I’m not known for a Dungeon Master that enjoys killing players. In fact, it rarely happens in the games I am running. I understand that players develop a deep attachment to their characters and that a player death can be a motivation sapper to just have the player suddenly gone.

That said, I don’t think you can go out of your way to not kill a player if the dice decides it. Recently while playing Rise of the Drow there was a tough battle against a Drow Assassin and I just happened to roll and Natural 20 and then close to maximum damage. The player was killed and it wasn’t something I had planned on. The question was how should I handle it? Should I let it happen or fudge it?

We play on Fantasy Grounds and using Fantasy Grounds does make it harder to ‘fudge’ rolls. I expose my rolls to be authentic and honest with my players. There was nothing to do but allow the game to play out as the dice decide and the players wish. There were options to revive the player or incorporate a new player, but it was important that the players decided, not me. Giving the players autonomy that they tell the story within my plot must be the Prime Directive. Ultimately it worked our well and required some active improvisation on my side, but I believe it was important to ensure I don’t make arbitrary decisions to override the dice and what the players want.

I was pleased how it worked out and how the players determined how to proceed. It also allowed me to implement a character flaw that the players also had to deal with. It was entertaining for myself and the players and I was again surprised how original the players could be with a problem that was placed in from of them.

This article was also shared with me on top 5 campaign tips. It discusses respecting the dice and other great tips and tricks. Highly recommended!

https://www.gamesradar.com/5-tips-to-start-your-new-dnd-campaign-off-right