In-Game Mechanics

Critical Hit Mechanics

In normal rules, a longsword (1d8 + Damage Bonus) on a critical hit currently does:
2d8 + Damage Bonus (rolling two d8s).

While this works, it can sometimes feel disappointing when both dice roll low, leading to underwhelming crits.

New Critical Hit Mechanics: "Max + Roll" Rule
Instead of rolling your damage dice twice, the first "roll" is treated as max damage, and you only roll once for the additional crit damage.

New Example:
A longsword (1d8) on a critical hit would now deal:
8 (max damage) + 1d8 + Damage Bonus

So the minimum damage from a crit with a longsword is always 9 instead of 2, making it more impactful and rewarding. 

Blight Mechanics

Saving Throw

When bitten, the victim makes a Constitution save (DC 14). This roll is made at the end of combat.

Modifiers (only one may apply per save):

• Liquor/Strong Spirits: DC - 2 (DC 12).

• Liquor + Silver Filings: DC - 4 (DC 10).

• Cauterize (if no liquor or silver): Advantage on save; suffer 1d4 fire damage.

• Healer’s Kit (Medicine proficiency, 1 use): Advantage on save.

  • May combine with liquor (Advantage + DC 12).

Limits:

• Minimum DC 10 after modifiers.

• Only one infection save per creature per round.

Stages of Infection

If the save fails, the player becomes Tainted. Untreated infection worsens by one stage per in‑game week.

Silver Mechanics

In game, silvered weapons will deal an additional 1d8 damage against any creature infected with the Rotmire Blight. This effect can stack with Relic weapons such as +1 weapons, etc.

In this game, the denomination for silver coins is now known as Iron Bits or "Clinkers." Any actual silver coins found will be counted as Electrum on DnD Beyond.

Silvered Weapon Costs in The Festering Lands

Key Notes:

• Tiny Ingot = 0.5 lbs silver (25 silver coins)
• Small Ingot = 1 lb silver (50 silver coins)
• Standard Ingot = 5 lbs silver (250 silver coins)
• 1 Silver Coin (sp) = 5 Gold Coins (gp)
• Silvered weapons deal +1d8 damage against Blighted creatures