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submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) by roflo1@ttrpg.network to c/scifi@ttrpg.network

I reread Mothership’s Player Survival guide and it struck me as odd that it says that “in space you can last 15 seconds without oxygen before falling unconscious”.

And it seems very low. Maybe the key is that it’s only if you are in space? In the cold, vacuum space? Of course I couldn’t help myself and tried holding my breath for 30 seconds and it was very easy with an atmosphere. And I’m no astronaut, athlete, nor scuba diver.

I’m thinking about houseruling that if you’re able to at least take a ~~deep breath~~ few short breaths to oxygenate and then let go beforehand, you should add a number of seconds equal to your Body save. And any previous training would add an advantage.

Does that seem reasonable?

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[-] JackbyDev@programming.dev 8 points 2 weeks ago

OP, you should check this video out. It's about what happens when planes depressurize and why you need to put your mask in first before helping others. https://youtu.be/kUfF2MTnqAw

Falling unconscious in 15 seconds is not only realistic, it's generous. Dying in 15 seconds seems more correct. Because this isn't low pressure, this is a vacuum!

Now, what makes sense in a game and what's fun to play around, that's different. I'm not saying you should make it so you die in 15 seconds lol. Only sharing this since you seemed to believe longer was realistic.

[-] roflo1@ttrpg.network 2 points 2 weeks ago

Yeah, I guess I was just completely disconnected on the real hazard of depressurization. It’s not just about holding your breath.

The worst part is that I have read about this stuff in several contexts. Maybe it’s just that it’s not a common part of my life.

[-] JackbyDev@programming.dev 3 points 2 weeks ago

Yes, it's rare for one to find themselves in the vacuum of space lol so it makes sense you wouldn't have the intuition baked in.

this post was submitted on 20 Sep 2025
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