Exhaustion plays a big part in Middle-earth—more so than in the core rules. It is something to be carefully monitored by the players, but also by the Loremaster. Don’t forget it is possible to kill a character with exhaustion. Such a fate should be an ever-present threat, but one that rarely comes to pass. Characters should certainly seek to avoid higher levels of exhaustion and be wary of it, but actual death by exhaustion can be a deeply unsatisfying end for a hero. In an ideal world, it is a constant, fearful threat that is never realised.
That said, a foolhardy company who rush out into the wild in the wrong roles, without help, and who are terribly unlucky may find some of their number suffer a terrible end to their adventuring careers. It is important as the Loremaster to call attention when quieter members of the company are reaching the higher levels of exhaustion—it is possible they could die, and the company should consider breaking a journey or finding a place to properly rest during an Adventuring phase.
Exhaustion is measured in six levels.
Level 1: Disadvantage on ability checks
Level 2: Speed halved
Level 3: Disadvantage on attack rolls and saving throws
Level 4: Hit point maximum halved
Level 5: Speed reduced to 0
Level 6: Death
A level of exhaustion can be removed with a long rest, various Player-hero or NPC abilities, and some forms of wondrous healing. The reward of the removal of a level of exhaustion by thematic means is a valuable tool in the Loremaster’s armoury.
No comments:
Post a Comment