adds 2 to its parry reaction against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the noble must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

Monsters in Volo's Guide to Monsters

Bodak

Death Gaze. Psychic damage ignores armor.

Cave Fisher

Adhesive Filament. The filament has AC 15, 5 AP, 2 hit points; immunity to poison and psychic damage.

Choldrith

Web (Recharge 5-6). The webbing has AC 5, 5 AP, 2 hit points, resistance to bludgeoning damage, and immunity to poison and psychic damage.

Flail Snail

Shell Defense. The flail snail withdraws into its shell, gaining +4 AP until it emerges. It can emerge from its shell as a bonus action on its turn.

Froghemoth

Shock Susceptibility. If the froghemoth takes lightning damage, it suffers several effects until the end of its next turn: its speed is halved, it takes a -2 penalty to its parry and dodge reactions, and Dexterity saving throws, it can't use reactions or Multiattack, and on its turn, it can use either an action or a bonus action, not both.

Giant, Fire Giant Dreadnough

Dual Shields. The giant carries two shields. The giant must stow or drop one of its shields to hurl rocks.

Giant, Frost Giant Everlasting One

Regeneration. The giant regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn. If the giant takes acid or fire damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of the giant's next turn. The giant's body is destroyed only if it starts its turn dead and doesn't regenerate.

Hobgoblin Iron Shadow

Unarmored Defense. While the hobgoblin is wearing no armor and wielding no shield, it adds its Wisdom modifier to its dodge or parry reactions in addition to its Dexterity modifier.

Kobold Inventor

Weapon Invention.

7. Skunk in a Cage. The skun has a walking speed of 20 feet, AC 19, 1 hit point, and no effective attacks.

Korred

Command Hair. The hair has AC 17, 5 AP, and 10 hit points.

Meenlock

Telepathic Torment. Psychic damage ignores armor.

Mind Flayer, Elder Brain

Psychic Link. Psychic damage ignores armor.

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Break Concentration. Psychic damage ignores armor.

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Psychic Pulse. Psychic damage ignores armor

Spawn of Kyuss

Regeneration. The spawn of Kyuss regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn if it isn't dead and in sunlight or a body of running water. If the spawn takes acid, fire, or radiant damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of the vampire's next turn. The spawn is destroyed only if it starts its turn dead and doesn't regenerate.

Vegepygmy

Regeneration. The vegepygmy regains 1 hit point at the start of its turn. If it takes cold, fire, or necrotic damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of the vegepygmy's next turn. The vegepygmy dies only if it starts its turn dead and doesn't regenerate.

Vegepygmy Chief

Regeneration. The vegepygmy regains 2 hit points at the start of its turn. If it takes cold, fire, or necrotic damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of the vegepygmy's next turn. The vegepygmy dies only if it starts its turn dead and doesn't regenerate.

Vegepygmy, Thorny

Regeneration. The vegepygmy regains 2 hit points at the start of its turn. If it takes cold, fire, or necrotic damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of the vegepygmy's next turn. The vegepygmy dies only if it starts its turn dead and doesn't regenerate.

Wood Woad

Regeneration. The wood woad regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn if it is contact with the ground. If the wood woad takes fire damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of the wood woad's next turn. The wood woad dies only if it starts its turn dead and doesn't regenerate.

Xvart Warlock of Raxivort

Raxivort's Blessing. When the xvart reduces an enemy to 0 hit points, the xvart gains 2 temporary hit points.

Yuant-ti Mind Whisperer

Sseth's Blessing. When the yuan-ti reduces an enemy to 0 hit points, the yuan-ti gains 4 temporary hit points.

Yuan-ti Nightmare Speaker

Invoke Nightmare (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). Psychic damage ignores armor.

Nonplayer Characters in Volo's Guide to Monsters

Abjurer

Arcane Ward. The abjurer has a magical ward that has 15 hit points. Whenever the abjurer takes damage, the ward takes the damage instead. If the ward is reduced to 0 hit points, the abjurer takes any remaining damage. When the abjurer casts an abjuration spell of 1st level or higher, the ward regains a number of hit points equal to the level of the spell.

Martial Arts Adept

Unarmored Defense. While the adept is wearing no armor and wielding no shield, it adds its Wisdom modifier to its dodge or parry reactions in addition to its Dexterity modifier.

Swashbuckler

Suave Defense. While the swashbuckler is wearing light or no armor and wielding no shield, it adds its Charisma modifier to its dodge reaction.

Warlock of the Great Old One

Whispering Aura. Psychic damage ignores armor.

Warlord

Survivor. The warlord regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn if it has at least 1 hit point but fewer hit points than half its hit point maximum.

There are four critical types of tables: Energy, Impact, Slashing, and Thunder. As there are several types of damage for Energy, the DM may have to adjust the description of the critical damage to better suit the damage to the damage type received.

Damage Type Critical Table

Damage Type	Critical Table
Acid	Energy
Bludgeoning	Impact
Cold	Energy
Fire	Energy
Force	Energy
Lightning	Energy
Necrotic	Energy
Piercing	Impact
Poison	Energy
Psychic	Energy
Radiant	Energy
Slashing	Slashing
Thunder	Thunder

minor scar

head – lose an eye leg – lose a foot or leg arm – lose an arm or hand torso

1-4 minor scar 5-7(9) horrible scar 6-7 limp – leg only 6-7 broken ribs – torso only 8-9 internal injury – torso only 6-9 festering wound 8-9 lose something

Arm 1-4 minor scar 5 horrible scar 6 horrible scar, festering wound 7 horrible scar, festering wound, blood loss 8 festering wound, lose a hand, blood loss 9 festering wound, lose an arm, blood loss 10 death

Leg 1-4 minor scar 5 horrible scar 6 horrible scar, festering wound, limp 7 horrible scar, festering wound, limp, blood loss 8 festering wound, lose a foot, blood loss 9 festering wound, lose a leg, blood loss 10 death

torso 1-4 minor scar 5 horrible scar 6 horrible scar, festering wound, broken ribs 7 horrible scar, festering wound, broken ribs, blood loss 8 horrible scar, festering wound, internal injury 9 horrible scar, festering wound, internal injury, blood loss 10 death

Head 1-4 minor scar 5 horrible scar 6 horrible scar, festering wound 7 horrible scar, festering wound, blood loss 8 horrible scar, festering wound, lose an ear, blood loss 9 horrible scar, festering wound, lose a nose, blood loss 10 death