Use of Weather in Games

[megamania]

I have been known to use sandstorms and such in Darksun. (imagine being exposed to a sand blaster) I was just wondering if others use weather as an encounter and if so- how do you do Experience Points on it?

 

[Crothian]

I wing xp for that type of stuff. First I try to figure out what I expect the PCs to do and how it should effect them. If they are creative and get the weather to effect them less they get more xp, if they screw it up they get less xp.

 

[Gnarlo]

Weather played an important role when my group took on the Sunken Citadel, the water mephit encounter ended with it fleeing the party and the dungeon, and when the party left the fortress and climbed back out of the cleft they found an angry mephit waiting for them as the rain came down.

I use the Weather Master program, and fogs and various weather effects like the above have been delightful additions to several encounters. I do boost the exp when such happens, of course.

 

[Dinkeldog]

When I was playing a druid with call lightning , my DM used the weather by ensuring that there were endless sunny days.

 

[dave_o]

Does anyone have some rad links for random weather generators?

Post them, if so, puh-weessse!

 

[gfunk]

Does anyone have some rad links for random weather generators?

Post them, if so, puh-weessse!

This is probably overkill, but its free so what the heck.

Download DMGenie (www.dmgenie.com)

It is a very comprehensive program but does have an excellent weather generator. It even gives you the effects on gameplay (reduced movement/visibility).

 

[Arnwyn]

Absolutely I use weather IMC. I have updated the old 1e Wilderness Survival Guide to 3e (using the fantastic "Wonderful World of Weather" in the appendix).

I'll give XP if warranted, based on a CR I'll assign to that particular weather effect.

My favorite generator: http://www.sdzc.net/weather.html

 

[Sagan Darkside]

I have been known to use sandstorms and such in Darksun. (imagine being exposed to a sand blaster) I was just wondering if others use weather as an encounter and if so- how do you do Experience Points on it?

I use weather often- and try to keep in mind when designing things.. especially dungeons. Rain would tend to flood them- so they would be designed with that in mind.

I am a fan of blizzards- the inability to see far and the cold environment checks. My favorite encounter was against frozen zombies as they seeked out shelter.

I don't give extra xp for weather, but I don't use WOTC's xp system. I just give the xp I think it appropriate.

SD

 

[MarauderX]

I love to use weather in my campaigns. It's a great way to change the mood of the players subtlely, as a sunny day gives them faster travel time, rain slows them down and snow/sand becomes deadly. I like to use weather conditions to slow down powerful PCs, just soften them up a bit so they lose rest or HP. It can make that crucial difference when the PCs face something of equal or higher challenge rating.

I like the DMGenie, it's good enough to start and you can change/add to it of course.

 

[kengar]

I am currently DM-ing a group who is hunting down a particularly nasty group of gnolls in the Silver Marches. It is early winter and already they are dealing with snow messing with their Spot checks and missle fire. ("Whaddya mean he's right behind that tree??! I told you I was looking for any more of them!" "Yup and you didn't see him until he jumped out at you as you passed" )