Botch Tables

Last updated: 01.2025

The DSA5 system in Foundry VTT supports automatic botch tables for combat checks. When a critical failure (botch) is rolled, the system can automatically roll on matching tables and display the effects.

Available Botch Tables

The system includes the following botch tables:

Enabling Tables

Combat botch tables can be enabled or disabled in the system settings:

1. Open Game Settings (gear icon)
2. Select Configure Settings
3. Under the DSA5 tab, find the options:
   • Enable Defense Botch
   • Enable Melee Botch
   • Enable Ranged Botch

When enabled, a button appears automatically in chat when a botch occurs, allowing you to roll on the corresponding table.

Rolling Botches

Automatic

When a botch table is enabled:

1. A botch is rolled (e.g., double 20)
2. A clickable link with the table name appears in the chat result
3. Click the link to roll on the table
4. The result is displayed in chat

Default Botch

If no table is enabled or the GM doesn’t use tables:

• For combat botches: 1D6+2 self-damage as the default result

The Botch Result

After rolling on a botch table, the following is displayed:

1. Table Name: Which table was rolled on
2. Dice Result: The number rolled
3. Effect: The description from the table
4. Effect Button: If the effect has a game effect

Applying Effects

Some botch results include automatically applicable effects:

• Conditions (e.g., “Prone”, “Stunned”)
• Weapon damage or loss
• Time penalties for certain actions

If an effect is available, a button appears to apply it to the affected character.

Unarmed Adjustment

For unarmed fighters (Brawling), table results are adjusted:

• Results under 7 are automatically increased by 5
• This avoids results like “Drop weapon” or “Weapon damaged”

Botch Confirmation

DSA5 uses a confirmation system for botches:

1. Initial botch (double 20 or similar)
2. Confirmation roll required
3. If confirmed, roll on botch table
4. If not confirmed, it’s just a failure (not a critical failure)

Tips for Game Masters

• Narrative Flavor: Use botch results as storytelling opportunities
• Adjust Severity: Some results can be modified for dramatic effect
• Track Effects: Make sure applied effects are properly removed later
• Custom Tables: Advanced users can create custom botch tables

See also:

• Combat
• Self Created Effects
• System Settings