Malady Checks - Revision history

Bennettj at 15:04, 21 April 2026

2026-04-21T15:04:09Z

Tao alexis: /* Unforeseen Consequences */

2025-01-18T18:46:55Z

Unforeseen Consequences

Tao alexis: /* Unforeseen Consequences */

2025-01-18T18:46:37Z

Unforeseen Consequences

Tao alexis at 18:46, 18 January 2025

2025-01-18T18:46:12Z

Tao alexis at 18:36, 18 January 2025

2025-01-18T18:36:36Z

Tao alexis at 18:27, 18 January 2025

2025-01-18T18:27:14Z

Tao alexis at 20:30, 15 August 2023

2023-08-15T20:30:45Z

Tao alexis: /* Table */

2023-08-15T20:30:24Z

Table

Tao alexis: /* Unforseen Consequences */

2023-08-15T20:29:36Z

Unforseen Consequences

Tao alexis at 20:29, 15 August 2023

2023-08-15T20:29:07Z

@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 | 56-58 || '''Firewood shortage;''' for whatever reason, a search for firewood turns up only enough to support a fire for 1 to 4 hours, unless green wood is cut down and used.
 |-
-| 59-62 || '''Gear lost or left behind,''' requiring either its abandonment or searching back along the way the players came, requiring 2-5 hours; success requires the party's wisest person to make a wisdom check.
+| 59-62 || '''Gear lost or left behind,''' requiring either its abandonment or searching back along the way the players came, requiring 2-5 hours; success requires the party's wisest person to make a [[Ability Checks|wisdom check]].
 |-
 | 63-70 || '''Get lost''' and lose all orientation for 20 to 30 minutes; rangers with orientation or pathfinding skill are confused for only 5 to 8 minutes.
@@ Line 46: / Line 46: @@
 | 121-122 || '''Route travelled is blocked or washed out;''' nature of the obstruction is left up to the DM.
 |-
-| 123-140 || '''Slip and fall''' results in a forward tumble that causes 1-4 damage; if slip occurs in a small boat or along a cliff, the character must make dexterity check or go over the side.
+| 123-140 || '''Slip and fall''' results in a forward tumble that causes 1-4 damage; if slip occurs in a small boat or along a cliff, the character must make [[Ability Checks|dexterity check]] or go over the side.
 |-
 | 141 || '''Split waterskin''' must drink all the water contained at once or sacrifice it; item needs replacing.

@@ Line 92: / Line 92: @@
 [[Healing]]<br>
 [[Rest (healing)|Rest]]<br>
-[[The Adventure]]
+[[The Adventure]]<br>
 [[Category: Reviewed]]

@@ Line 91: / Line 91: @@
 See also,<br>
 [[Healing]]<br>
-[[Rest]]<br>
+[[Rest (healing)|Rest]]<br>
 [[The Adventure]]
 [[Category: Reviewed]]

@@ Line 68: / Line 68: @@
 | 198-200 || '''Wildfire''' of a natural origin can be smelt or seen from a distance, but offers a threat to the players well-being depending on the wind direction.
 |}
+Malady Checks represent the unfortunate and unpredictable mishaps, illnesses and setbacks that can occur during the course of any adventurer's life. In-game, the term "malady" serves as a blanket description for a wide range of inconveniences and adversities. No character is immune to these rolls, regardless of their skills, status or abilities—after all, anyone can have an unlucky day.
 __TOC__
-Checks are made randomly, '''once per game session''', or whenever characters find themselves in especially dangerous circumstances.  Some are dire and potentially fatal, while others merely create problems.  As time passes, expect more and more possibilities to be added to the list.
+Checks are made randomly once per game session or when characters encounter particularly hazardous circumstances. While some maladies are minor nuisances, others can be dire or even life-threatening. As gameplay progresses, the table of maladies may grow introducing new possibilities for unexpected complications.
-The chance of a wholly random malady occurring is 1 in 20.  It's suggested that every member of the party rolls a d20 and calls out their number; the DM also throws a d20, or rolls one using a cup without revealing it until the players have rolled.  Any player's roll that matches that of the DM suffers a malady.
+The chance of a malady occurring is 1 in 20. To resolve this, each member of the party rolls a d20 and announces their result. The DM also rolls a hidden d20, either behind the screen or using a cup. Once all players have rolled, the DM reveals their number. Any player whose roll matches the DM's suffers a malady from the table. This adds a layer of tension and unpredictability ensuring that no adventure is entirely without risk.
 == False Results ==
-In many cases, the circumstances of the malady indicated won't fit with the present circumstances; for example, walking into a tree branch wouldn't be possible in a land without trees.  On the other hand, this could be re-imagined as knocking one's head on an outcropping or a beam emerging from the side of a house, in a small hamlet which the characters happened to pass through that day.  If re-imagining seems unlikely, then either discount the malady from having occurred at all, or roll again, as seems best in the moment.
+In some cases, the malady indicated may not align with the current circumstances; for instance, walking into a tree branch wouldn't be possible in a treeless environment. However, such situations can often be re-imagined to fit the context. For example, the malady could instead represent knocking one’s head on an outcropping of rock or a low beam in a hamlet the characters passed through earlier in the day.
 == Unforeseen Consequences ==
-Some results that seem fairly benign can take on new meaning in special circumstances; for example, a mis-step into an adjacent pond or stream may cause only a dunking, but if getting this result while aboard a [[Rowboat|rowboat]], perhaps in a storm, the result could be life threatening.  Likewise if the character has been predetermined to be allergic to bee stings, or rips a tent when it's vitally needed, or the character cuts his or herself lightly just after having emerged from a [[Gong Pit|cesspit]].  The DM should pay close attention to how any malady might have alternate, unexpected effects.
+Some seemingly benign results from the malady table can take on far greater significance under specific circumstances. For example, a mis-step into an adjacent pond or stream might ordinarily result in little more than a soaking, but if it occurs aboard a [[Rowboat|rowboat]] in the midst of a storm, the situation could become life-threatening. Similarly, if a character has a known allergy to bee stings, disturbs a hive, or tears a tent at a critical moment, the consequences could escalate dramatically. A minor cut might pose little threat on its own but could take on new meaning if it happens just after the character has emerged from a [[Gong Pit|cesspit]].
-See [[The Adventure]]
+[[Category: Reviewed]]

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 ! style="width: 45px|Roll (d200) !! style="width: 560px|Result
 |-
-| 01-05 || '''Allergic reaction''' causes character to sneeze uncontrollably and suffer 1 damage every hour, until removed from present vegetative environment or antidote given.
+| 01-06 || '''Allergic reaction''' causes character to sneeze uncontrollably and suffer 1 damage every hour, until removed from present vegetative environment or antidote given.
 |-
-| 06-08 || '''Beehive or wasp's nest''' is unintentionally disturbed, resulting in multiple stings for one or more members of the party (2-8 for the character, 1-3 for any others within 20 ft.).
+| 07-09 || '''Beehive or wasp's nest''' is unintentionally disturbed, resulting in multiple stings for one or more members of the party (2-8 for the character, 1-3 for any others within 20 ft.).
 |-
-| 09-13 || '''Blisters''' and sore feet result from inadequate or worn out footwear; reduce maximum movement to stride-3.
+| 10-16 || '''Blisters''' and sore feet result from inadequate or worn out footwear; reduce maximum movement to stride-3.
 |-
-| 14-27 || '''Burn self''' on a cooking pot or while reaching into the fire at dinner time; suffer 1d4 damage.
+| 22-27 || '''Burn self''' on a cooking pot or while reaching into the fire at dinner time; suffer 1d4 damage.
 |-
 | 28 || '''Catch random affliction''' without the source or reason being known; perhaps someone who was met, or from handling an object, or simply brewing the disease from within.  Determine area of infection, nature and degree randomly.
 |-
-| 29-31 || '''Contact with a poisonous plant''' causes an intensive skin irritation, rash and itching that continues for 3-12 days without relent, unless an antidote is applied; denying restful sleep unless mildly intoxicated (or some other means of dulling the senses); the character suffers a 10% possibility of spell failure due to itching.
+| 29-32 || '''Contact with a poisonous plant''' causes an intensive skin irritation, rash and itching that continues for 3-12 days without relent, unless an antidote is applied; denying restful sleep unless mildly intoxicated (or some other means of dulling the senses); the character suffers a 10% possibility of spell failure due to itching.
 |-
-| 32-36 || '''Cut self deeply''' while being foolishly distracted, while employing a blade, stake or similar-shaped object; suffer 1d6 damage.
+| 33-38 || '''Cut self deeply''' while being foolishly distracted, while employing a blade, stake or similar-shaped object; suffer 1d6 damage.
 |-
-| 37-58 || '''Cut self lightly''' while rearranging gear or performing general work in camp; suffer 1 damage.
+| 39-52 || '''Cut self lightly''' while rearranging gear or performing general work in camp; suffer 1 damage.
 |-
-| (1) || '''Drop gear''' - roll [[Saving Throws for Items|item saving throw]] to see if it breaks; in cases of elevation or upon a water surface, there is a 1 in 6 chance the item has fallen off a ledge or into the sea or lake travelled upon.
+| 53 || '''Drop gear''' - roll [[Saving Throws for Items|item saving throw]] to see if it breaks; in cases of elevation or upon a water surface, there is a 1 in 6 chance the item has fallen off a ledge or into the sea or lake travelled upon.
 |-
-| 59-60 || '''Falling rock''' either closely misses (1-7) or strikes (8) character from above.  If hit, the character suffers 1-10 damage.
+| 54-55 || '''Falling rock''' either closely misses (1-7) or strikes (8) character from above.  If hit, the character suffers 1-10 damage.
 |-
-| (2) || '''Firewood shortage;''' for whatever reason, a search for firewood turns up only enough to support a fire for 1 to 4 hours, unless green wood is cut down and used.
+| 56-58 || '''Firewood shortage;''' for whatever reason, a search for firewood turns up only enough to support a fire for 1 to 4 hours, unless green wood is cut down and used.
 |-
-| 61-63 || '''Gear lost or left behind,''' requiring either its abandonment or searching back along the way the players came, requiring 2-5 hours; success requires the party's wisest person to make a wisdom check.
+| 59-62 || '''Gear lost or left behind,''' requiring either its abandonment or searching back along the way the players came, requiring 2-5 hours; success requires the party's wisest person to make a wisdom check.
 |-
-| 64-76 || '''Get lost''' and lose all orientation for 20 to 30 minutes; rangers with orientation or pathfinding skill are confused for only 5 to 8 minutes.
+| 63-70 || '''Get lost''' and lose all orientation for 20 to 30 minutes; rangers with orientation or pathfinding skill are confused for only 5 to 8 minutes.
 |-
-| (3) || '''Headache''' reduces travel time by 10%, gives penalty of -1 to hit during combat.
+| 71-74 || '''Headache''' reduces travel time by 10%, gives penalty of -1 to hit during combat.
 |-
-| 77-90 || '''Insect bite or sting''' produces a mild rash that denies the character a restful sleep that night, before subsiding.
+| 75-83 || '''Insect bite or sting''' produces a mild rash that denies the character a restful sleep that night, before subsiding.
 |-
-| 91-98 || '''Mis-step into shallow water''' causes the character to soak their footwear and stockings from the ankle down; irritating and causes -1 charisma until dried.
+| 84-93 || '''Mis-step into shallow water''' causes the character to soak their footwear and stockings from the ankle down; irritating and causes -1 charisma until dried.
 |-
-| 99-101 || '''Mis-step into adjacent pond or stream''' causes the player to become soaked from the waist or the shoulders down (50/50 chance); -2 charisma until clothes and gear are dried.
+| 94-96 || '''Mis-step into adjacent pond or stream''' causes the player to become soaked from the waist or the shoulders down (50/50 chance); -2 charisma until clothes and gear are dried.
 |-
-| 102-110 || '''Not enough gathered wood''' for the fire becomes apparent in the middle of the night; as the embers darken, something must be done.
+| 97-108 || '''Not enough gathered wood''' for the fire becomes apparent in the middle of the night; as the embers darken, something must be done.
 |-
-| 111-123 || '''Rip tent while setting up;''' needs repair.
+| 109-116 || '''Rip tent while setting up;''' needs repair.
 |-
-| 124-126 || '''Roll to break''' random non-magical item in the player's possession.
+| 117-120 || '''Roll to break''' random non-magical item in the player's possession.
 |-
-| 127-128 || '''Route travelled is blocked or washed out;''' nature of the obstruction is left up to the DM.
+| 121-122 || '''Route travelled is blocked or washed out;''' nature of the obstruction is left up to the DM.
 |-
-| 129-142 || '''Slip and fall''' results in a forward tumble that causes 1-4 damage; if slip occurs in a small boat or along a cliff, the character must make dexterity check or go over the side.
+| 123-140 || '''Slip and fall''' results in a forward tumble that causes 1-4 damage; if slip occurs in a small boat or along a cliff, the character must make dexterity check or go over the side.
 |-
-| (1) || '''Split waterskin''' must drink all the water contained at once or sacrifice it; item needs replacing.
+| 141 || '''Split waterskin''' must drink all the water contained at once or sacrifice it; item needs replacing.
 |-
-| (1) || '''Step in dung''' embarrassment; odour lingers on shoe for 6 hours.
+| 142 || '''Step in dung''' embarrassment; odour lingers on shoe for 6 hours.
 |-
-| 143-150 || '''Sunburn''' causes discomfort and peeling that lasts for several days, denying restful sleep unless mildly intoxicated (or some other means of dulling the senses).
+| 143-152 || '''Sunburn''' causes discomfort and peeling that lasts for several days, denying restful sleep unless mildly intoxicated (or some other means of dulling the senses).
 |-
-| 151-163 || '''Trip and stumble''' results in a hard bruise that lasts from 2-4 days; movement during that time cannot exceed stride-1; there's a 50% chance the character cannot ride.
+| 153-161 || '''Trip and stumble''' results in a hard bruise that lasts from 2-4 days; movement during that time cannot exceed stride-1; there's a 50% chance the character cannot ride.
 |-
-| 164-172 || '''Twisted ankle''' (1-4) or wrist (5-6) causes 1 point of injury; character cannot rely on that body part until the injury is healed.
+| 162-172 || '''Twisted ankle''' (1-4) or wrist (5-6) causes 1 point of injury; character cannot rely on that body part until the injury is healed.
 |-
-| (4) || '''Vittles plundered,''' rats and other vermin have eaten into a container of food; scratch 10% of what was held in that sack or pack.
+| 173-177 || '''Vittles plundered,''' rats and other vermin have eaten into a container of food; scratch 10% of what was held in that sack or pack.
 |-
-| 173-193 || '''Walk into a branch,''' lightly cutting face or neck; character suffers 1 damage.
+| 178-191 || '''Walk into a branch,''' lightly cutting face or neck; character suffers 1 damage.
 |-
-| 194-197 || '''Walk into an overhanging limb,''' knocking the character flat; character suffers 1-3 damage per level.
+| 192-196 || '''Walk into an overhanging limb,''' knocking the character flat; character suffers 1-3 damage per level.
 |-
-| 198 || '''Weather change''' on an unpredictable micro-level (even with regards to spells/abilities) produces a 4-point increase in [[Travel#Wind|wind]] or a brief rainshower that last 5-20 minutes.
+| 197 || '''Weather change''' on an unpredictable micro-level (even with regards to spells/abilities) produces a 4-point increase in [[Travel#Wind|wind]] or a brief rainshower that last 5-20 minutes.
 |-
-| 199-200 || '''Wildfire''' of a natural origin can be smelt or seen from a distance, but offers a threat to the players well-being depending on the wind direction.
+| 198-200 || '''Wildfire''' of a natural origin can be smelt or seen from a distance, but offers a threat to the players well-being depending on the wind direction.
 |}

@@ Line 62: / Line 62: @@
 The chance of a wholly random malady occurring is 1 in 20.  It's suggested that every member of the party rolls a d20 and calls out their number; the DM also throws a d20, or rolls one using a cup without revealing it until the players have rolled.  Any player's roll that matches that of the DM suffers a malady.
 == False Results ==
@@ Line 73: / Line 70: @@
 Nonetheless, the malady table isn't generally intended to drive the campaign narrative.  Examples should be seen as distractions for the most part, and only rarely a beginning to something much worse.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:30, 15 August 2023
Line 62:		Line 62:

	The chance of a wholly random malady occurring is 1 in 20. It's suggested that every member of the party rolls a d20 and calls out their number; the DM also throws a d20, or rolls one using a cup without revealing it until the players have rolled. Any player's roll that matches that of the DM suffers a malady.		The chance of a wholly random malady occurring is 1 in 20. It's suggested that every member of the party rolls a d20 and calls out their number; the DM also throws a d20, or rolls one using a cup without revealing it until the players have rolled. Any player's roll that matches that of the DM suffers a malady.
		+
		+
		+	See [[The Adventure]]

	== False Results ==		== False Results ==