Exposure

When exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods of time, a creature risks debilitation or death from these environments. Typically exposure can be prevented with proper equipment and preparation, or through magical means.

It is up to the GM as to when temperatures are extreme enough to risk exposure, and it will depend significantly on the preparedness of the PCs. Typically PCs risk exposure to cold at temperatures near freezing (approximately 30-40°F, or 5-0°C) or temperatures above 100°F or 38°C.

Exposure is generally ignored when dealing with extreme environments that cause a creature hitpoint damage or injury. Generally a creature cannot survive long enough to worry about exposure.

Cold Exposure

Characters that are exposed to a cold environment for an extended length of time risk becoming hypothermic, and begin making Cold Exposure Checks. The frequency of these checks is based on the severity of the environment (1 day, 1 hour, 1 phase, see examples). At the end of the period, the character must succeed a Resilience check [DC 15], or gain 1 level of Hypothermia. The character must repeat this check every period of time until they are able to get into a warm environment.

Example Frequencies for Cold Exposure

Check Frequency	Example Environment	Usage Examples
1 Day	Cold but stable climates; near or slightly below freezing without significant wind chill.	Traveling through a snow covered forest (or similar wintry landscape) with low-quality cold-weather gear and not facing extreme weather.
1 Hour	Biting cold that is below freezing temperatures, especially with wind chill or damp conditions.	Caught in a snowstorm while navigating an icy tundra; Swimming in a cool mountain river.
1 Phase	Extremely cold conditions, well-below freezing temperatures. Wrathful blizzards, and icy water immersion.	Traversing the elemental plane of cold during an intense blizzard. Trapped in an icy cave without cold-weather protection. Swimming in cold waters with some protection.

See Water Hazards for more information on swimming in cold water.

At the GM's discretion, if the character is suffering from other hardship (i.e. starvation, fatigue, sickness or injury, etc), or if they have been exposed for a particularly long time, a penalty (-5) may be applied to the Resilience Check. Additionally, a character may receive a +2 bonus to the check if they have extra minor protections against the cold (GM's discretion).

Creatures with Damage Reduction or Resistance to Cold Damage only suffer from Cold Exposure in the most extreme circumstances.

Heat Exposure

Characters exposed to a hot environment for an extended time risk becoming hyperthermic and must begin making Heat Exposure Checks. The frequency of these checks is based on the severity of the environment (1 day, 1 hour, 1 phase, see examples). At the end of the period, the character must succeed a Resilience check [DC 15], or gain 1 level of Hyperthermia. The character must repeat this check for each period until they can cool down.

Example Frequencies for Heat Exposure

Check Frequency	Example Environment	Usage Examples
1 Day	Hot but manageable climates; direct sun exposure without shade during the peak heat of the day.	Traveling across a desert with adequate water supply and taking regular rests in the shade.
1 Hour	Intense heat, well above 100°F with direct sun exposure and no relief.	Marching through a barren wasteland at noon or laboring in a forge without proper ventilation.
1 Phase	Extreme heat conditions, such as proximity to lava flows, inside a furnace room, or in a desert during a heatwave.	Exploring the elemental plane of fire, Traveling through an endless forest fire. Hiding in a very humid and hot jungle (i.e. dangerous 'wet-bulb' conditions).

At the GM's discretion, if the character is exerting themselves, experiencing other hardships (e.g., dehydration, exhaustion, or injury, etc), or if they have been in the heat for a particularly long time, a penalty (-5) may be applied to the Resilience Check. Conversely, if a character takes small measures to cool off (e.g., drinking water, staying in shade), they may receive a +2 bonus to the check (GM's discretion).

Creatures with Damage Reduction or Resistance to Fire Damage only suffer from Heat Exposure under the most extreme conditions.