Environmental Conditions
Sandstorms
Type: Weather Storm
Terrain: Desert / Sandy Regions
Sand and dust frequently blow in the desert, however, every so often a true sandstorm occurs which poses a serious environmental threat to the players. A typical sandstorm will be a mile high and might be as much as 60 miles wide and stretch from one end of the horizon to another and will last 1d12 hours. Characters can attempt to make Wisdom (Perception) or Wisdom (Survival) ability checks, whichever is better, to spot an incoming sandstorm, and how well they do will determine how far out it is when they notice it.
Depending on how far away the storm is, players may have time to prepare a makeshift shelter or find somewhere to hide. Wind strength within a typical sandstorm will be 20 to 60 (2d3x10) miles per hour and visibility is reduced to 10 to 60 (1d6x10) feet. During a sandstorm, all attacks are at disadvantage, and speed is reduced by half (stacks with difficult terrain). For each hour of the sandstorm, characters must make a DC16 Constitution check and a DC16 Dexterity check if they are not sheltered from the storm. If a creature fails the Constitution check it suffers 1d10 points of slashing damage, mostly to its respiratory system and lungs. If the creature fails its Dexterity check then it is blinded for 1d4 hours, or until effects can be reversed. Characters attempting to shelter under cloaks, cover their faces, and employ similar measures can opt to make two Wisdom (Survival) rolls at the same DCs. The negative effects of a sandstorm can be mitigated by purchasing certain equipment.