Dice mechanics
Criticals & fumbles in Daggerheart
How critical results usually work.
Explanation
Daggerheart crits trigger on doubles, when both d12s show the same number. The action succeeds with an enhanced effect regardless of the total, and the player generates a point of Hope. The GM and player collaborate on what the bonus looks like in the fiction.
Examples
Example: make crits change the scene
A critical should add a concrete benefit: extra effect, better position, reduced future risk, or a new option.
Example: messy win (V5-style)
If your system has volatile outcomes, treat 'big success' as success + consequence.
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Treating criticals as just 'more damage'. Fix: Make criticals change position, options, or future risk, not just numbers.
- Mistake: Inconsistent critical rules. Fix: Write down one house interpretation and apply it consistently.