so i have an idea for an encounter for i game i will be running in a week or two for 3 lvl1's. the main idea is a mix of winter survival and pixie harassment. essentially they need to head out into the wilderness and survive while the collect materials and other objects for a ritual; but at the same time a trio of pixies has taken an interest in bothering the group.
the core of the session will be running skill challenges and encounters with pixies (avoiding combat) throwing wrenches into the works. the intent is that failures will lead to exhaustion and thats when the pixies get really bad; every night the pixies will attempt to prevent the players from resting.
for that encounter they will take up watch as usual but pixies will come during each watch and attempt prevent resting players from getting a full nights rest. naturally the players on watch will be given a chance to stop them and im thinking if 2 out 3 of the watch's fail the party is unable to reduce their exhaustion.
now my concern is that this could be out right deadly for my players and while all of them are experienced; exhaustion could get out of hand easily and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or tips ect.
edit: to be clear the intent is for the pixies to not be a permanent fixture of the campaign simply a part of there first adventure
Exhaustion can be a fun mechanic to use, but be careful. At the very least, make sure that there are at least some ways to mitigate exhaustion around for the players to find once in a while.
thats a fair recommendation i usually shy away from them as well. i would love to hear if there was any particular issue that lead to that train of thought though? was it simply not fun or is it too problematic? would you recommend any alternative systems that might achieve the same goal?
Exhaustion can be a fun mechanic to use, but be careful. At the very least, make sure that there are at least some ways to mitigate exhaustion around for the players to find once in a while.
perhaps by allowing them to use extra rations or forage for plants that can mask the effects as if they were one less?
Exhaustion can be a fun mechanic to use, but be careful. At the very least, make sure that there are at least some ways to mitigate exhaustion around for the players to find once in a while.
perhaps by allowing them to use extra rations or forage for plants that can mask the effects as if they were one less?
Sure. I mean, there’s Olisuba Leaf and the Variant Rangers have access to the Tireless feature. As long as they have some potential access to something for everyone then the players still have some agency in the situation.
I’m personally a big fan of ticking clock scenarios, both as a player and a DM. Exhaustion is just another variety of ticking clock.
Keep in mind that the first level of exhaustion gives disadvantage on ability checks. As such, consider giving characters with cold resistance advantage on ability checks since it's a winter survival option. Allow for Help to be beneficial or alternate ways to accomplish the skill checks. If the encounters with the pixies are primarily skill checks and not combat, consider what might be an automatic success ahead of time and consider how close the players come to that when they start throwing out their responses.
The problem with exhaustion, especially at level 1, is that one of the few ways to clear 1 level is with a long rest and a level 1 party doesn't have lots of ways to try to ensure that happens. It could be an interesting encounter, but you have to come up with why are the pixies bothering the players, what will the players have on hand to help overcome the pixies, what is the narrative going to look like if the party retreats after racking up a couple of levels of exhaustion, and do you want to kill the party with exhaustion?
Basically, exhaustion requires a lot of work on the DMs part to make it work, be interesting as an encounter, and still be fun for the party. You can make it work but will it be worth the effort for you without just giving the party enough ways to overcome exhaustion to trivialize the encounter.
There are some threads about Berserker barbarians that might be interesting to read for you. It won't all be pertinent to your preparation, but they could give you some ideas about how to try to balance the encounter above what I've suggested and what others have done here.
Exhaustion can be a fun mechanic to use, but be careful. At the very least, make sure that there are at least some ways to mitigate exhaustion around for the players to find once in a while.
perhaps by allowing them to use extra rations or forage for plants that can mask the effects as if they were one less?
Or a scroll or two of greater restoration. Then if they do t need it, it’s still a cool bit of treasure to have.
Exhaustion can be a fun mechanic to use, but be careful. At the very least, make sure that there are at least some ways to mitigate exhaustion around for the players to find once in a while.
perhaps by allowing them to use extra rations or forage for plants that can mask the effects as if they were one less?
Or a scroll or two of greater restoration. Then if they do t need it, it’s still a cool bit of treasure to have.
Keeping in mind that a Spell Scroll of Greater Restoration would require a Bard, Druid, or Cleric to succeed on a DC 15 Charisma (bard) or Wisdom (Cleric or Druid) check to cast the spell per the spell scroll rules. That's likely only going to be a +2 or +3 for a 1st level character and will be made at disadvantage after 1 level of exhaustion. The DM could also give a proficiency bonus to help, but that's still a daunting task.
Exhaustion can be a fun mechanic to use, but be careful. At the very least, make sure that there are at least some ways to mitigate exhaustion around for the players to find once in a while.
perhaps by allowing them to use extra rations or forage for plants that can mask the effects as if they were one less?
Or a scroll or two of greater restoration. Then if they do t need it, it’s still a cool bit of treasure to have.
Keeping in mind that a Spell Scroll of Greater Restoration would require a Bard, Druid, or Cleric to succeed on a DC 15 Charisma (bard) or Wisdom (Cleric or Druid) check to cast the spell per the spell scroll rules. That's likely only going to be a +2 or +3 for a 1st level character and will be made at disadvantage after 1 level of exhaustion. The DM could also give a proficiency bonus to help, but that's still a daunting task.
Basically, exhaustion requires a lot of work on the DMs part to make it work, be interesting as an encounter, and still be fun for the party. You can make it work but will it be worth the effort for you without just giving the party enough ways to overcome exhaustion to trivialize the encounter.
Exhaustion can be a fun mechanic to use, but be careful. At the very least, make sure that there are at least some ways to mitigate exhaustion around for the players to find once in a while.
perhaps by allowing them to use extra rations or forage for plants that can mask the effects as if they were one less?
Or a scroll or two of greater restoration. Then if they do t need it, it’s still a cool bit of treasure to have.
Keeping in mind that a Spell Scroll of Greater Restoration would require a Bard, Druid, or Cleric to succeed on a DC 15 Charisma (bard) or Wisdom (Cleric or Druid) check to cast the spell per the spell scroll rules. That's likely only going to be a +2 or +3 for a 1st level character and will be made at disadvantage after 1 level of exhaustion. The DM could also give a proficiency bonus to help, but that's still a daunting task.
i kinda like it a powerful tool but still suspenseful as failing the check means losing the scroll. and i see no problem giving them their prof bonus and i believe the help mechanic works with scroll if im not mistaken? but i assume they would both need it on their lists to count
The first few levels of exhaustion could be fun in terms of a survival themed arc. I think the key there is to stick to that theme, and not mix it too much with combat and social interactions. There is a fine line between being challenged in the face of the elements and the frustration of the character you created just becoming frustratingly useless. And its way easier to step into the "frustrating" side of that line if it feels like the world is dog piling on the players out of nowhere.
Exhaustion can be a fun mechanic to use, but be careful. At the very least, make sure that there are at least some ways to mitigate exhaustion around for the players to find once in a while.
perhaps by allowing them to use extra rations or forage for plants that can mask the effects as if they were one less?
Or a scroll or two of greater restoration. Then if they do t need it, it’s still a cool bit of treasure to have.
Keeping in mind that a Spell Scroll of Greater Restoration would require a Bard, Druid, or Cleric to succeed on a DC 15 Charisma (bard) or Wisdom (Cleric or Druid) check to cast the spell per the spell scroll rules. That's likely only going to be a +2 or +3 for a 1st level character and will be made at disadvantage after 1 level of exhaustion. The DM could also give a proficiency bonus to help, but that's still a daunting task.
Basically, exhaustion requires a lot of work on the DMs part to make it work, be interesting as an encounter, and still be fun for the party. You can make it work but will it be worth the effort for you without just giving the party enough ways to overcome exhaustion to trivialize the encounter.
It's fine, I didn't say that it wasn't. I just suggested to keep it in mind. Per the rules, any other class can't even read the scroll so it would be pointless for them without a hand wave from the DM. As for the DC being a daunting task, that was just a reminder for balancing if those are the only options that are given. Depending on what kind of leveling will occur during these encounters, players will be able to make things easier on themselves with multiclassing and/or ASIs, but it's still good to keep in mind.
Exhaustion can be a fun mechanic to use, but be careful. At the very least, make sure that there are at least some ways to mitigate exhaustion around for the players to find once in a while.
perhaps by allowing them to use extra rations or forage for plants that can mask the effects as if they were one less?
Or a scroll or two of greater restoration. Then if they do t need it, it’s still a cool bit of treasure to have.
Keeping in mind that a Spell Scroll of Greater Restoration would require a Bard, Druid, or Cleric to succeed on a DC 15 Charisma (bard) or Wisdom (Cleric or Druid) check to cast the spell per the spell scroll rules. That's likely only going to be a +2 or +3 for a 1st level character and will be made at disadvantage after 1 level of exhaustion. The DM could also give a proficiency bonus to help, but that's still a daunting task.
Basically, exhaustion requires a lot of work on the DMs part to make it work, be interesting as an encounter, and still be fun for the party. You can make it work but will it be worth the effort for you without just giving the party enough ways to overcome exhaustion to trivialize the encounter.
It's fine, I didn't say that it wasn't. I just suggested to keep it in mind. Per the rules, any other class can't even read the scroll so it would be pointless for them without a hand wave from the DM. As for the DC being a daunting task, that was just a reminder for balancing if those are the only options that are given. Depending on what kind of leveling will occur during these encounters, players will be able to make things easier on themselves with multiclassing and/or ASIs, but it's still good to keep in mind.
Besides, if any one of them knows Tiny Hut, this is all a fairly academic conversation.
It's a third level spell. They'll be starting at 1st level. I'm hoping that no one knows the spell, as that's a long time running these encounters.
indeed i may not have made it clear that the pixies are not meant to be a permanent problem for the group simply part of there first adventure. although it might be cathartic to have them return only to find the party is far more prepared for them after a few levels
Besides, if any one of them knows Tiny Hut, this is all a fairly academic conversation.
It's a third level spell. They'll be starting at 1st level. I'm hoping that no one knows the spell, as that's a long time running these encounters.
True. I tend to get them to at least 3rd level in as few as 2-3 sessions if at all possible, and then to 5th by no later than 8th session. By 3rd, everyone at least has their subclass, and by 5th, they all start to feel heroic. If they’re leveling slower than that it would be a very long time running these encounters.
so i have an idea for an encounter for i game i will be running in a week or two for 3 lvl1's. the main idea is a mix of winter survival and pixie harassment. essentially they need to head out into the wilderness and survive while the collect materials and other objects for a ritual; but at the same time a trio of pixies has taken an interest in bothering the group.
the core of the session will be running skill challenges and encounters with pixies (avoiding combat) throwing wrenches into the works. the intent is that failures will lead to exhaustion and thats when the pixies get really bad; every night the pixies will attempt to prevent the players from resting.
for that encounter they will take up watch as usual but pixies will come during each watch and attempt prevent resting players from getting a full nights rest. naturally the players on watch will be given a chance to stop them and im thinking if 2 out 3 of the watch's fail the party is unable to reduce their exhaustion.
now my concern is that this could be out right deadly for my players and while all of them are experienced; exhaustion could get out of hand easily and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or tips ect.
edit: to be clear the intent is for the pixies to not be a permanent fixture of the campaign simply a part of there first adventure
My recommendation is to never use the exhaustion rules for anything.
Exhaustion can be a fun mechanic to use, but be careful. At the very least, make sure that there are at least some ways to mitigate exhaustion around for the players to find once in a while.
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thats a fair recommendation i usually shy away from them as well. i would love to hear if there was any particular issue that lead to that train of thought though? was it simply not fun or is it too problematic? would you recommend any alternative systems that might achieve the same goal?
perhaps by allowing them to use extra rations or forage for plants that can mask the effects as if they were one less?
Sure. I mean, there’s Olisuba Leaf and the Variant Rangers have access to the Tireless feature. As long as they have some potential access to something for everyone then the players still have some agency in the situation.
I’m personally a big fan of ticking clock scenarios, both as a player and a DM. Exhaustion is just another variety of ticking clock.
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Keep in mind that the first level of exhaustion gives disadvantage on ability checks. As such, consider giving characters with cold resistance advantage on ability checks since it's a winter survival option. Allow for Help to be beneficial or alternate ways to accomplish the skill checks. If the encounters with the pixies are primarily skill checks and not combat, consider what might be an automatic success ahead of time and consider how close the players come to that when they start throwing out their responses.
The problem with exhaustion, especially at level 1, is that one of the few ways to clear 1 level is with a long rest and a level 1 party doesn't have lots of ways to try to ensure that happens. It could be an interesting encounter, but you have to come up with why are the pixies bothering the players, what will the players have on hand to help overcome the pixies, what is the narrative going to look like if the party retreats after racking up a couple of levels of exhaustion, and do you want to kill the party with exhaustion?
Basically, exhaustion requires a lot of work on the DMs part to make it work, be interesting as an encounter, and still be fun for the party. You can make it work but will it be worth the effort for you without just giving the party enough ways to overcome exhaustion to trivialize the encounter.
There are some threads about Berserker barbarians that might be interesting to read for you. It won't all be pertinent to your preparation, but they could give you some ideas about how to try to balance the encounter above what I've suggested and what others have done here.
Or a scroll or two of greater restoration. Then if they do t need it, it’s still a cool bit of treasure to have.
Keeping in mind that a Spell Scroll of Greater Restoration would require a Bard, Druid, or Cleric to succeed on a DC 15 Charisma (bard) or Wisdom (Cleric or Druid) check to cast the spell per the spell scroll rules. That's likely only going to be a +2 or +3 for a 1st level character and will be made at disadvantage after 1 level of exhaustion. The DM could also give a proficiency bonus to help, but that's still a daunting task.
Wasn’t that the point?
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Besides, if any one of them knows Tiny Hut, this is all a fairly academic conversation.
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i kinda like it a powerful tool but still suspenseful as failing the check means losing the scroll. and i see no problem giving them their prof bonus and i believe the help mechanic works with scroll if im not mistaken? but i assume they would both need it on their lists to count
Unless one of the pixies has a pet that can burrow below the ground. ;-)
The first few levels of exhaustion could be fun in terms of a survival themed arc. I think the key there is to stick to that theme, and not mix it too much with combat and social interactions. There is a fine line between being challenged in the face of the elements and the frustration of the character you created just becoming frustratingly useless. And its way easier to step into the "frustrating" side of that line if it feels like the world is dog piling on the players out of nowhere.
thankfully (or maybe not) they will not have 3rd lvl spells
It's fine, I didn't say that it wasn't. I just suggested to keep it in mind. Per the rules, any other class can't even read the scroll so it would be pointless for them without a hand wave from the DM. As for the DC being a daunting task, that was just a reminder for balancing if those are the only options that are given. Depending on what kind of leveling will occur during these encounters, players will be able to make things easier on themselves with multiclassing and/or ASIs, but it's still good to keep in mind.
It's a third level spell. They'll be starting at 1st level. I'm hoping that no one knows the spell, as that's a long time running these encounters.
polymorph is hell of a drug
Not to mention that a standard pixie has access to dispel magic.
indeed i may not have made it clear that the pixies are not meant to be a permanent problem for the group simply part of there first adventure. although it might be cathartic to have them return only to find the party is far more prepared for them after a few levels
True. I tend to get them to at least 3rd level in as few as 2-3 sessions if at all possible, and then to 5th by no later than 8th session. By 3rd, everyone at least has their subclass, and by 5th, they all start to feel heroic. If they’re leveling slower than that it would be a very long time running these encounters.
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