The World of Avlis

One thing I have observed about failing a "Save vrs x or die" saving throw when protected versus death magic is that the act of failing kicks you out of combat. This means that until you restart you count as flat footed I would guess, plus this can interupt other things, such as attacks your should do that round or spells your were planing on casting or potions to be drunk.

It is not a citical generally but it is worth watching out for.