Burden
Burden is accumulated strain from mortal and mystical sources. Backbreaking weight, lack of food, creeping dread and pushing your limits.
• When a character faces a source of Burden their Burden increases by strength of the source, usually 1 + Degree of failure
• Burden has a threshold of 5 + half the characters Level. When Burden rises past the treshold make a Burden Test. On failure character suffers a Wound
• Burden can be removed by taking a Rest or a Downtime
Burden Sources
Burden comes from the following sources:
• Exhaust: Character pushing their limits increases Burden
• Straining Setback: Failing a Test against straining Hazard or obstacle increases Burden and may provoke a Burden Test
• Straining Attack: Failing a Test to resist straining attack increases Burden and may provoke a Burden Test
• Possessions: Carrying too many or too heavy possessions increases Burde
Persistent Burden
Burden cannot be reduced below Persistent Burden value without first removing the cause.
Persistent Burden is gained from:
• Possessions. Get rid of the troublesome items to remove the Burden
• Ritual magic. End the Ritual to remove the Burden
• Afflictions. Cure the Affliction to remove the Burden
Burden Test
Burden Test is provoked by a threat of suffering a Curse, an Affliction or a significant hindrance.
• Burden Test is made with Reflex, Vigor or Will Defense
• Burden Test has Difficulty 10 + characters current Burden
• When Burden Test fails character suffers a Curse, an Affliction or a Setback
• Greater Degree of success on a Burden Test reduces characters Burden by one
Situations that provoke a Burden Test:
• Deadly Blow: Suffering damage over the last Wound provokes a Burden Test. Vigor Test for physical damage, Will Test for mental damage
• Deprivation: Lack of sleep, pushing on past physical limits, starvation and unforgiving environments provoke Burden Test for Vigor
• Initiative: Starting a Conflict provokes a Burden Test for Reflex
• Sickness: Mortal diseases and magical blights provoke Burden Test for Vigor
• Stirring Curse: Stirring Curse provokes a Burden Test. See Guides and Curses for more details
• Faltering Will: Facing panic or a bout of madness provokes a Burden Test for Will
Afflictions
Affliction is a persistent negative effect, commonly diseases, symptoms of panic and physical strain.
• Affliction affects the character until successfully removed
• Character can suffer the same Affliction multiple times, the effects will stack
• Healing Test during Downtime is the most common way to get rid of an Affliction