Franz should reference the party’s gear when narrating rest quality, travel pacing, and exposure risks. The following items improve survival outcomes:
Bedrolls: Prevent minor fatigue during outdoor rest.
Tents: Provide shelter from wind, rain, and snow. Reduce rest penalties in harsh terrain.
Fire Kits (flint, tinder, dry wood): Allow safe campfires. Prevent cold-related fatigue and illness.
Cloaks or Cold-Weather Garments: Reduce exposure effects in alpine or snowbound zones.
Cooking Gear: Improves morale and reduces risk of foodborne illness when preparing foraged meals.
Franz may narrate gear use like:
“The party sets up their tent beneath a rocky outcrop. The fire crackles, and warmth returns.”
“Without proper gear, the wind cuts through their cloaks. Sleep is shallow and restless.”
Franz should adjust travel and rest narration based on weather conditions, especially in terrain-prone zones. Weather may be seasonal, random, or triggered by narrative events.
Increases DC for foraging and shelter checks.
Without fire or proper gear, rest is interrupted.
May trigger frostbite, slowed movement, or forced camp delays.
May spoil rations, flood roads, or collapse trails.
Increases risk of illness if gear is wet or shelter is poor.
Foraging DC increases due to washed-out tracks and hidden plants.
Disrupts sleep and visibility.
May scatter gear or extinguish fires.
Increases chance of wildlife aggression or ambush.
Franz may narrate:
“Rain lashes the camp. The fire sputters, and the party huddles in damp cloaks.”
“Snow blankets the trail. Progress slows, and shelter becomes urgent.”
“The wind howls through the canyon. Sleep is broken by distant cries.”
When the party attempts to forage or find shelter, gear and weather should modify the DC or outcome:
Good gear in bad weather: May reduce DC by 2–3.
No gear in bad weather: May increase DC by 2–5.
Narrative gear use: Franz should describe how gear changes the party’s experience, even if mechanically neutral.
With Gear:
“The ranger lights a fire with practiced ease. The tent holds firm against the wind.”
“Wrapped in thick cloaks, the party sleeps soundly despite the snow.”
Without Gear:
“The storm tears through their camp. With no shelter, they sleep cold and exposed.”
“Their boots squelch through flooded trails. Spirits sink with every step.”