Exhaustion represents the physical or mental toll adventurers endure. It has levels of increasing severity, each with cumulative effects, making it an important condition to manage. Below is a detailed guide to how exhaustion works and how to handle it in your games. ### **What is Exhaustion?** Exhaustion is a condition that reflects physical or mental fatigue. It can result from: - Lack of food or water. - Extreme environmental conditions. - Overexertion, such as forced marches or certain magical effects. - Effects of specific spells or abilities. ### **Exhaustion Levels and Effects** Exhaustion is measured in 10 levels, each with increasingly severe consequences. These effects are not including Death Saves, and reaching the 10 level results in death. | Level of Exhaustion | Effect | | ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | -1 on D20 dice rolls | | 2 | -2 on D20 dice rolls | | 3 | -3 on D20 dice rolls | | 4 | -4 on D20 dice rolls | | 5 | -5 on D20 dice rolls | | 6 | -6 on D20 dice rolls | | 7 | -7 on D20 dice rolls | | 8 | -8 on D20 dice rolls + Disadvantage on Death saves | | 9 | -9 on D20 dice rolls + Disadvantage on Death saves | | 10 | Death | ### **Causes of Exhaustion** Exhaustion can be caused by: 1. **Environmental Factors:** - Traveling without sufficient food or water. - Being exposed to extreme heat or cold without proper protection. 2. **Overexertion:** - Marching for more than 8 hours in a day. - Performing strenuous activities without rest. - Extensive use of abilities not native to the character (Human flying for hours on end) 1. **Magical Effects:** - Some spells, such as _wish_, and certain creature abilities can inflict exhaustion. 2. **Optional Rules:** - The DM may impose exhaustion for narrative purposes, such as enduring harsh trials or curses. ### **Recovering from Exhaustion** Exhaustion can be reduced by: 1. **Rest and Food:** - Finishing a **long rest** and consuming sufficient food and drink reduces by **1 level**. - If you **long rest** in comfort (Own Bed) reduces by **2 levels** 1. **Magical Means:** - Certain spells, such as _greater restoration_, immediately reduce exhaustion by **1 level**. 2. **Special Conditions:** - Potions or magical items may alleviate exhaustion, DM’s discretion. ### **Player Tips for Managing Exhaustion** - **Plan Ahead:** Carry food, water, and spells to mitigate exhaustion during dangerous journeys. - **Pace Yourself:** Avoid overexerting your character when resources are limited. - **Work as a Team:** Share the load during travel and strategize ways to avoid unnecessary exhaustion.