I really like how Cairn does hit points. I think I want to use it in my other OSR games, like #ose and #swn instead of the defaults.
HP now represents your energy in a fight, ability to block/dodge/parry without getting hurt. Once you hit 0 or less, you start taking damage to Con score and roll a con save after. Fail -> you are down and out. Con hits 0, you die for good. HP recovers to full with a Turn of rest.
Feels like this cuts some slog, but still fatal. Thoughts?
@CraftyRogue You may also have criticals (or great successes, as in attack beats the DC by 10 or more) bypass HP to a wound (CON damage).
@Miyagiyoda There's an interesting idea, but it'd also be a 5% chance to possibly one-shot someone out of the fight. Might be a little spiky for me.
In SWN/WWN though that could be a good focus option. Maybe even with a second tier that expands the crit range from 17-20 or something.