Dice mechanics
Criticals & fumbles in Hunter: The Reckoning 5th Edition
How critical results usually work.
Explanation
Hunter 5e criticals are a pair of 10s in the dice pool: they add extra successes, not a bonus damage type. Desperation dice count toward that pairing like any other die; separately, any 1 on a Desperation die, whether the roll succeeds or fails, forces a choice between Overreach (Danger +1) and Despair.
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.