When a character consumes a drink:

  • Constitution Save begins at DC 5, increasing by +1 per drink.
  • The DM may increase the DC further for strong or exotic brews.
  • Alcohol is considered a poison for resistances and racial traits.
  • Failing the save advances the drinker along the 10 stages of intoxication.
  • Failing by 5 or more → advance 2 stages.

Drinking Levels

StageStateBenefitsPenalties
1SoberClear mind, full control.None.
2Buzzed+1 to Charisma checks.None.
3TipsyAdvantage on Persuasion & Performance.1 to Initiative.
4DrunkAdvantage vs Fear & Charm saves.Disadvantage on Intelligence & Wisdom checks/saves.
5Rowdy+1d4 melee damage.Disadvantage on Dexterity saves & ranged attacks.
6SloshedImmune to Frightened. Gain 5 temp HP.Speed halved. Disadvantage on Dexterity checks/saves.
7WastedMelee critical hits deal +1 extra die.Disadvantage on all attack rolls.
8HammeredAdvantage on Death Saving Throws.Vulnerable to psychic damage; hallucinations possible.
9ObliteratedIgnore 1 damage die per turn.Disadvantage on everything except Con saves.
10Blackout1 round: immune to fear, charm, pain, and death saves.Then fall unconscious 1d4+2 hrs. Vulnerable while out.

Drinking Contest

Surrendering the Contest

Tactical Influence

Drinking Mishap Table (d100)

Whenever a character fails a drinking save by 10 or more, roll on this table:

d100Mishap
01–05Immediately vomit. Lose your next round/turn.
06–10Hiccup uncontrollably. Disadvantage on Charisma checks 1 hr.
11–15Fall off chair/stool. Become prone.
16–20Start loudly singing. Performance DC 12 or annoy the crowd.
21–25Slur insults at ally. Persuasion DC 13 to calm them.
26–30Stumble into a table, spilling drinks. Possible brawl.
31–35Headbutt your mug. Take 1 bludgeoning damage.
36–40Spill drink all over yourself.
41–45Challenge random NPC to arm-wrestle.
46–50Mistake ally for enemy. Swing wildly (no damage).
51–55Embarrassing gas. Disadvantage on Charisma checks 1 hr.
56–60Shout a terrible secret aloud.
61–65Wander off and forget you’re competing.
66–70Get overly affectionate. Hug nearest person.
71–75Collapse on the table. Contest ends.
76–80Break your mug/tankard.
81–85Try to juggle mugs. Dex DC 14 or drop them.
86–90Vomit into someone else’s drink.
91–95Flirt with someone inappropriate.
96–100Blackout immediately. Skip to Stage 10. DM decides consequences.