Vacuum

Vacuum

Vacuum is the absence of air – but these rules also apply in trace atmospheres, where there is almost no air. If you are exposed to vacuum without protection (e.g., a vacc suit or the Vacuum Support advantage), the following rules apply.

Breathing Vacuum: You can't hold your breath in vacuum – and you may rupture your lungs if you try (1d of injury). If you exhale and leave your mouth open, you can operate on the oxygen in your blood for half the time listed under Holding Your Breath. After that, you begin to suffocate (see Suffocation).

Explosive Decompression: When an area suddenly goes from normal pressure to little or none (a "blowout"), body fluids boil, blood vessels rupture, and eardrums pop. Take 1d of injury immediately, and roll vs. HT to avoid the bends (see The Bends). Also roll vs. HT+2 for each eye; failure means One Eye or Blindness, as appropriate. Finally, roll vs. HT-1 to avoid Hard of Hearing. Use the Duration of Crippling Injuries rules to determine how long these disadvantages last.

Extreme Temperatures: Vacuum itself is neither "cold" nor "hot," but in the absence of air, surfaces in shadow will eventually grow very cold, while those in sunlight will become extremely hot. For example, on the moon – with its month-long "day" – the temperature can range from -243°F (at night) to 225°F (at noon).