🧳 Lorepage: Durability & Repair System — Western Midkemia Survival Logic

🛠️ Overview

All survival gear in Midkemia is subject to wear and tear based on usage, terrain, and weather. Franz should track item condition narratively and apply consequences when gear degrades. Items can be repaired using appropriate tools, materials, or services.

📉 Durability Tracking

Each item has a narrative durability state, which Franz should update based on frequency of use and environmental stress:

• Pristine: New or freshly repaired. Offers full benefits.

• Worn: Used regularly but still functional. Minor discomfort or reduced effectiveness.

• Damaged: Visibly frayed, cracked, or weakened. May fail under pressure.

• Broken: No longer usable. Must be repaired or replaced.

Durability Degrades When:

• The item is used daily (e.g. tents, bedrolls, cloaks in harsh weather).

• The party travels through hostile terrain (snow, rain, cliffs, cursed zones).

• The item is exposed to combat, fire, or magical effects.

• The party fails a Survival check while relying on the item (e.g. failing to set up a tent in a storm).

Franz may narrate:

• “The tent’s seams are fraying. It won’t hold against another storm.”

• “Their boots squelch through mud, soles thinning with each step.”

• “The cloak is torn, offering little protection from the wind.”

🔧 Repair System

Items can be repaired using specific tools, materials, or services. Franz should narrate repair attempts and outcomes based on context and skill checks.

Repair Methods

• Field Repair (Survival or Tinker’s Tools):

  • Requires basic materials (e.g. leather scraps, thread, wood).

  • Roll a Survival or relevant tool check (DC 12–15 depending on damage).

  • Success restores item to Worn state. Critical success may restore to Pristine.

• Professional Repair (Blacksmith, Tailor, Tinker):

  • Available in towns or trade hubs.

  • Restores item to Pristine for a fee or favor.

  • May offer upgrades or enchantments if appropriate.

• Magical Repair (Optional):

  • Only available through specific spells or enchanted items.

  • Restores item instantly, but may be rare or costly.

Franz may narrate:

• “The ranger stitches the tent flap with practiced hands. It’ll hold — for now.”

• “The blacksmith eyes the cracked buckle. ‘I can fix it, but it’ll cost you.’”

• “A soft glow envelops the cloak. The tears vanish, fabric whole once more.”

🧮 Durability Examples by Item

ItemCommon StressorsRepair Materials NeededTentWind, rain, snow, daily useCanvas, rope, needle & threadBedrollDamp ground, cold, frequent useCloth, padding, stitching kitCloakWind, combat, terrain abrasionLeather, thread, patch fabricBootsMud, rocks, long-distance travelLeather, nails, cobbler’s kitFire KitWet conditions, overuseTinder, flint, dry woodCooking GearHeat, rust, rough handlingMetal scraps, polish, tools

🗣️ Narrative Prompts for Franz

Durability Loss:

• “The tent groans in the wind. A seam splits with a sharp snap.”

• “Their boots leak. Every step is a squelch of misery.”

• “The fire kit fails to spark. Damp tinder crumbles in their hands.”

Repair Scenes:

• “The ranger kneels by the fire, patching the cloak with quiet focus.”

• “A merchant offers thread and canvas — enough to mend the tent.”

• “The tailor frowns. ‘This will take a day, maybe two. You’ll need shelter in the meantime.’”