When bandit attacks and curses just aren't scary enough for your adventurer... consider adding some good ol' down-to-earth allergies. Because what fun is a game without the constant fear of items having been processed in a facility that may contain peanuts and tree nuts?
Various allergies create various scenarios both in roleplay and in mechanics. Discuss with your DM ahead of time to create the most "fun" (?) experience tying these allergies in.
Allergy Levels
- Level 1 Allergy: Consumption/Inhalation of Allergen. If your character consumes/inhales something containing the predetermined allergen, you must make a CON saving throw against the DC determined by the DM (recommended 12-15). On a success, you manage to only feel a tickle, or brief burning/tightening sensation. On a failure, you are now considered poisoned and take 1 poison damage every round. If the poisoned condition is not removed (via standard condition-removing procedures) after a minute, you are considered incapacitated and suffer 2 poison damage each round following.
- Level 2 Allergy: Contact with Allergen. If your character touches something containing the predetermined allergen uncovered, you must make a CON saving throw against the DC determined by the DM (recommended 13-16). On a success, you manage to get by with only a slight inconveniencing rash, or a bit of an itch. On a failure, you are now considered poisoned and take 1 poison damage every round, and the place where contact was made begins to swell and develop rashes. If the poisoned condition is not removed (via standard condition-removing procedures) after a minute, you are considered paralyzed due to the swelling and hives, and suffer 2 poison damage each round following.
- Level 3 Allergy: Vicinity of Allergen. If your character is within 20 feet of the predetermined allergen without proper cover/protection, you must make a CON saving throw against the DC determined by the DM (recommended 14-17). On a success, you only experience slight discomfort, although you can now determine something in the area contains an allergen. On a failure, you are now considered poisoned and take 1 poison damage every round. These reactions may include shortness of breath, watery eyes, rashes, hives, swelling, etc. If the poisoned condition is not removed (via standard condition-removing procedures) after a minute, you are considered paralyzed, and you must make another CON saving throw (DC should be higher for this one), falling unconscious (but not losing all HP) on a failed save. You continue to suffer 2 poison damage each round following, whether or not you are unconscious. Consider this similar to anaphylactic shock.
Allergy Examples, and Scenarios
Pollen Allergy. The above levels can be translated to pollen sensitivity levels, instead of inhalation/touch/vicinity, using different measurements for determining how much pollen is in an area vs how much that affects the character. Meadows, certain forests, and villages with many gardens could be some choice places for higher pollen levels.
Food Allergies. The easiest form to use with the above levels. Characters may need to check whether equipment has been washed between usages with various allergens, and different allergies can have different levels.
Dander/Animal Allergies. Determine if there are hypoallergenic breeds of various animals, and the severity of the allergies of the character. Worse allergic reactions may occur if the character doesn't properly clean off after interacting with said animals. Get ready for itchy eyes.
Medicine Allergies. Consider determining whether certain salves or potions might contain ingredients that some may react poorly to. Go nuts. It's just an extra level of wild when the healing potion instead poisons the weak S.O.B. who's allergic to eye of newt or something.
In general... go nuts. It's D&D. There are no rules for allergies. Use this as inspiration. Or don't. It's your choice.
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