Questions about Lich constitution drain

General topics, including off-topic discussion, goes here.
User avatar
Beowulf
Posts: 68
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2021 1:07 am

Questions about Lich constitution drain

Post by Beowulf »

I'm a bit confused about how the CON drain of a Lich works, at least as it applies to Elves. The text of the book:

The Constitution damage is permanent, a
result of physical and psychic drain. Due to
longevity and/or vitality traits, elves can
ignore the first 10 points of Constitution
drain; dwarves the first 4 points, and
halflings the first 2 points.


So does this mean that no CON is actually removed from the character until 10 points are drained? Or does it mean an Elf won't die of CON drain until 10 points are drained? If the latter, does this apply even if the PC only had 9 CON to start with?
User avatar
AlMan
Posts: 694
Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2015 5:01 pm

Re: Questions about Lich constitution drain

Post by AlMan »

Beowulf wrote: Thu May 12, 2022 5:39 am I'm a bit confused about how the CON drain of a Lich works, at least as it applies to Elves. The text of the book:

The Constitution damage is permanent, a
result of physical and psychic drain. Due to
longevity and/or vitality traits, elves can
ignore the first 10 points of Constitution
drain; dwarves the first 4 points, and
halflings the first 2 points.


So does this mean that no CON is actually removed from the character until 10 points are drained? Or does it mean an Elf won't die of CON drain until 10 points are drained? If the latter, does this apply even if the PC only had 9 CON to start with?
I would say "Yes" to your first question, an Elf would start removing CON on the 11th point drained, Dwarf would start at 5th CON point and Halfling at 3rd CON point.
User avatar
teaman
Posts: 1707
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2011 3:04 pm
Contact:

Re: Questions about Lich constitution drain

Post by teaman »

AlMan wrote: Thu May 12, 2022 7:57 am
Beowulf wrote: Thu May 12, 2022 5:39 am I'm a bit confused about how the CON drain of a Lich works, at least as it applies to Elves. The text of the book:

The Constitution damage is permanent, a
result of physical and psychic drain. Due to
longevity and/or vitality traits, elves can
ignore the first 10 points of Constitution
drain; dwarves the first 4 points, and
halflings the first 2 points.


So does this mean that no CON is actually removed from the character until 10 points are drained? Or does it mean an Elf won't die of CON drain until 10 points are drained? If the latter, does this apply even if the PC only had 9 CON to start with?
I would say "Yes" to your first question, an Elf would start removing CON on the 11th point drained, Dwarf would start at 5th CON point and Halfling at 3rd CON point.
That's my interpretation too, but maybe Solo will check in with an official call.

Most importantly, happy gaming. Our session is tonight, can't wait.
Teaman is the sole proprietor of Sharp Mountain Games at roll20 and DTRPG

https://marketplace.roll20.net/browse/p ... tain-games
http://drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8418 ... tain-Games
User avatar
Dimirag
Posts: 3613
Joined: Thu Oct 06, 2011 1:24 pm
Location: Buenos Aires (C.A.B.A.), Argentina
Contact:

Re: Questions about Lich constitution drain

Post by Dimirag »

My take: Consider those races as having "free extra CON points" that are removed first, once they are gone, their actual CON suffers the damage.
Sorry for any misspelling or writing error, I am not a native English speaker
Drawing portfolio: https://www.instagram.com/m.serena_dimirag/
User avatar
Beowulf
Posts: 68
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2021 1:07 am

Re: Questions about Lich constitution drain

Post by Beowulf »

All quite plausible takes. Hopefully Solo can weigh in with something official.
User avatar
Solomoriah
Site Admin
Posts: 12451
Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2008 8:15 pm
Location: LaBelle, Missouri
Contact:

Re: Questions about Lich constitution drain

Post by Solomoriah »

I don't think I'm needed here... the answers all seem more than adequate to me.

Thanks guys!
My personal site: www.gonnerman.org
User avatar
FakeHealer
Posts: 101
Joined: Fri Oct 16, 2020 2:25 pm

Re: Questions about Lich constitution drain

Post by FakeHealer »

Here is a question or 2...if an elf faces a Lich and ends up getting 8 con drain, leaving him with 2 more before actually losing con, and the lich is defeated but the elf later (same day, a day later, weeks, months) encounters another lich...is that "free Con pool" at the same level or does it reset for each lich? Second question- a lich queen and her lich king are fighting a party, does the elf have separate "free Con pools" for each separate lich or is it one pool? Also if the pool stays drained is there a way to replenish it with rest, magic, or healing?
User avatar
SmootRK
Posts: 4230
Joined: Sun Mar 08, 2009 10:03 am
Location: Nashville, TN

Re: Questions about Lich constitution drain

Post by SmootRK »

The Con drain is a game mechanic that somewhat emulates an "aging effect" which is not really covered by the game. Since Elves live extraordinarily long lives, this is why they get those bonus CON for this particular effect.

So as to your question, my opinion is since this is really meant to emulate an aging effect, that these (bonus) points are lost permanently. A subsequent second Lich would start where the other effect ended... that is unless the character mitigated this somehow (youth potion or similar restorative effect). Those bonus CON points are a one-off bonus that once spent are gone.

again, just my opinion
Is it really the end, not some crazy dream?
User avatar
Dimirag
Posts: 3613
Joined: Thu Oct 06, 2011 1:24 pm
Location: Buenos Aires (C.A.B.A.), Argentina
Contact:

Re: Questions about Lich constitution drain

Post by Dimirag »

Just one pool per character. If those extra points are recovered as normal CON or a one time bonus is up to the GM. I would say they are not recovered naturally, but a Restoration spell may do it.
Sorry for any misspelling or writing error, I am not a native English speaker
Drawing portfolio: https://www.instagram.com/m.serena_dimirag/
Seven
Posts: 836
Joined: Wed Apr 22, 2020 11:17 am

Re: Questions about Lich constitution drain

Post by Seven »

Interesting. The "ageing effect" comes from the ghost. In BFRPG, ghosts also drain constitution, but elves and dwarves (etc) are allowed a saving throw vs. Death Ray.
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 33 guests