Post/Author/DateTime	Post
MarkB 06-27-05, 02:35 PM	In our next session, we'll be taking on a fortress of Frost Giants 'way up on a mountainside. The area is subject to some serious environmental conditions - magically-enhanced unearthly cold, which we think we've got covered via a combination of Endure Elements and heavy cold-weather gear, and is also at an altitude of around 7,000 feet. The DMG gives straightforward guidelines on the effects of this altitude (essentially, hourly Fortitude saves at cumulative DC starting from 15 or become fatigued, exhaustion following on a second failed save), but what we seem to be lacking are options for countering those effects. There are a number of spells and items for countering environmental effects, but most of them deal with heat or cold, not altitude. The only one I've found is the Necklace of Adaptation, and at 9,000 gp it's an expensive option for a party of six characters, even if we were all willing to give up our current amulet-slotted items. Besides, this seems like something that ought to be possible to counter at a more reasonable cost, by something similar to Endure Elements. Can anyone suggest a suitable spell or item for this? We're playing a Forgotten Realms campaign, but our DM is flexible about allowing material from other sources, and has specifically encouraged us to find a way around this problem. Average party level is about 15th.
Phrennzy 06-27-05, 04:10 PM	Isn't there a magic item called "Air Spores"? I think in the forgotten realms? They're spores that cling in your lungs and produce air. That might work. As a compassionate DM, I might allow for a spell of the same level as Water Breathing to be created that counteracts the effects of thin atmospheres. Heck, the way we rule Water Breathing spells work, it creates a globe of air around your head - this allows casting verbal spells without worry of underwater distortion. The globe isn't strong enough to protect against gas clouds or breath weapons, and since it pulls oxygen from the surroundings it wouldn't help in a cave-in - but in thin atmosphere it might work. If your DM is lenient. Otherwise try creating a spell. Base it on Water Breathing and don't try to rules lawyer it into a necklace of adaptation - make it strictly for thin air environments - and the DM should allow it.