Running combat as a GM in 5e is a pretty RAM-heavy activity. You need to keep track of initiative, you need to know how monsters work, you need to adjudicate the rules, you need to keep the plot moving, you need to make sure everyone is having fun, AND you need to descriptively narrate the action.
In order to make it a little easier on myself, I decided to create a rollable table with descriptions of each type of damage and make it a little series here on the Lorelock blog.
Here is Part 2: Slashing Damage
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/67ad60_7e3acbac7e8f4aff8926ded911c603cb~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_633,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/67ad60_7e3acbac7e8f4aff8926ded911c603cb~mv2.jpg)
Roll | Description |
1 | As you wield your weapon with deadly grace, it slashes through the air, leaving a trail of sparks in its wake as it cleaves deep into the enemy's armor, sending them stumbling backward with a gasp of pain. |
2 | You focus your attention on the precise motion of your blade as it slashes through the enemy's armor, leaving a deep gouge in its wake. You land a powerful strike and the weight of your weapon slices through armor and flesh. |
3 | As you bring your weapon down upon the enemy's limb, you hear a sickening crunch as it tears through muscle and sinew. A look of shock strikes your opponent's face as they realize the extent of the damage. |
4 | Mindful of the angle of your blade, it grazes the enemy's neck, drawing blood with a quick and deadly strike. You recognize the fear in their eyes as they realize their danger. |
5 | With each dance of your blade across your enemy's flesh, your muscles tense. You leave a series of shallow cuts in your wake. Your movements are precise as you allow yourself to revel in the joy of battle. |
6 | You channel your emotion into a sudden and savage swipe of your weapon, tearing through the enemy's leg with a forceful blow. You hear the sound of your opponent's cries as they fall to one knee before rising shakily. |
7 | You focus on the sound of your blade as it sings through the air, easily cutting through the enemy's defenses. You see a look of shock on their face as they realize their defense has been compromised. |
8 | With a fierce strike, your weapon cleaves through the enemy's defenses, shattering it into pieces, and leaving them vulnerable to your blade. |
9 | As you deliver a quick and precise strike, your weapon slashes through the enemy's armor and bites deep into their flesh. A pained grunt escapes their lips as they realize the full extent of their injuries. |
10 | As you deliver a quick and precise strike, your weapon slashes through the enemy's armor and bites deep into their flesh. A pained grunt escapes their lips as they realize the full extent of their injuries. |
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