Rules for Volcanic Ash?

[Blue Ghost]

I've been through the book (or CD) and found rules for gas, but not for Volcanic Ash. Am I not seeing them, or are there no rules for anything volcanic?

 

[Timerover51]

I've been through the book (or CD) and found rules for gas, but not for Volcanic Ash. Am I not seeing them, or are there no rules for anything volcanic?

Volcanic stench is mentioned on page 182, T5.0.9, and volcanic eruption is mentioned on page 197, along with volcanic terrain in the terrain section and volcanic gases as an export item. That is is as far as I can tell. Nothing on volcanic ash at all. There is not a whole lot on "dust" either as an atmospheric contaminant.

Given what is going on in Hawaii right now, and some of the past volcanic eruptions: Vesuvius, Krakatoa, Santorini, Tamboro in Indonesia, one would think that volcanoes should get a bit more coverage as to environmental hazards.

 

[Blue Ghost]

Thanks very much. Volcanic ash, just from following the evens in Hawaii and so forth, apparently a form of ash can cut up your lungs because of all of the micro glass particles within, and/or mix with your lungs bodily fluids, then solidify as concrete as it dries.

Pretty nasty stuff.

 

[OjnoTheRed]

Not exactly a rule, but I'd use the effects of tainted atmospheres as a guide. Tainted atmospheres add the effect of Poison-1 - it is not clear to me how often to impose the damage but once per personal combat combat round seems reasonable to me.

I would also impose Suffocate-1 depending on the density of the ash, and possible Burn-1 or more depending on its temperature.

 

[Timerover51]

Not exactly a rule, but I'd use the effects of tainted atmospheres as a guide. Tainted atmospheres add the effect of Poison-1 - it is not clear to me how often to impose the damage but once per personal combat combat round seems reasonable to me.

I would also impose Suffocate-1 depending on the density of the ash, and possible Burn-1 or more depending on its temperature.

I am not sure I would go with Poison-1 for volcanic ash, as that you could block with a filter mask, along with googles. Depending on the density of ash, you might need some form of protective clothing. I would think something more on the line of silicosis, where extended exposure over a period of time would cause major lung issues. Then again, a large quantity of ash high in the atmosphere can have major climatic effects, without really causing problems at lower levels. See "Year Without a Summer" for 1816, with ash from the Tambora eruption reducing temperatures across the Northern Hemisphere.

Between gases from the eruption, ash, and straightforward molten lava, volcanoes can hit you in several ways.