Though nothing is firm regarding Dungeons & Dragons 6th edition, that hasn’t stopped rumors from flying regarding updates to the iconic tabletop RPG. One such rumor has suggested that 6e will introduce frequent, random ability checks for pervasive irritable bowel syndrome among party members.
“Whether you’re fighting a horde of monsters, sneaking your way into a castle, or persuading a stubborn guard to allow access into a dungeon you’re going to want to make sure you’ve got a bathroom nearby,” said Jacob Dremer, head of the unofficial D&D rumor mill. “The outcome of an ability check for IBS is going to reshape the way your party interacts with the world. The robust mechanic’s impact will reverberate through every aspect of the game, seeping into every choice players make from interpersonal interaction to whether a courtesy flush is optimal.”
Dremer went on to detail how this small addition will make a sizable splash.
“Whether or not your character has shat themselves will impact everything from charisma to fighting ability. IBS can strike at anytime, and while it may be prudent to drop trow and build a log cabin when required, it can lead to some serious setbacks. In Dungeons & Dragons 6th edition some in-game characters will scoff at a player who has soiled themselves making persuasion checks impossible, though in other cases it will allow parties to bypass entire swaths of challenges, though we won’t get into spoilers. Either way we’re suggesting players add strategic bathroom placements in their maps for those times where urgency is key to avoid filling one’s pants.”
D&D enthusiast’s responses were mixed, though some where excited for the change.
“This is a perfect addition. As someone with IBS it’s impossible for me to sit through an entire campaign. Forcing everyone to interact with my disease makes me a lot more comfortable making everyone wait while I go blow up the DM’s basement toilet. What was once putrid embarrassment now adds realism to the roleplay experience for everyone.”
Additional rumors for Dungeons & Dragons 6th edition suggest each party will come equipped with a pet mimic by default to serve several roles including taking the form of a toilet at a moment’s notice.