What Does a Short Rest Replenish? A Comprehensive Guide
A short rest is a crucial mechanic in many tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and video games such as Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3). It represents a brief period of respite, allowing characters to recover some resources and prepare for continued adventures. However, the specifics of what a short rest replenishes can vary significantly between different game systems. Generally, short rests allow for partial healing and recovery of specific abilities, but they don’t restore everything. Let’s delve into a detailed look at the benefits of a short rest.
Healing and Hit Dice
D&D 5th Edition
In D&D 5e, a short rest primarily allows characters to spend their Hit Dice to recover hit points. This is a fundamental aspect of regaining health. During a short rest, a character can choose to roll any number of their available Hit Dice. For each die rolled, they regain an amount of HP equal to the result of the die plus their Constitution modifier. For example, a character with a d8 Hit Die and a +3 Constitution modifier would regain 1d8 + 3 hit points per die used. This process is not automatic. The player must actively choose to spend Hit Dice for healing. A character’s maximum number of Hit Dice is equal to their current level. This means that a second-level Rogue has 2d8 to spend.
Baldur’s Gate 3
In contrast, BG3 presents a more streamlined approach to healing during a short rest. Unlike D&D’s Hit Dice system, BG3’s short rest provides a fixed percentage of healing, specifically 50% of your own, and your party’s, hit points. This simpler method makes it easier to manage healing between battles without having to worry about the number of dice available or modifiers.
Spell Slots and Abilities
D&D 5th Edition
While many spellcasters fully recover their spell slots only after a long rest, there are exceptions. One significant class, the Warlock, regains all expended spell slots after a short rest. This makes the Warlock a very efficient class in terms of spell usage, especially for campaigns involving frequent battles and shorter periods between long rests. Some classes or subclasses also gain other abilities that refresh on a short rest. For instance, a Bard from level 5 onwards, regains all expended Bardic Inspiration uses after a short rest. Similarly, a Monk recovers Ki points after spending 30 minutes in meditation during a short rest. Certain class features and feats can also provide additional short rest recovery benefits, which can vary greatly.
Additionally, once per day, Wizards can choose to recover spell slots upon finishing a short rest. The combined level of these recovered spell slots must be equal to or less than half their wizard level (rounded up). None of the slots can be 6th level or higher. Druids also regain certain expendable uses of their abilities after a short or long rest.
Baldur’s Gate 3
In Baldur’s Gate 3, only Warlocks fully replenish their spell slots after a short rest. The system mirrors its D&D 5e counterpart in that regard. This helps emphasize the Warlock’s unique playstyle. However, other spellcasting classes need a long rest to recharge their spell slots, making resource management an important aspect of strategy.
Other Replenishments
D&D 5th Edition
A short rest can also be a time to attend to other matters, depending on the DM’s interpretation and the specifics of a campaign. It allows players to regain some resources and re-strategize. Beyond specific class features, a short rest might allow a character to apply salves or bandages, make minor equipment repairs, or undertake a brief moment of meditation.
Baldur’s Gate 3
In BG3, the game does not include such varied activities. Short rest is largely focused on the 50% healing and the replenishment of Warlock spell slots. However, it is an important part of the combat loop, especially as resources are finite and long rests are best reserved for camp events and plot progression.
Short Rest as a Strategic Tool
Understanding what short rests replenish, and don’t replenish, allows players to strategize effectively. Planning for when and how to use short rests can be the difference between a successful encounter and a party wipe. This is particularly true for a D&D party consisting of a variety of classes. A party with a Warlock, Monk, and other classes with short rest benefits can be more effective when taking frequent short breaks between longer excursions.
In contrast, BG3’s more fixed short rest benefits mean that players need to be more mindful of their resources and how they manage their resting times. The limited number of short rests per day forces players to make tactical decisions about resource usage and the timing of long rests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much health do you recover from a short rest in D&D 5e?
You recover health by rolling Hit Dice and adding your Constitution modifier to each roll. The number of Hit Dice you can spend during a short rest is limited to your total number of hit dice for the level you are at.
2. Do you get spell slots back on a short rest in D&D 5e?
Generally, no. Most spellcasters recover spell slots fully only on a long rest. Warlocks are the exception, regaining all spell slots on a short rest. Wizards can regain some slots once per day.
3. What does a short rest replenish in Baldur’s Gate 3?
A short rest replenishes 50% of your HP and your party’s HP, and it fully replenishes Warlock spell slots.
4. What happens if I let Astarion bite me?
Letting Astarion bite you in BG3 may lead to death, but you can be revived, which may come with some humorous dialogue. If you allow him to bite you frequently, Astarion will get the “Happy” buff, adding +1 to all his checks and a permanent Vampire Bite action in battle.
5. What are Hit Dice and how do they relate to short rests in D&D 5e?
Hit Dice represent a character’s ability to recover from injuries during a short rest. Each class has a different hit dice. Rolling a Hit Die plus the character’s constitution modifier replenishes hit points.
6. Do monks regain Ki points during a short rest?
Yes, Monks regain their Ki points after spending at least 30 minutes in meditation during a short rest.
7. Do Bards regain Bardic Inspiration during a short rest?
Yes, Bards from level 5 onward regain all expended uses of Bardic Inspiration after a short or long rest.
8. Do short rests get rid of exhaustion?
Short rests do not reduce exhaustion. Usually, a long rest will reduce exhaustion by one level. Depending on the DM, shorter rests or rests without food may reduce it.
9. What is the difference between short and long rests in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Short rests are quick breaks, restoring some HP and Warlock spell slots, while long rests fully restore HP, spell slots, and other resources. Long rests also advance the narrative and allow for character interactions at camp.
10. Does a short rest replenish wild shapes for a druid?
Druids regain expended uses of Wild Shape after a short or long rest.
11. What happens if you refuse Astarion in BG3?
If you refuse to let Astarion drink your blood in BG3, he will get a -1 debuff to attack rolls and ability checks for the next day, and also won’t get the Vampire Bite ability.
12. Can you romance Astarion without letting him bite you?
Yes, you can romance Astarion without letting him bite you, provided his approval of you is high enough.
13. Why are short rests important in D&D 5e and BG3?
Short rests allow for partial recovery of resources, especially in D&D 5e where players rely heavily on hit dice to heal up from damage. In BG3, the limited daily number of short rests make them a strategic choice, and in both games, the ability to restore spells and resources means that short rests are a crucial component of successful expeditions.
14. Should I ask Astarion about his scars?
Yes, you should always ask Astarion about his scars to trigger the scar-reading scene.
15. What do shorter rest periods do for muscles in real life?
Training with short rest periods (e.g., 20 seconds to 1 minute) can result in higher repetition velocities during repeated submaximal muscle actions and greater total torque during high-intensity exercises.