Frostbite and Fatigue

Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Players may equip Winter Clothing to reduce their Exposure Level but at the cost of reduced mobility.

• Winter Clothing: Reduces the Exposure Level by 1 step (e.g., from Severe to Minor).

  • Tradeoff: While wearing winter clothing, movement speed is reduced by 10 feet, and any checks requiring physical mobility (e.g., Dexterity checks for Acrobatics or Stealth) are made at disadvantage.

Frostbite and Fatigue Effects

If a player fails their Constitution saving throw against the current Exposure Level, they suffer one of the following effects (player’s choice or DM's discretion):

1. Frostbite

   • Disadvantage on any Strength or Dexterity-based skill checks and attack rolls due to numbed limbs.

   • Speed reduced by an additional 5 feet.

   • If untreated, Frostbite progresses after three failed saves, requiring magical healing or 8 hours of rest in a warm environment to recover.

2. Fatigue

   • Gain one level of exhaustion.

   • Exhaustion gained from Fatigue can only be reduced by rest in a warm environment or through magical means.

Optional Rules

1. Clothing Improvisation: Players without winter clothing may attempt a Survival check (DC 15) to craft makeshift insulation from their environment, reducing their Exposure Level by 1 step for 4 hours.

2. Fire and Shelter: A lit fire or adequate shelter reduces the Exposure Level for all creatures within its range by 1 step.

3. Body Heat Sharing: Characters who rest together (e.g., sharing a bedroll or huddling) gain an advantage on Constitution saving throws against Exposure.

This rule introduces a dynamic risk-reward system where players must carefully weigh their equipment choices. Do they sacrifice mobility for warmth or risk exposure for greater agility? It also creates opportunities for creative problem-solving, teamwork, and resource management in extreme environments.