D&D (2024) Wights and Life Drain

[pukunui]

life drain should be replace with exhaustion. Constitution Saving Throw: DC 13, one creature within 5 feet. Failure: 6 (1d8 + 2) Necrotic damage, and gain a level of exhaustion

vampire Bite (Bat or Vampire Form Only). Constitution Saving Throw: DC 17, one creature within 5 feet that is willing or that has the Grappled, Incapacitated, or Restrained condition. Failure: 6 (1d4 + 4) Piercing damage plus 13 (3d8) Necrotic damage. and gain 2 levels of exhaustion. .

That could work - especially since 2024 exhaustion is purely mathematical, and DDB will do the math for you. (No more having to remember what you've got disadvantage on or whether you have a penalty to your movement, etc.)

 

[Shadowdweller00]

life drain should be replace with exhaustion. Constitution Saving Throw: DC 13, one creature within 5 feet. Failure: 6 (1d8 + 2) Necrotic damage, and gain a level of exhaustion

Yeah, this has long been my favorite way to handle life drain; and it seems so logical and intuitive that I'm actually disappointed that WotC decided to double down on max hp reduction instead. I'd also consider giving most monsters that drain life advantage on their next attack roll / ability check / saving throw when they successfully do so.

 

[Reynard]

I don't think exhaustion is the right answer, but it might be the best answer we have in 5E. What I mean by that is that an Affliction is probably a better choice (especially for the classic slow drain of a vampire's victim over the course of days or weeks) but 5E doesn't seem interested in the kind of nuanced and extended effects that Afflictions represent.

So, yes, exhaustion damage as a work around is fine given the tools we have, but there are better tools.

 

[Distracted DM]

Alternatively, attack their resources- their per rest features. That's a pretty big "oh crap," when the barbarian loses a rage or the wizard loses their highest spell slot- this also imitates what level drain used to do. I agree with exhaustion in general, but killing their feature usages is kind of a scary meta-attack.

 

[GMMichael]

Alternatively, attack their resources- their per rest features. That's a pretty big "oh crap," when the barbarian loses a rage or the wizard loses their highest spell slot- this also imitates what level drain used to do. I agree with exhaustion in general, but killing their feature usages is kind of a scary meta-attack.

This is very D&D. Love it!

 

[SkidAce]

Our campaign makes them save again against the original DC after a long rest to see IF they regain their max hp loss.