Critical Success
Also known as: crit, critical hit, natural 20, nat 20
Definition
An exceptionally good roll that grants bonus effects beyond normal success. The definition varies by system but typically represents lucky or spectacular outcomes.
How it works in different systems
D&D 5e: Natural 20 on attack roll = critical hit (double damage dice). Not RAW for skill checks.
Vampire V5: Two 10s in your success pool = critical. Matching 10s on Hunger dice = Messy Critical.
Call of Cthulhu 7e: Roll 01 or under 1/5 of your skill = Extreme Success. 01 is always special.
Powered by the Apocalypse: 10+ is a full success, 12+ sometimes triggers special effects depending on the game.
Example
“You roll a natural 20 on your attack! Critical hit! Roll your damage dice twice and add them together. The ogre staggers from the devastating blow.”
Common Mistakes
- Thinking nat 20 means automatic success on skill checks (in 5e RAW, it doesn't - but many tables houserule it)
- Forgetting to double the dice on crits (not the modifier)
- Expecting crits on every type of roll (some systems only crit in combat)