Energy Drain

Possible House rules

I would like to tweak Energy Drain attacks. They tend to ruin characters and campaigns and while fun for about 10 seconds, when players are scared, they only lead to less fun overall. Below are 11 suggestion as to how we can deal with that type of attack in our 2e campaigns. Look them over and we will talk about it on Tuesday.

 

• Lost xp is regained at double the normal rate
• Saving throw at the end of the day/week to avoid level loss
• Levels return after a period of time (day/week)
• Restoration is lower level spell with no drawbacks
• Character doesn't actually lose level, gains "negative level" instead. Each negative level gives a -1 penalty to all die rolls.
• Religious ritual to restore level with sacrifice of magic item.
• Con loss instead of level loss (Permanent)
• XP loss (X% of what needed for next level)
• Lost level/con/xp or negative level restored when creature which did the draining is killed.
• Replace energy drain with hit point damage that can only be cured by natural healing.
• Energy drain affects HD first.

Not matter which we choose, I think I will give those undead that drain a little bonus. Perhaps in the form of +1 to hit and +2d6 temp hit points per drained level. You know, to balance things out ;) - But that's an altogether different matter.

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