Tinkering with the fall damage formula
Tinkering with the fall damage formula can have deadly consequences for player characters in Dungeons & Dragons (DnD), but it can also add excitement to a campaign. In this article, we will learn how to calculate fall damage and explore ways to keep your characters safe.
Never underestimate the strength of a greed-fueled player character in DnD. Some campaigns have ended abruptly due to good ideas gone wrong, bad ideas gone surprisingly well, or just straight-up bad ideas that went bad. As the duration of a campaign increases, the player character becomes more powerful, acquiring stronger gear and skills. However, this also means they become more fragile, like a walking glass case of nitroglycerin, waiting to explode unexpectedly.
Player character deaths in DnD can be attributed to both the game and the player. However, in the game, the only consequence of a character's death is starting anew with a new character. So, what should you know about fall damage in DnD to ensure your character doesn't meet a premature demise?
DnD fall damage calculator
Falling in DnD may seem simple, but there are several factors to consider when calculating fall damage. Unlike many video games, DnD takes realism seriously, except for the fantastical elements that define it. When it comes to environmental hazards, DnD provides detailed rules on what can harm your character and what can't.
In DnD, player characters and non-player characters (NPCs) start taking fall damage once they fall further than ten feet. The current version of DnD, 5e, uses the following formula to determine fall damage:
It is important to note that these rules are subject to change, so consistency is key. If your players engage in DnD while falling, it is essential to maintain consistent fall damage calculations. Additionally, consider the type of ground (rocky, spiky, grassy, etc.) to adjust the damage accordingly.
Bird's eye view
Flying creatures in DnD naturally take less fall damage since they are so high in the sky that they can barely perceive the fall. Therefore, fall damage calculations are different for them.
During combat
While there is a comprehensive chart for fall damage in Dungeons & Dragons 5e, you don't always have to refer back to it. If your players decide to take a daring top-platform dive, you can discuss how to handle the situation appropriately.
If you want to provide your players with ways to be airborne again after a fall, you may find our DnD flying rules guide helpful.
