Temperature Mechanics
Temperature regulation is the primary mechanic of Ashfall. Both hot and cold temperatures can be hazardous, and each requires different strategies to mitigate.
The Temperature HUD can be found in the bottom left-hand corner, next to the spell/sneak indicators. It displays information about your current wetness levels, whether you are under shelter, your current condition, and your temperature.
As you become too hot, your endurance and eventually your strength begin to decrease. Being too hot also rapidly drains your thirst. The best way to mitigate heat is to stay hydrated and avoid wearing multiple layers of clothing/armor. Wearing robes is an excellent way to maximise your coverage, which will slow the rate at which you heat up, without adding too much overall warmth.
As you become too cold, your speed will decrease, and you will start becoming susceptible to the flu. Your hunger will also increase more rapidly. To mitigate cold weather, stay well fed and wear plenty of layers of clothing. Carry a torch for extra warmth while travelling, and set up a campfire and a tent to avoid getting too cold during the night.
The Player Temperature determines what debuffs are applied to the player. It changes over time from its current value towards the Temperature Limit. The rate at which it changes is determined by the player’s Coverage. The higher the player’s coverage, the longer it takes for the player temperature to reach the Temperature Limit.
Player Temperature is represented by the top fillbars in the Temperature HUD.
The Temperature Limit represents what the Player Temperature will be if the current temperature conditions persist. Temperature Limit is determined by a wide range of factors, both external and internal to the player:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Region | Each region has a unique min/max temperature value based on its geography. |
| Weather | Weather is warmer in clear skies, colder in the rain/snow, and hotter during ash/blight storms. |
| Time of Day | The ambient temperature is highest at noon and coldest at midnight. |
| Sunlight Exposure | Standing in direct sunlight increases your warmth. This effect is reduced during cloudy weather. |
| Nearby Heat Sources | Lava, fire, steam vents, torches etc emit varying degrees of heat. |
| Racial Bonuses | Khajiit and werewolves have an increased base warmth. Vampires are highly resistant to the cold, but vulnerable to heat. |
| Spell Effects | Fire Resistance reduces the effect of warm temperatures, while frost resistance reduces the effect of cold temperatures. Visa versa for weakness effects |
| Wetness | Being wet increases the rate of temperature change. It also reduces your overall warmth |
| Equipment | Each item of clothing/armor provides a certain amount of warmth, determined by the following: - Body parts covered - Quality - Enchantment - Materials - Unique properties based on item name |
Coverage represents what percentage of your body is protected from the elements. It determines how quickly you get wet in the rain, as well as how quickly the Player Temperature moves towards the Temperature Limit. With full coverage, you can spend more time in extreme temperatures before suffering any detrimental effects.
Each item of clothing or armour provides coverage to certain body parts. Each body part provides a certain percentage of coverage. You gain full coverage when all of your body parts are covered by at least one item of clothing/armour.
The player becomes wet by either submerging in water or spending time in the rain without shelter. Being wet increases your Fire Resistance, but lowers your Shock resistance. Additionally, the more wet you are, the faster your temperature will drop in cold weather.
You can avoid getting wet in the rain by standing under shelter. Any static mesh (or a tent) above your head will suffice to shelter you. The Temperature HUD contains an icon that will display a red X when you are not currently under shelter.
