Physik Skill for LotFP

Physik Skill 

Physik skill is a kind of first aid roll, if the roll succeeds the patient heals +1d3 hp. May be used once per wound. Can also be used to stabilize a dying character, or as a knowledge check for medicine or human anatomy, etc.

Modifiers may be added for certain conditions such as being in the field (-1), or in the middle of battle (-2). Having a doctor’s bag (the equivalent of Specialist’s Tools) adds +1, being in a clean environment with food, water, clean bandages, and proper tools adds +2. This would be unlikely in the 17^th century.

This skill has the possibility of harming the patient just as much as healing them. Very little was known about hygiene in 17th-century England. People were not aware that disease was spread by germs and infectious diseases were a serious concern. The only available treatments were bloodletting, leeches, purges, calomel (a tincture of mercury), opium, and quinine.

When you roll the Physik skill, on a roll of 6 (or 12 if you’re 6/6) something has gone terribly wrong.

Malpractice Roll 1d6

1 – Patient loses 1hp.

2 – Patient loses 1d3 hp.

3 – Patient develops severe fever over the next few hours, Poison save or lose 1 Con.

4 – Patient’s condition worsens over the next few days, Poison save or lose 1d3 Con.

5 – Severe infection leading to amputation, possibly losing more Con and Dex.

6 – Doctor has killed the patient.