D&D 5E What should a hangover do in 5e?

[AnimeSniper]

If I remember correctly from our one session where there was drinking challenge going on the DM at the time used along the following... I'll see if I can find the folder with my handwritten notes of that session

While drinking the amount of imbibed alcohol was the Con modifier times size before they started feeling any aftereffects.

Potency of the alcohol also played a factor in how fast the player became inebriated.

Aftereffects were several and ranged from mild to severe minus checks to all actions following the end of drinking into the next day hangover...

 

[Henry]

Given that the mantra of 5e is "simpler", level 1 exhaustion, or its effects, is sufficient to discourage it. The effect can dissipate either with curative magics, or (10 - CON mod) hours. (Looked up some statistics on this, and despite some claims, hangovers can last up to 24 hours, depending on many factors, but for heroic characters, 5 to 11 hours should suffice.)

However, for characters who have a major character theme of partying heartily, or for whom their personality trait is "ale and whores" related, offer inspiration for drinking to excess, as they are following their traits in the great Conan and Fafhrd tradition.

 

[TheCosmicKid]

I recommend the Method:

Get the player blind drunk, wait eight hours, then continue playing.

 

[Jester David]

poisoned, of course... that's why dwarves are tough for it...

Poisoned seems like the condition you'd apply while drunk, while suffering from the effects of the poison.

 

[akr71]

As someone who is 40+ I will say that hangovers do get worse as you get older, though I have yet to have one last 72 hours - or even over 12 hours for that matter. However I have also gained the wisdom to better pace myself allowing me advantage on Perception checks while inebriated/poisoned (that is - knowing when to stop), preventing me from getting in that state in the first place. Also, for me anyway, when I do over indulge and get to bed late, it is the lack of sleep - or restful sleep - that does me in the next morning.

I would rule that the hungover character does not get the benefit of a long rest or a full night's sleep. I don't have the DMG or PHB in front of me to look up what that does, game mechanics wise.

 

[Staccat0]

Poisoned feels real good for this. Keeps it simple too.

 

[Mercule]

Poisoned seems like the condition you'd apply while drunk, while suffering from the effects of the poison.

The hangover is mostly a combination of dehydration and having all the B vitamins leached from your system. It's still poisoning, but we understand the process of the poisoning.

FWIW, the modern "fix" for a hangover is a ton of Gatorade and a fistful of B complex supplements. The D&D Fighter should eat a breakfast of juice, eggs, hash browns, and ham, maybe with a side of oatmeal -- or just have the Cleric cast neutralize poison on him.

From personal experience, a hangover isn't much of a penalty once you get moving. I pity the student getting ready for finals (or the Wizard), but it's certainly not a big deal to go out and play 5-6 hours of paintball (or be a Fighter in the dungeon), especially if you've had the good breakfast.

 

[MiraMels]

Poisoned condition. Have it wear off in a few hours, or after a hearty meal. No need to get fancy and complicated with the mechanics.

 

[RangerWickett]

I was assuming RangerWickett was working on some "in-depth" drinking rules. That or building a new wild magic table.

Nope, just running a one-shot inspired by The Hangover.