For instance, when a character is reduced to 0
hit points or below in combat (or from death
spells), he's not yet dead. He's unconscious and
mortally wounded; if left untended, he will die.
He must make a saving throw vs. death ray
every turn. He makes the first roll on the round
he drops to 0 hit point; he makes another every
round he takes additional damage, and every 10
minutes (one turn) in addition. If he ever fails a
roll, he's dead.
If he keeps making his rolls until reached by a
healing cleric, someone with the Healing general