D&D 5E (2024) Hardcore Mode Thoughts?

[Maxperson]

Instead of life drain they inflict levels of exhaustion.

Variants of them instead drain the weave. Basically they absorb magic and eat the highest level spell slot.

Or do both at once. They drain slots unless the victim has no slots, then they find out that the reason magic works on everyone, is everyone is connected to the weave(which is also life) and it drains their endurance(exhaustion levels) through that connection.

 

[Scott Christian]

Instead of life drain they inflict levels of exhaustion.

Variants of them instead drain the weave. Basically they absorb magic and eat the highest level spell slot.

Just as a point of caution, and because I did not see it in there, please make sure to use saving throws before this happens. It is what D&D combat is built around.

Also, depending on the length of your campaign, I would caution you to use such a small glass for a campaign that might go one or two years. For some players, there needs to be more in order for them to feel their feet in this alternate fantasy world.