Suggestions re PCs eating, and feeding animals?

[missnerd86]

In the game I am running at the moment the characters are eating usually once a day: either at an inn or tavern, a days worth of travel rations, or an hour hunting/foraging with a Survival check.

My main question is, what would be an appropriate motivation for them to ensure they continue to eat regularly? As in a penalty based off their hunger, or something like that? They enjoy the challenge of planning how many rations, as well as visiting the tavern or hunting. But I wonder what I should do if something happens and there's no way for them to eat that day; I feel as though there should be a very minor consequence of some kind.

Also, mounts, animal companions and such. I know that horses can graze, a raven familiar would be eating insects as they go, etc. But would it be appropriate to include a very small boon for ensuring they feed their animal daily as well? Due to better fare, I guess?

I apologise if there are answers to these already and if I have just missed them. If not, I would love some suggestions or house rules you may have previously implemented?

Thanks!

[The Black Bard]

I think it could be reasonable to assume that "eating once" is actually about a day's worth of food. Trail rations in particular are meant to be eaten over the course of the day, or at least in separate meals. Going to the tavern could equal a full meal, then a chunk of cheese and bread taken with for breakfast the next day.

I agree that certain animal companions might require more effort than others to feed. A horse can certainly graze while the party sets up camp, but a jaguar may have to slink off to hunt. There is no reason the animal companions can't make Survival checks of their own, if they aren't being provided food directly. This may mean the companion is away from camp during an encounter, or that the companion encounters something dangerous in its own right. I've used that as a plot device: a wolf companion was attacked by a hunter and killed the man, dragging his body back to his master (the companion had been taught the Fetch trick). It prompted a sidequest to compensate the man's family.

As far as consequences/boons, the consequences already exist in the form of the Starvation/Thirst rules. Boons would not be unreasonable if effort was really taken. A week of hearty meals could give enduring energy, vitality, vigor, and health. Anything from a small bonus to fortitude saves, constitution checks, or even temporary HP.

Such things could go as far as the imagination takes you: a course of heavy garlic meals could give a +1 alchemical bonus to AC against vampires. Potent spices could give you bonuses on saves against cold weather or even cold effects. Lots of things come to mind.

[missnerd86]

Ah I haven't been able to find starvation/Thirst rules til today, I must have kept missing them! Thanks for the suggestions, I like the side quest options :)

As long as they have been eating once a day I have figured it has been enough, so am glad I wasn't ignoring something obvious there too :)