5E - Exhaustion

The 5E PHB rules as written six levels of exhaustion are NOT used.
Instead, the Exhaustion condition ranges from level 1 to 20. For each level of exhaustion, the creature suffers a -1 on all D20 checks. This includes ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws, including death saves.

GAINING EXHAUSTION LEVELS

Exhaustion levels are gained in all the normal ways and few new ways, including:

• Barbarian rage
• Insufficient food
• Insufficient water
• Insufficient rest
• Wounds - dropping to zero HP
• Other - as determined by DM

REMOVING EXHAUSTION LEVELS

SHORT REST
During a short rest, with sufficient food, water, & rest, spend 1 HD & 10 minutes to recover 1 point of exhaustion.

LONG REST
During a long rest, make a CON DC 10 save to recover 1 point of exhaustion. If the save is failed by 5+, lose a point of exhaustion. Save modifiers:

• - your current exhaustion level
• -5 insufficient food
• -5 insufficient water
• -5 insufficient rest

MAGICAL HEALING
Magical healing can remove 1 point of exhaustion in lieu of 10 points of healing. Example: a 12 point healing spell could heal either 12 HP as normal -or- 2 HP and 1 exhaustion.

DEATH DUE TO EXHAUSTION

Without adequate food, water, and/or rest, it is possible to gain exhaustion faster then you can recover from it. Characters that have 10+ exhaustion are bedridden. Characters with 20 levels of exhaustion perish. Period.