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Death

The life of a Hunter is fraught with danger and the looming threat of death. When a Hunter's HP reaches zero, they fall unconscious, unable to move or act. Any further damage they receive can be the final nail in the coffin, triggering a death roll. A death roll is a roll of 2d10, with no modifiers or bonuses. If you're lucky enough to roll an 11 or higher, you'll hang on by a thread, incapacitated but still among the living. Roll anything less, and your Hunter meets their untimely end.

Formula

Roll 2_ON_D10 with no additions

  • 11 or Higher: You cling to life, unconscious but stable.
  • 10 or Lower: Death claims your Hunter.

Stabilization: If you are incapacitated, your comrades (or helpful NPCs) might be able to stabilize you and get you back on your feet. This could involve special abilities, healing items, or a desperate Intellect check with a difficulty threshold of 15. A successful stabilization restores you to 1 HP.

Lethal Damage: There are times when death is swift and certain. If you take damage equal to your maximum HP in a single blow, your Hunter dies instantly. No roll or stabilization attempt can prevent this.

The Final Stand: In Obscured, even death offers a flicker of agency. When your Hunter dies, they are granted a Final Roll. This is a single roll, using an appropriate attribute and a difficulty target set by the Overseer. With a success you monentarily regain consciousness and gain one action. You might unleash one final ability, deliver a final blow, or perform some other act to influence the story.

Example

Overseer: "David, the horror slashes at you with its spectral blade, dealing 10 damage."

David: "That's all my HP. I'm down!"

Overseer: "And, sadly, the horror isn't finished. It attacks again. Time for a death roll."

David: rolls dice "An 8...that's not good."

Overseer: "Unfortunately, no. Your Hunter succumbs to their wounds."

Amy: "No! Can I try to reach David and stabilize him?"

Overseer: "He's already gone, Amy. But, David, you do get your Final Roll. I'll need a Durability check."

David: rolls dice "16! As my last act, I hurl that artifact towards Amy!"

Overseer: "With your dying breath, you send the artifact flying. It lands at Amy's feet just as the light fades from your eyes."