So if you are planning on running a DS4 game, how important are you planning on making water?

I’ve decided that water is going to play a fairly important role in the game I am running. In the books water is fairly centric. Not so much that the story is about water, but rather that it is an important element of the story. I suspect that DS4 will not go far enough related to water so I have created the following house rule for water:

FINDING WATER: It’s my understanding that water generally is only found in the known locations on the map marked as ‘oasis.’ Other locations include the major city states. To find it elsewhere is a challenge (otherwise it would be a marked location). I plan to allow my PCs to use the nature skill to navigate towards known oases but I plan to make it difficult at best to find random water in the wastes of Athas. DC of the nature check would be up to the DM.

WATER: waterskin = 4lbs = 1 unit of water = 1 water token

Each player starts with a water token that represents a unit of water in their body. I bought some blue glass counters that make it somewhat of a game in itself.

Heat – the DM calls for a water token based on the temperature and game circumstance. Calling for water could vary depending on the setting. It’s up to the DM to decide when to call for a water token.

No Water – When the DM calls for a water token, and you do not have one, you must make a DC 20 ENDURANCE check to avoid the first effects of dehydration. A DC 25 is required to avoid the second call for water and +5 to the DC each time after that. Once the endurance check is failed, the PC defaults to the following table below:

First Stage No Water (first call) – lose one surge

Second Stage No Water (second call) – lose two surges

Third Stage No Water (third call) – lose three surges

Fourth (fourth call) – lose four surges

Fifth Stage (fifth call) – lose five surges and make a death saving throw each hour thereafter.

-Surges cannot be replenished with extended rest

A fairly simple game mechanic change that falls within the boundaries of 4E. I feel it doesn’t make water too harsh but also makes it as important as it should be.

I welcome the feedback.

I like it

I think this is a great House Rule and if you don’t mind I’d love to run some play tests on it with my group.

I like it a lot.

Well played. I may well use that myself.